Getting a Florida mortgage can be difficult if you’ve never been through the process before. Whether it be a FHA Loan or Commercial Loan, Anywhere Lending is your trusted Florida Mortgage Broker!

Known for it’s sunny beaches, vibrant cities, well known universities, and no state income tax, Florida is constantly ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in the USA.

Nestled between the two major metropolitan hubs of Orlando and Miami, Florida offers the perfect balance of suburban tranquility and city life, making it an ideal spot for those seeking both relaxation and excitement.

Since the Surfside Condominium Collapse in 2021, getting a Florida mortgage has become somewhat difficult. Mortgage lenders have recently shied away from lending on high rise condo’s in Florida due to the increase risk and the general lack of transparency from the associations and property management companies that manage these large properties.

Coupled with an overall increase in insurance, getting a Florida mortgage is no longer as simple as completing an application and getting approved for your loan. This is why it is important to work with an expert Florida Mortgage Broker who can help you understand the ins and outs of Florida real estate.

For those moving to Florida, we highly recommend getting an updated pre-approval, even if you have one already. Florida has one of the nations highest property insurance rates and it’s possible your current pre-approval may not be accurate when accounting for Florida homeowners insurance premiums.

Florida is general divided into 6 different regions and getting a mortgage in any of the six regions is relatively similar. The 6 regions are:

1. North Florida
2. Central Florida
3. South Florida
4. Western Florida (Gulf Coast)
5. The Florida Keys
6. The Panhandle (Northwest Florida)

North Florida is home to major cities like Jacksonville, Tallahassee (the state capital), and Gainesville. Jacksonville is the largest city in the state by land area and has been a hot real estate market in the last several years. North Florida is typically more rural than other parts of the state and has a mix of coastal towns, historic cities, and college towns.

Central Florida is known as the theme park capital of the world as it is home to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. Key cities include Orlando, Tampa, Lakeland, and spring break destination, Daytona Beach. Central Florida offers a number of outdoor activities with its many lakes and nature reserves.

South Florida is known for it’s vibrant nightlife, luxury living, and home of some of “the most beautiful people in the world.” Key Cities include Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Delray Beach, home of the lively Atlantic Avenue. Atlantic Avenue is known for it’s eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and art galleries and offers a blend of a beach town atmosphere with a bustling, upscale vibe. South Florida is a major hub for international trade, finance, and tourism.

Western Florida is where you will find beautiful Gulf Coast Beaches and those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle. It is bit quieter than the East Coast and some of the major cities include Naples, Sarasota, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg. The Gulf Coast tends to have mild winters, hot summers, and usually less humidity compared to the East Coast of Florida.

The Florida Keys are a chain of islands that stretch off the southern tip of Florida. They Keys are know for their laid back atmospheres, stunning sunsets and tropical environments. This is a top destinations for boating, fishing, and snorkeling/diving. Kenny Chesney once said, “The Florida Keys are like no place else. You get down there, and it feels like you’re in another world. The sunset is always a little more beautiful, the water always a little bluer, and you never want to leave.”

The Panhandle is home to cities like Panama City Beach, Pensacola and Destin. Known for it’s white sand beaches and southern charm, the Panhandle is a popular spot for families and those looking for more affordable living options with access to the beach. Pensacola is known as the “City of Five Flags” as it has been under the control of five different nations dating back to 1559 (Spain, France, Britain, the Confederacy, and the United States).

Florida offers a number of different styles of living that could be grouped into four broad categories. These four styles can be found in almost all of the 6 regions that we spoke about above.

1. Coastal and Waterfront (Miami Beach, Key West, Clearwater, Naples, Sarasota)
2. Urban and Suburban (Downtown Miami, Orland, Tampa)
3. Retirement and Resort Style (The Villages, Bonita Springs, Delray Beach)
4. Rural and Affordable (Ocala, Lake Wales, Pensacola, and Crestview)

Florida really does have a wide variety of living styles across it’s many different regions. It is very important to work with a team of Real Estate Professions who can best help you narrow down a specific area that would be the best fit for you specifically.

Getting a Florida Mortgage is not only understanding the financing part of things, but also about picking the right property and area to live. With real estate partners located all over the state, we are able to refer you to the best fit based on personality and location preference.

At Anywhere Lending, we specialize in helping Florida residents get a mortgage that matches their goals. Whether you are purchasing a luxury condo on the water or a retirement home on one of the thousands of golf courses in Florida, we have access to the best interest rates and loan terms in the marketplace. We also provide ourselves on personalized service, and closing deals on time – every time. In fact, 100% of our loans in 2024 closed on or ahead of schedule.

If you’re ready to explore the possibilities of owning in the Sunshine State, we’re here to help. Let us guide you through the mortgage process, answer your questions, and match you with the perfect loan for your dream home.