Lending in Florida Panhandle
The Panhandle stretches from Pensacola to Panama City, with the Emerald Coast (Destin, 30A, Panama City Beach) among Florida's busiest vacation-rental markets. Eglin, Hurlburt Field, Tyndall and NAS Pensacola make VA lending a big part of the market. Okaloosa and Walton counties carry a higher FHA limit of $603,750.
Most common loans here
- DSCR loans for vacation rentals on 30A, Destin and Panama City Beach
- VA loans for military families
- Second-home financing
- Condo financing for Gulf-front towers
2026 loan limits by county
| County | FHA (1 unit) | Conforming (1 unit) | City pages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Escambia County | $541,287 | $832,750 | - |
| Santa Rosa County | $541,287 | $832,750 | - |
| Okaloosa County | $603,750 | $832,750 | - |
| Walton County | $603,750 | $832,750 | - |
| Bay County | $541,287 | $832,750 | - |
| Gulf County | $541,287 | $832,750 | - |
| Washington County | $541,287 | $832,750 | - |
| Holmes County | $541,287 | $832,750 | - |
| Jackson County | $541,287 | $832,750 | - |
| Calhoun County | $541,287 | $832,750 | - |
Limits from HUD and FHFA for 2026. We confirm the current figure before every rate lock.
Loan programs
- Conventional: Low down payment options for qualifying first-time buyers.
- FHA: Low down payment and flexible credit; minimum scores vary by lender.
- VA: For eligible veterans and service members.
- USDA: For eligible homes in qualifying rural and suburban areas.
- Jumbo: Loans above the conforming limit.
- DSCR: Investment property qualified on rental income.
- Bank statement: For self-employed borrowers.
- Construction-to-perm: One closing for building a new home.
- Foreign national: For buyers without US credit.
- Down payment assistance: Including Florida Hometown Heroes.
FAQ
What are the 2026 FHA loan limits in Florida Panhandle?
For a one-unit home, 2026 FHA limits in Florida Panhandle range from $541,287 to $603,750, depending on the county.
Which counties are in Florida Panhandle?
Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Washington, Holmes, Jackson and Calhoun counties.
Can I get a mortgage anywhere in Florida Panhandle?
Yes. Nick Grisanti is licensed throughout Florida, as well as in Ohio, Tennessee and Texas, and shops 100+ wholesale lenders through C2 Financial Corporation.