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By David Ghazaryan, Mortgage Broker (NMLS 1486726), iQRATE Mortgages (NMLS 1862492) · Last updated: November 12, 2026
For 2026, the FHA one-unit loan limit for St. Lucie County, which includes Port St. Lucie, is $603,750. Martin County shares HUD's Port St. Lucie area, so Stuart and Jensen Beach use the same figure. That is above the $541,287 FHA floor that applies in much of Florida, and the conforming limit for the same counties is $832,750. FHA loans are insured by the federal government and made by approved lenders for a home you will live in as your primary residence. iQRATE Mortgages is a licensed Florida mortgage broker: we compare lenders for your file and do not fund loans ourselves. Verify the limit for your county in HUD's 2026 forward-mortgage limits file and the conforming figure on the FHFA conforming loan limit page.
Start an FHA application or call (702) 766-3744. 5.0 stars from 87 reviews on Experience.com (October 2026, company-wide).
| Area | 2026 one-unit limit | Loan type | Source to confirm |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Lucie County (Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie West, Tradition, Fort Pierce) | $603,750 | FHA | HUD 2026 limits file (linked above) |
| Martin County (Stuart, Jensen Beach) | $603,750 | FHA | HUD 2026 limits file (linked above) |
| Much of Florida (the statewide floor) | $541,287 | FHA | HUD 2026 limits file (linked above) |
| St. Lucie and Martin counties | $832,750 | Conforming (conventional) | FHFA conforming limit page (linked above) |
The FHA limit for St. Lucie County sits $62,463 above the $541,287 statewide floor and $229,000 below the $832,750 conforming limit for the same county, so a price near the top of the FHA range is where the loan-type comparison matters most.
Two- to four-unit properties carry higher FHA limits than the one-unit figure, and you must live in one of the units. Look up the exact unit-count limits for your county in the HUD limits file before you set a price range, and note that a purchase price above the limit can push you toward a conventional or jumbo structure instead.
Limits change county by county. These 2026 one-unit FHA figures come from the same HUD limits file linked above:
| County or group | 2026 one-unit FHA limit |
|---|---|
| Monroe | $990,150 |
| Collier | $764,750 |
| Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach | $667,000 |
| St. Lucie and Martin | $603,750 |
| Duval | $580,750 |
| Sarasota | $547,400 |
| Orange, Osceola, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Lee, Escambia and Leon | $541,287 |
A Port St. Lucie-area limit is above the statewide floor but below the South Florida counties, so buyers who commute to or compare Palm Beach County should check which county's limit applies to the property's address, not the workplace. Questions about a price near the limit? Call David at (702) 766-3744.
We work Port St. Lucie files from our Las Vegas office, licensed in Florida, and close with local escrow and title. These are the areas and ZIP codes listed on the Port St. Lucie mortgage broker page.
| Area | ZIP codes | County |
|---|---|---|
| Central Port St. Lucie | 34952, 34953 | St. Lucie |
| St. Lucie West | 34986 | St. Lucie |
| Tradition | 34987 | St. Lucie |
| Torino and northwest Port St. Lucie | 34983, 34986 | St. Lucie |
| Fort Pierce | 34946, 34947, 34949, 34950, 34951 | St. Lucie |
| Jensen Beach and Stuart | 34957, 34994, 34996 | Martin |
Two local notes from that page apply to FHA files. Many newer communities, such as Tradition, carry a Community Development District (CDD) assessment on the tax bill. Stuart and Jensen Beach have older waterfront homes with higher flood exposure. Much of the area's growth is west of I-95 in new master-planned communities, where builder incentives and CDD fees shape the payment.
Short answer: FHA is built for buyers who do not fit conventional rules. A credit score of 580 or higher puts you in the tier with the smallest down payment HUD allows, and scores from 500 to 579 can still qualify but call for a larger down payment. We do not state down payment amounts on this page because the requirement is set by HUD and the lender and can change; the official figures are in the CFPB's FHA loan guide and HUD's handbook, and the dollar amount for your price and tier is shown on your Loan Estimate. Lenders may set their own score floors on top of HUD's, and a mortgage broker can compare those overlays across lenders.
Beyond the score, underwriting reviews debt-to-income, income history and the property itself. HUD publishes FHA policy through mortgagee letters and news releases, and the lender confirms the exact tier for your file in writing before you choose a home.
Some buyers pair FHA with a down payment assistance program (see the assistance section below). Whether gift funds or other sources are acceptable is set out in the CFPB guide and the lender's documentation rules, so ask before you move money. Bring bank statements showing where the money came from, since lenders trace the source of every deposit.
Debt-to-income ratio, your income and work history, the appraisal and the property's condition; the lender states its exact documentation requirements in writing. A mortgage broker can compare lender overlays on these points. To see which tier your file fits, call David at (702) 766-3744. This is not a commitment to lend.
| Factor | FHA | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Occupancy | Primary residence only | Primary, second home or investment |
| Mortgage insurance | An upfront premium plus an annual premium (MIP) paid with the monthly payment; how long the annual premium lasts depends on the down payment and loan terms under HUD's rules | Private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can generally be removed later once equity builds; the lender's and investor's rules decide when |
| Credit flexibility | Often more flexible for lower scores, higher debt or a recent credit event | Can cost less with a stronger score and more down |
| Loan size | HUD county limit ($603,750 for St. Lucie County) | Conforming limit ($832,750 for St. Lucie County), jumbo above |
| Condos | Building must be FHA-approved | Lender and agency rules apply |
The two premiums work differently. FHA MIP has an upfront piece, often financed into the loan, and an annual piece, and a larger down payment can shorten how long the annual piece lasts (the CFPB FHA guide and HUD's mortgagee letters list the current schedule). PMI is priced by the lender's mortgage-insurance partner and falls away when equity is high enough. With a strong score and a larger down payment, conventional PMI can cost less than FHA MIP and can be removed later. With a lower score, higher debt or a recent credit event, FHA is often the cheaper or the only route. We price both side by side with the same down payment and show you the long-run cost difference before you choose.
Often yes, but not immediately. FHA is generally more flexible than conventional financing after a credit event, and each event type (bankruptcy, foreclosure, short sale, collections or late payments) carries its own waiting period and documentation rules that HUD and the lender apply. We do not list waiting periods here because they differ by event type, can depend on circumstances such as extenuating events, and change when HUD updates its handbook; HUD publishes policy changes as mortgagee letters (for example, Mortgagee Letter 2025-23). The clock usually runs from the discharge, sale or completion date, not from the day you start shopping, and lenders can add stricter overlays of their own.
Tell us about the event at the start so we can match the file to the right lender instead of learning about it mid-underwriting. We will say whether an FHA path is realistic now or what to fix first. Call (702) 766-3744 or start your application.
Yes, if the building is FHA-approved. Condos must appear on HUD's approved list, and many Florida buildings are working through post-Surfside inspection and reserve rules that can slow or block approval. Check any building yourself with HUD's condo approval lookup before you write an offer (the CFPB's FHA guide linked above also explains the property requirements), and call (702) 766-3744 or tell us the project name early so we can tell you whether an FHA path is realistic or a conventional loan fits better. Our video on why FHA appraisers kill Florida home deals covers the appraisal side.
Florida homeowners insurance, plus flood insurance in many zones, is among the most expensive in the country. Lenders collect the first year's premium plus escrow months, so prepaids are often the largest part of cash to close. Prepaids are your own bills paid ahead, not a cost of the loan.
Closing costs are what it costs to get the loan: origination, discount points, appraisal, escrow and title. Cash to close also includes prepaids and your down payment. Because costs depend on county, price and loan type, we do not quote a one-size range: every line is itemized on your Loan Estimate. Florida also charges documentary stamp tax on the note and an intangible tax on the mortgage; see the Florida Department of Revenue documentary stamp page for current rules. The buyer pays the mortgage-side state taxes (documentary stamps on the note and an intangible tax on the mortgage), and the seller customarily pays documentary stamps on the deed; that page sets out the current rates. These are state taxes, not lender charges or iQRATE fees. Ask for an FHA and a conventional Loan Estimate on the same home and compare the totals line by line.
Statewide programs may help with the down payment and closing costs. Florida Housing runs several, including Florida Hometown Heroes, plus county SHIP funds; the St. Lucie County Housing Finance Authority page is the county's official starting point. Program terms, income limits, eligible occupations and whether a program pairs with FHA change with funding, so read the current rules on the Hometown Heroes page and the Florida Housing homebuyer overview. Tell us early if you may qualify, because assistance programs can change the lender, the timeline and the documents we collect. Call (702) 766-3744 to talk it through.
Most iQRATE loans close in under 30 days. For eligible full-documentation FHA purchases, our goal is 17 calendar days from signing initial disclosures. That is a goal, not a guarantee: appraisal, title, condo approval and insurance can all add time, and the timeline depends on how quickly your documents arrive. Two things that help on a Florida file are an early insurance quote and, for condos, the project name on day one. To get the clock started, call (702) 766-3744.
Port St. Lucie is one of Florida's fastest-growing cities (see the Florida metro market map). Buyers include families priced out of Palm Beach and Broward, retirees, remote workers relocating from the Northeast, and health care workers at Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital and HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital, along with teachers and logistics workers along the I-95 corridor. Many buyers sell a home elsewhere at the same time, so we also talk through buy-before-you-sell timing. Call (702) 766-3744 to start.
Not as your plan from day one. FHA loans are for a home you will occupy as your primary residence, so a house bought mainly to rent calls for an investment loan; see our DSCR loans and investor loans pages for those options.
Rental demand near Port St. Lucie is seasonal: the New York Mets train at Clover Park each spring, and seasonal residents fill rentals from January to April. Whole-home rentals of under 30 days also need a state vacation-rental license (see this summary of Florida short-term rental rules), and HOA rental rules vary by community.
David Ghazaryan, who is also a real estate investor, puts the difference this way: "One thing being a real estate investor has taught me is that getting a loan approved and making a good investment are two different things." He adds: "I look at the entire transaction: cash invested, monthly carrying costs, reserves, prepayment penalties, and the exit strategy." (David Ghazaryan, iQRATE interview answers, October 31, 2026.)
As a broker, we compare wholesale lenders, more than 100 on complex files, instead of one bank's menu. Learn more about iQRATE and David. We work Florida files under company NMLS 1862492 and close with local escrow and title. For other local facts, including Florida taxes and the Treasure Coast market, see the Port St. Lucie mortgage broker page linked above, or apply now and we will compare options for your file.
For community and relocation resources beyond the mortgage, the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce is a local starting point. Prefer to talk first? Call David at (702) 766-3744 or send a message; you can verify our licenses on NMLS Consumer Access.
Questions on any of these? Call (702) 766-3744 with questions.
Not sure what to bring? Call (702) 766-3744 and David will walk through your list.
These are company-wide iQRATE reviews, quoted exactly as written on the platform shown. They were not written about this page's county. More are on our reviews page.
"David was very professional and went above and beyond to help me purchase my first home. He was very knowledgeable, experienced, and thorough. Anytime I had concerns, he was always there to patiently answer all my questions. I highly recommend David if you are looking to purchase a home."
Zillow reviewer, Las Vegas, NV (FHA first-home purchase)
"A few months ago we bought our first house. We were so fortunate to have David. He explained so many things that we did not understand, literally took the time to explain our options and why they would or would not work for us. He made us feel comfortable with our decision. We definitely would recommend his entire team, everyone was so wonderful and helpful."
Google reviewer (company-wide)
"My experience with the IQRATE team was phenomenal. I bought my first house and they helped me through the entire process. David , Andrei & Gayane were so helpful, communicative & patient with me as I had so many questions throughout the entire process. They made everything so simple & effortless & I will definitely be working with them for any mortgage needs I have."
Google reviewer (company-wide)
"Buying my new home was so easy thanks to David and his team at iQRate. I was a first time homebuyer so the process was very new to me , but everyone at the office communicated so well and answered any questions or concerns I had with ease. I appreciate their patience and will definitely be using them for any future needs!"
Athena S., Yelp
"Thank you so much David and team! You made the mortgage process so easy and were very patient with me. The process was smooth and the level of communication and professionalism was extraordinary. I will definitely recommend to family and friends for their mortgage needs as well"
Sophie G., Yelp
"David and his team are very professional in their field of expertise. They helped me to get the loan really quick and easy, explaining all steps and assisting me with all of the papers. It has been a pleasure to work with such a reliable and responsible team. I would truly recommend their service to everyone."
G M., Yelp
"Very efficient and transparent service. They go above and beyond to deliver the loan closure on time even in a very tight time line. Also very resourceful and knowledgeable staff. I'll go to them again next time I need a loan."
Rita S., Yelp
"Outstanding service with the help from this team! Everything was smooth, effortless, and headache free! They answered all my questions with ease & I will recommend friends and family as well! I most definitely will continue using this company for future mortgage needs!"
Ryan L., Google
$603,750 for a one-unit home. Martin County uses the same figure because it shares HUD's Port St. Lucie area. Confirm it in the HUD limits file linked above.
No. FHA requires the borrower to occupy the home as a primary residence. Investor options are on the DSCR and investor pages linked above.
The assessment appears on the tax bill and adds to your monthly housing cost, so lenders include it when they review your debt-to-income. Ask for the exact amount before you make an offer.
Older roofs and systems can. An FHA appraisal flags condition issues, and insurers may require updates, so a four-point and wind-mitigation inspection helps. Call (702) 766-3744 with the address.
If the home sits in a high-risk flood zone, yes. Check the FEMA map for the address and ask about an elevation certificate. Send us the address and we will walk through it.
Most iQRATE loans close in under 30 days, and our goal for eligible full-documentation FHA purchases is 17 calendar days from signing initial disclosures. It is a goal, not a guarantee.
No. iQRATE Mortgages is a mortgage broker. Loans are made by the lenders we place your file with, subject to their approval. You can check our licenses on NMLS Consumer Access, linked above.
iQRATE Mortgages · Company NMLS 1862492 · David Ghazaryan, Mortgage Broker, NMLS 1486726 · (702) 766-3744 · Licensed in Nevada, California, Texas and Florida. Equal Housing Opportunity. This page is general information and not a commitment to lend; programs, limits and terms vary by lender and change without notice, and are subject to credit, property and underwriting approval. Local facts on this page come from first-party iQRATE pages and the public sources linked above, and are not legal or tax advice.
