Florida Mortgage Calculator
Mortgage Help in Florida
Buying a home in Florida? Use this section to understand how different factors—down payment, loan term, interest rate, and taxes—affect your monthly mortgage payment. The more you understand your options, the better prepared you’ll be to buy with confidence.
Down Payment
When it comes to your Florida mortgage, your down payment plays a big role. The general rule of thumb is 20% of the home’s purchase price, but some loan programs in Florida allow as little as 3.5% down.
Your down payment reduces your total loan amount. That means:
- A larger down payment = smaller monthly payments.
- A smaller down payment = higher loan balance, but you can buy sooner.
If you’re not sure how much to put down, use the calculator to see how different down payments affect your total mortgage cost.
Loan Term
Your loan term—the length of your mortgage—directly affects both your monthly payment and your total interest paid.
Typical Florida loan terms include:
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgage – Lower monthly payments and long-term stability.
- 15-year fixed-rate mortgage – Higher payments, but significant savings on interest.
Try adjusting the loan term in the calculator to compare long-term savings versus monthly affordability.
Loan Type
There are several types of home loans in Florida, but the two most common are fixed-rate mortgages and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs).
Fixed-Rate Mortgages
- The interest rate stays the same for the entire loan term.
- Monthly payments are consistent—ideal for buyers who want stability and predictability.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs)
- Start with a lower interest rate, which can change after a set period.
- A “5/1 ARM,” for example, locks in your rate for 5 years, then adjusts yearly after that.
- ARMs can be great for buyers who plan to move or refinance before the adjustment period.
- Explore both options in the calculator to see which aligns with your budget and long-term plans.
Interest Rate
The interest rate determines how much you’ll pay your lender for borrowing the money. While the calculator is pre-filled with the current average rate, your actual mortgage rate will vary based on factors such as:
- Credit score
- Down payment size
- Loan type
- Market conditions
A small difference in rate can mean thousands in long-term savings, so it’s worth shopping around and comparing offers.
Property Tax Rate
The property tax rate in Florida can vary depending on the county and the home’s assessed value. The calculator automatically includes an estimated tax amount, but you can adjust it in the advanced options to reflect your exact county rate for a more accurate monthly estimate.
Homeowners Insurance
Lenders typically require homeowners insurance to protect your property. In Florida, insurance costs can vary based on proximity to the coast, flood zones, and the home’s age or condition. You can modify this number in the advanced calculator options to get a more accurate estimate of your total monthly payment.
HOA Fees
If you’re buying in a neighborhood, condo building, or master-planned community, you may have Homeowners Association (HOA) fees. These cover maintenance, amenities, and community upkeep. HOA fees vary widely across Florida, so enter your estimated monthly amount to include them in your total payment calculation.
How to Use the Mortgage Calculator
- Enter the Home Price — The total price of the property you’re interested in.
- Add Your Down Payment — Typically 3–20%, depending on your loan type.
- Set Your Loan Term — Choose 15, 20, or 30 years to see how terms affect payments.
- Input Your Interest Rate — Use your lender’s quote or current Florida mortgage rates.
- Add Property Taxes & Insurance (Optional) — Get a full, realistic monthly payment estimate.
- Your results update instantly — showing the monthly payment, total interest, and estimated lifetime cost of the loan.
Why Use a Florida-Specific Mortgage Calculator?
Florida’s housing market is unique. Between county-by-county property taxes, hurricane-zone insurance costs, and HOA fees, your total monthly payment can look different here than in most states.
Our calculator factors in local conditions, giving you a more accurate estimate for cities like Lakeland, Tampa, Orlando, Sarasota, and beyond.
Pro Tip: Small Changes = Big Savings
Even a 0.5% difference in interest rate or a small increase in down payment can change your long-term cost by thousands. Use this calculator to test different scenarios — you might be surprised at how much a little strategy can save you.
Work With Austin St. Jean – Real Broker LLC
I’m Austin St. Jean, a licensed Realtor® with Real Broker LLC, and I help buyers all across Florida find the perfect home while understanding the real numbers behind it.
After you run your estimate, let’s talk strategy — from loan options to negotiations to how to make your offer stand out in this market.
Ready to Go From Numbers to Keys?
Schedule a quick Real Estate Advising Consultation to review your estimate and create a plan for your next move.
👉 Book your appointment here
or call 863-860-7197 to connect directly.