The Strong-File Play
Conventional Construction Loans in Hillsborough County — Build Anywhere, PMI That Cancels
No map. No income cap. No government fee. The conventional One-Time Close builds at any Hillsborough County address — with mortgage insurance that actually goes away, a $832,750 ceiling that fits large custom builds, and one closing for land, construction, and your permanent mortgage.
Jim Blackburn · NMLS #1072866 · 7× Scotsman Guide Top Producer · $500M+ closed · (954) 993-1625
5%
Common Minimum Down
On total acquisition cost — larger down payments shrink or remove PMI entirely.
$832,750
2026 Hillsborough County Limit
Well above FHA's $568,100 cap — room for serious custom builds.
Anywhere
In the County
Tampa to the most rural corner — no eligibility map.
Cancels
Mortgage Insurance
PMI removes at sufficient equity — FHA's typically never does.
Key Facts & Highlights
Key facts about the conventional construction loan in Hillsborough County
- The 2026 conforming loan limit for a one-unit home in Hillsborough County is $832,750 — set by FHFA, and this figure is Hillsborough's. Above it, the loan becomes jumbo construction. (FHFA conforming loan limit values)
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both support single-close construction-to-permanent financing — one approval, one closing, no requalifying at completion. (Fannie Mae Selling Guide — construction-to-permanent)
- Down payments start as low as 3–5%, and gift funds from family can cover the down payment and closing costs on a primary residence. (Agency selling-guide gift-fund rules)
- Conventional PMI cancels as equity grows — automatically at 78% of original value, or by request at 80% — unlike FHA mortgage insurance, which often runs for the life of the loan. (CFPB on PMI cancellation)
- New construction is fully eligible through the conventional One-Time Close: land, site work, and construction in a single closing that converts to the permanent mortgage. (FDIC Affordable Mortgage Lending Guide)
- Hillsborough County permits, inspections, and septic approvals run through the county offices linked below — the same offices your builder will work with. (Hillsborough County permitting)
Every City. Every Address.
Conventional builds in all of Hillsborough County
Same freedom as FHA and VA — every community qualifies — with the pricing advantage that rewards strong credit and real down payments.
Apollo BeachBalmBrandonDoverDurantGibsontonLithiaLutzMangoOdessaPlant CityRiverviewRuskinSeffnerSun City
Income under the county limit and building outside Tampa? Price the $0-down USDA construction loan in Hillsborough County first.
Four Programs, One County
Is conventional the right door for your Hillsborough build?
| Factor | Conventional | FHA | USDA | VA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | 5% common | 3.5% | $0 | $0 |
| Where in Hillsborough County | Anywhere | Anywhere | Eligible areas only | Anywhere |
| Income cap | None | None | Yes — county limit | None |
| Monthly mortgage insurance | PMI — cancels at equity | 0.55% typical, often loan-life | 0.35% annual fee | None |
| 2026 ceiling | $832,750 | $568,100 | No set max (income-driven) | No limit, full entitlement |
| Upfront government fee | None | 1.75% MIP | 1% guarantee fee | Funding fee (waivable) |
$0 Down · Income-Qualified
USDA in Hillsborough County
Under the limit, outside the urban core? Nothing down.
USDA construction loans →3.5% Down · Flexible Credit
FHA in Hillsborough County
Lower down and wider credit flexibility than conventional.
FHA construction loans →$0 Down · Veterans
VA in Hillsborough County
Eligible? Usually the strongest paper in lending.
VA construction loans → Build Resources
Hillsborough County offices you'll actually use during a build
Permits & Inspections
Building Department
Permits, inspections, and fees for a new-construction home in Hillsborough County.
hcfl.gov Parcels & Values
Property Appraiser
Parcel search and property records for every lot in the county.
hcpafl.org Septic Permits
Health Department
OSTDS (septic) permitting for lots outside sewer service.
hillsborough.floridahealth.gov Utilities
Utilities Authority
Power and water service areas — or where well & septic take over.
hcfl.gov County Directory
Settling into Hillsborough County — every office in one place
Beyond the build: the civic links every new Hillsborough County homeowner ends up needing.
Government
County Government
The county's official site — commissioners, departments, services.
hcfl.gov Business
Chamber of Commerce
The local business network — including builders and trades.
tampabaychamber.com Reference
Wikipedia & County Facebook
History, demographics, and the official county feed.
en.wikipedia.org Common Questions
Hillsborough County conventional construction loan FAQ — 61 answers from the guidelines
Sourced from agency selling guides and construction program guides, localized to Hillsborough County. Reviewed by Jim Blackburn, NMLS #1072866. Click any question.
Program Basics7 Q
Is a conventional loan only for people with perfect credit in Hillsborough County?
No — that's the most expensive myth in mortgages. Conventional loans start at a 620 credit score, and automated underwriting weighs your whole file: income stability, assets, equity, reserves. Plenty of Hillsborough County buyers with mid-600s scores close conventional every month. Stronger credit improves pricing, but 'perfect' was never the requirement.
What is HomeReady and could it help me build in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
HomeReady is Fannie Mae's affordable conventional program: 3% down, reduced mortgage insurance, flexible funding sources like gifts and grants, and even boarder income counting toward qualification. It's for borrowers earning up to 80% of the area median income. Freddie's Home Possible is the sibling program. For qualifying Hillsborough County buyers, it can pair with new-construction purchases too.
What is automated underwriting (DU and LPA) in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Desktop Underwriter (Fannie Mae) and Loan Product Advisor (Freddie Mac) are the engines that analyze your full file — credit, income, assets, the property — and issue a recommendation in minutes. An Approve/Eligible finding often unlocks flexibility no rulebook chart shows, including DTI room. Every Hillsborough County file we build is run through them strategically, not just submitted blindly.
Should I choose a fixed rate or an ARM for my build in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Fixed-rate loans keep the payment identical for the full term — maximum certainty, and required for the 97% LTV option. ARMs start with a fixed period (5, 7, or 10 years) then adjust with the market. On construction loans, fixed is the Hillsborough County default because you're already managing build-phase variables; but the right answer depends on how long you'll keep the home. We model both.
Are conventional and conforming the same thing in Hillsborough County?
Close cousins. 'Conventional' means not government-insured. 'Conforming' means the loan also fits Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac rules and stays under the county loan limit — $832,750 for one unit in Hillsborough County for 2026. Every conforming loan is conventional; a conventional loan above the limit is a jumbo.
What is the conforming loan limit in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
For 2026, the one-unit conforming limit in Hillsborough County is $832,750, with higher limits for 2–4 unit properties. That's the ceiling for a standard conventional loan — including a construction-to-permanent loan — before jumbo pricing applies. It resets each year, so the number moves.
Who is a Conventional loan the strongest fit for in Hillsborough County?
Buyers with a 680+ score and roughly 10% or more to put down — especially anyone building a second home, wanting removable mortgage insurance, or sitting above USDA income limits. If that sounds like you, Conventional deserves a first look. In Hillsborough County — including around Dover and Durant — the same guideline applies.
Eligibility & Credit8 Q
Can a co-signer who won't live in the home help me qualify in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes — conventional loans allow non-occupant co-borrowers, with the loan capped at 95% LTV on automated approvals when their income is used. A parent's income helping a child build in Hillsborough County is the classic setup. The co-borrower shares full legal responsibility, so it's a family decision worth making with clear eyes.
What's the maximum debt-to-income ratio on a conventional loan in Hillsborough County?
With an automated approval, DTI can reach 50%. Manually underwritten files cap at 36–45% depending on compensating factors like reserves and credit. Remember the ratio uses gross income, and on a construction loan we qualify you on the full future payment — so your Hillsborough County budget is honest from day one.
Is manual underwriting available on the construction program in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
No — the file must have an automated approval through Fannie Mae's Desktop Underwriter. That makes the pre-qualification run we do upfront genuinely meaningful: the same engine that decides is the one we test. In Hillsborough County — including around Ruskin and Seffner — the same guideline applies.
What credit score do I need for a conventional loan in Hillsborough County?
The published floor for manual underwriting is 620, and automated underwriting evaluates the full file rather than a single cutoff. Higher scores improve mortgage-insurance and pricing tiers, so there's a real payoff to each band you climb. If you're close but not there, we'll map the fastest score-building path before your Hillsborough County build, not after.
I own several properties already — can I still build conventionally in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes — conventional financing allows up to ten financed properties for investors, with reserve requirements that step up as the portfolio grows. Second-home and investment construction both work. This is where conventional runs laps around government programs, which are owner-occupied-only. Hillsborough County portfolio builders live in conventional territory.
Can self-employed borrowers get conventional construction loans in Hillsborough County?
Yes — self-employment is a documentation path, not a penalty. Generally two years of business history (sometimes one, with the right profile), tax returns, and stable or rising income. Depreciation and other paper write-offs often get added back, so qualifying income can exceed what your bottom line suggests. Hillsborough County contractors and business owners build with conventional loans routinely.
Do I need cash reserves for a conventional construction loan in Hillsborough County?
Sometimes. Automated underwriting sets reserve requirements case by case — many primary-residence approvals need none, while manual underwriting, multi-unit builds, and investment properties can require two to six months of payments in the bank. Retirement accounts often count. We tell you the exact number for your Hillsborough County scenario before you commit.
How long after bankruptcy or foreclosure can I get a conventional loan in Hillsborough County?
General waiting periods: four years after a Chapter 7 discharge, two years after a Chapter 13 discharge, seven years after a foreclosure, and four after a deed-in-lieu or short sale — with shorter windows possible under documented extenuating circumstances. The clock has usually run longer than people assume. Bring us the dates and we'll tell you exactly where you stand for a Hillsborough County build.
Property, Land & Site6 Q
Can I build a rental property with a conventional construction loan in Hillsborough County?
Yes — investment-property construction works with 15% down on a one-unit build (25% on 2–4 unit investment). Projected market rent can support qualification, and building new often beats buying tired inventory on maintenance and insurability in Hillsborough County. It's the investor lane no government program offers.
Can I finance a tiny home in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Tiny homes are treated as manufactured housing and must have at least 600 square feet of living area — which rules out most true tiny builds. If your plan clears 600 square feet on a permanent foundation, let's look at it. In Hillsborough County — including around Dover and Durant — the same guideline applies.
Can I build anywhere in Hillsborough County with a conventional loan?
Yes — conventional financing has no geographic eligibility maps. City lot in Tampa, suburban parcel near Lithia, or acreage past Lutz — all fair game, provided zoning allows residential use and the appraiser can find comparable sales. That freedom is a core conventional advantage over USDA's rural-only rules.
Can I build on land subdivided from a family parcel in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes — once the split is legally recorded and your parcel has its own legal description, tax ID, and access, it's buildable land like any other. Gift-of-equity treatment can apply if family sells it to you under market value. The subdivision process runs through Hillsborough County planning, and we'll tell you exactly what recorded documents underwriting needs.
Can I include an ADU or in-law suite in my conventional build in Hillsborough County?
Yes — an accessory dwelling unit can be part of the plans on a one-unit build, and its rental income may even be considered in qualifying under the right program. Multigenerational living and rental offset are both strong Hillsborough County plays. Zoning is the gatekeeper, so we confirm the parcel allows it before plans are drawn.
Is there an acreage limit for conventional loans in Hillsborough County?
No fixed cap — conventional guidelines care about the property being residential in character, not a working farm, with value supported by comparable sales. Large Hillsborough County parcels finance regularly; the appraiser just needs similar acreage sales to lean on. We assess the comp landscape before you contract on big land.
Construction & Builders20 Q
How many closings are there with a conventional One-Time Close in Hillsborough County?
Exactly one. You sign the permanent note and security instrument at the start, the construction terms ride along as an addendum, and when the home is done the loan converts automatically or through a simple modification — no second closing, no second set of fees. That's the whole point of One-Time Close in Hillsborough County.
Do draws go to my builder or to the subcontractors in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Directly to your builder — the program doesn't disburse to individual subs. The one exception is a modular unit invoice, which can be paid directly to the manufacturer. Your builder manages sub payments under the turnkey contract. In Hillsborough County — including around Lithia and Lutz — the same guideline applies.
Is my financing protected during the months of construction in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes — that's the core advantage of a One-Time Close. Your permanent loan terms are established at closing, before ground breaks, and they carry through the entire build. Whatever the market does over the following months, your Hillsborough County financing is already settled. Two-close structures can't promise that.
When does my first full mortgage payment start in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
After the home is complete and the loan converts to permanent financing. During the build you're typically paying interest only on drawn funds; once your Hillsborough County home gets its certificate of occupancy and the conversion happens, regular principal-and-interest payments begin — usually the first of the month after conversion.
What about panelized homes in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Panelized homes are treated as site-built for program purposes — same draw structure, same 680 credit requirement, same 90% financing. A growing number of builds around Tampa use panelized systems for speed and precision.
How does my builder get paid on a conventional construction loan in Hillsborough County?
Through the draw system: complete a stage, pass inspection, receive funds — repeated through the build. Builders never receive the full contract up front, and a retainage portion is typically held until final completion. It keeps every Hillsborough County project honest: money follows verified work, never promises.
What if some site work was already done on my land in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Existing improvements — a cleared pad, a well, a culvert — usually aren't fatal, but they must be disclosed, documented, and confirmed lien-free with paid receipts or lien waivers before closing. Fresh construction on the house itself before closing is the real problem. Tell us exactly what's been done on the Hillsborough County parcel and we'll map the path.
What's the difference between modular and manufactured for conventional loans in Hillsborough County?
Modular homes are built in sections, assembled on-site, and meet the same local building codes as stick-built houses — conventional lending treats them exactly like site-built homes. Manufactured homes are built to the federal HUD code on a permanent chassis and follow their own guideline set with a few extra rules. Both can be financed in Hillsborough County; the paperwork path just differs.
Can a builder use this program for a spec home in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
No — spec building isn't allowed. The program finances owner-occupied primary residences and second homes for the person who will own them. Builders benefit differently: a committed buyer, verified draws, and no construction-lending risk on their own books. In Hillsborough County — including around Ruskin and Seffner — the same guideline applies.
What happens if my builder abandons the project in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
The draw system is your protection: the builder has only been paid for verified completed work, so the remaining funds are intact to bring in a replacement contractor. The lender works with you to register a new builder and restart draws. It's rare — builder vetting up front exists precisely so Hillsborough County families never face this — but the structure protects you if it happens.
I've owned my land over a year in Hillsborough County — does that change my conventional loan?
It can, meaningfully. When you've owned the lot 12+ months before closing, Fannie Mae allows the loan to be based on the as-completed appraised value rather than your actual cost. If Hillsborough County land values have risen since you bought — and around Dover they often have — that appreciation works like extra down payment you never wrote a check for.
How is a conventional One-Time Close different from a bank construction line in Hillsborough County?
A traditional bank construction line is short-term, often variable, and ends with a balloon — you must find and qualify for a permanent mortgage all over again at completion. A conventional One-Time Close sets your permanent financing before construction starts. One approval, one closing, zero refinance risk at the end of your Hillsborough County build.
Can I include upgrades like solar in the construction budget in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes — solar, impact windows, spray foam, generators, and other upgrades can be financed inside the construction budget when they're in the plans and cost breakdown. In Hillsborough County, hurricane-rated and energy features often earn back value at appraisal and savings on insurance. Add them at the design stage, not as change orders later.
What standards must the finished home meet in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Local building code (verified by county inspections and the certificate of occupancy), plus completion per the plans the appraisal was based on. All improvements must be fully complete before the loan converts — the final inspection and completion report confirm it. Hillsborough County code plus Florida's wind requirements set a genuinely high bar for new construction.
Does my builder have to warranty the home in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes. Florida law implies warranties of fitness and workmanship on new construction, and your construction contract should spell out express warranty terms — commonly one year on workmanship, two on systems, and longer structural coverage. Many Hillsborough County builders also carry third-party structural warranty programs. We make sure warranty terms are in the contract before closing.
What kind of construction contract is required in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
A written, signed contract between you and a licensed general contractor, with full plans, specifications, an itemized cost breakdown, the price structure (fixed-price or cost-plus), timeline, and warranty terms. Fixed-price (turnkey) contracts are strongly preferred — they cap your risk. We review the Hillsborough County contract before it goes to underwriting.
Can the builder cover closing costs on a conventional build in Hillsborough County?
Yes — builder contributions are treated as interested-party contributions, capped by your down payment tier: 3% of value with less than 10% down, 6% with 10–25% down, 9% above 25%. Investment builds cap at 2%. Builder-paid closing costs are a common negotiating point on Hillsborough County contracts, and we make sure yours stays inside the limits.
What if my credit score drops during construction in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
If requalification is triggered, a lower score can affect your permanent terms — which is exactly why we coach you to protect your credit from closing day to completion. Steady credit in, locked terms out. In Hillsborough County — including around Odessa and Plant City — the same guideline applies.
How is the modification paperwork handled in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Electronically — the modification package is emailed for digital signature along with your first payment letter and escrow disclosure. No trip back to a closing table anywhere in Hillsborough County.
What can be rolled into a conventional construction loan in Hillsborough County?
The land purchase or lot payoff, hard construction costs, site prep, permits, builder fees, a contingency reserve, closing costs on a refinance structure, and often the interest that accrues during construction. The goal is one loan carrying the whole Hillsborough County project so you're not writing separate checks along the way.
Fees, Money & Timing8 Q
What closing costs come with a conventional construction loan in Hillsborough County?
The usual suspects — origination, appraisal, title, recording, prepaid taxes and insurance — plus construction-specific items like draw inspection fees and the slightly higher appraisal cost for plan review. The single-close advantage: you pay this once, not twice. Builder contributions can offset a chunk of it on Hillsborough County contracts.
Can my closing costs be financed in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
If you own your lot, yes — closing costs can be financed through lot equity as long as the loan stays within 90% of value. Land you've held becomes working capital for the deal. In Hillsborough County — including around Lithia and Lutz — the same guideline applies.
Can gift funds cover my down payment on a conventional loan in Hillsborough County?
Yes — gifts from family members can cover the entire down payment and closing costs on a primary residence, with a simple gift letter and paper trail. Combine a cash gift with gifted or discounted family land and a Hillsborough County build can launch with remarkably little of your own savings.
Who pays for the appraisal and draw inspections in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
The borrower, as with any loan — the plan-review appraisal runs somewhat above a standard appraisal, and each draw inspection carries a modest fee, all disclosed up front on your estimate. Some builders absorb inspection costs in the contract. No surprises: every Hillsborough County fee is on paper before you commit.
How long does approval take for a conventional construction loan in Hillsborough County?
Pre-approval: usually a day or two. Full approval through closing: commonly 30–45 days once your builder's package and plans are complete, since the appraisal reviews the full plan set. The critical path is almost always builder paperwork, not your file — which is why we start the Hillsborough County builder registration on day one.
Are escrows collected at closing in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Yes — escrows are collected at the initial closing, with homeowner's insurance activated and paid at modification. Taxes that come due during the build are handled by you directly until the escrow account takes over. In Hillsborough County — including around Dover and Durant — the same guideline applies.
What is PMI and when does it go away in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Private mortgage insurance protects the lender when you put less than 20% down — and unlike FHA's mortgage insurance, it's temporary. It cancels automatically at 78% of original value, can be requested at 80%, and rising Hillsborough County values or a new-construction equity jump can end it sooner via appraisal. It's a bridge, not a life sentence.
How are builder deposits handled on a conventional build in Hillsborough County?
Deposits you've paid the builder for plans or to reserve a slot are documented and credited to you within the transaction — they're part of your investment in the project, not lost money. Keep every receipt. Large deposits before loan approval carry risk, though: on a Hillsborough County custom build, keep pre-closing deposits modest until financing is locked.
Process, Docs & Underwriting7 Q
What is the final inspection and completion certification in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
After the certificate of occupancy, the appraiser (or an approved inspector) issues a completion report confirming the home was built to the plans the value was based on. That report is the trigger for conversion to permanent financing. It's the last checkpoint of your Hillsborough County build — and the moment the project officially becomes your home loan.
Is my conventional construction loan a purchase or a refinance in Hillsborough County?
It hinges on land ownership at closing: if you're acquiring the lot in the transaction, it's processed as a purchase; if you already own the Hillsborough County land, it's structured as a refinance that pays off any lot lien and funds construction. Same single-close experience either way — the classification mainly steers which guideline set and contribution rules apply.
Can my conventional loan terms change between closing and completion in Hillsborough County?
Only in the narrow ways the guidelines allow — under Freddie Mac's One-Time Close, a single modification can adjust the balance for documented cost increases or convert an ARM to fixed, and terms may be modified only once. Otherwise, what you signed is what you keep. Nothing changes without your signature on a Hillsborough County file.
What is the project calculation and why does it come first in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
It's the structured math of your entire deal — contract price, land, soft costs, interest, and term — run before underwriting so your loan amount and cash-to-close are right the first time. Deals structured correctly upfront don't blow up at the closing table. In Hillsborough County — including around Lithia and Lutz — the same guideline applies.
What actually happens at a conventional construction loan closing in Hillsborough County?
You sign the permanent note and mortgage with a construction addendum, the land is purchased or refinanced, initial funds position for the first draw, and title records the lender in first place. From that moment your terms are set and your builder is cleared to pull permits. It's one sitting — Hillsborough County families are usually done within the hour.
Can I switch lenders mid-process and keep my appraisal in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
No — appraisal transfers aren't accepted on this program; the as-completed appraisal is ordered fresh with the finalized contract and plans. If you're unhappy where you are, the restart is smaller than it feels. We'll show you the real timeline. In Hillsborough County — including around Ruskin and Seffner — the same guideline applies.
How is underwriting different for a conventional construction loan in Hillsborough County?
Your personal qualification is identical to any conventional loan. What's added is project underwriting: the builder's credentials, the contract, the cost breakdown, and an appraisal from plans. Think of it as approving the borrower and the build. Strong files with weak project documents stall — so we perfect both halves of every Hillsborough County submission.
Comparisons5 Q
Conventional vs USDA construction loan in Hillsborough County — how do I choose?
USDA One-Time Close offers $0 down but requires an eligible rural address and household income under the county limit. Conventional works at any Hillsborough County address with no income cap, allows second homes and investments, and its PMI cancels. Rural site plus moderate income? USDA is hard to beat. Otherwise conventional carries the day. Dual-eligible families should see both priced together.
Building vs buying an existing home in Hillsborough County — how does financing compare on a conventional construction loan?
Financing effort is nearly identical with a One-Time Close — one approval, one closing, just like a purchase. Building adds the builder package and a longer runway but delivers new-code construction, current wind mitigation (real insurance savings in Florida), zero deferred maintenance, and exactly the floor plan you want. With Hillsborough County resale inventory aging, the build math deserves a genuine look.
Conventional vs VA construction — what's the difference in Hillsborough County?
VA is exclusively for eligible veterans and service members: $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance, an unbeatable combination when it applies. Conventional is open to everyone and adds second-home and investment builds VA doesn't cover. Veterans in Hillsborough County should almost always look at VA first — and we'll show conventional beside it so the choice is proven, not assumed.
What happens if my project cost exceeds the conforming limit in Hillsborough County on a conventional construction loan?
Above $832,750 (the 2026 one-unit limit in Hillsborough County), the loan becomes jumbo construction — still very financeable, with larger down payments and full-documentation underwriting. Sometimes trimming the budget under the limit or applying more land equity keeps you conforming. We model both structures so you choose with the full picture.
New conventional construction loan vs HomeStyle Renovation in Hillsborough County — which do I need?
Ground-up on vacant land is construction-to-permanent territory. Buying or owning an existing Hillsborough County home that needs transformation — additions, gut remodel, hurricane hardening — is HomeStyle Renovation, one loan covering purchase-plus-rehab on the after-improved value. Tear-down-and-rebuild scenarios can go either way; we structure whichever fits the project.
Local Pulse
What's happening in Hillsborough County
Tampa Bay 28 · 2026-07-13
Florida's Hometown Heroes Program reopens, offering up to $35,000 for eligible first-time homebuyers
First-time homebuyers in Hillsborough County may qualify for up to $35,000 in assistance through Florida's reopened Hometown Heroes Program.
Spectrum Bay News 9 · 2026-07-09
Florida's updated Live Local Act takes effect, expanding affordable housing opportunities while fueling local debate
Florida's Live Local Act expansion creates new affordable housing opportunities and may impact development patterns across Hillsborough County.
Updated automatically — sources are original local publishers.
Strong file? Make it work for you.
Jim Blackburn (NMLS #1072866) — $500M+ closed. Conventional priced against USDA, FHA, and VA on your actual numbers, every time.
Conventional Construction Loans by Florida County
Alachua CountyBaker CountyBay CountyBradford CountyBrevard CountyBroward CountyCalhoun CountyCharlotte CountyCitrus CountyClay CountyCollier CountyColumbia CountyDeSoto CountyDixie CountyDuval CountyEscambia CountyFlagler CountyFranklin CountyGadsden CountyGilchrist CountyGlades CountyGulf CountyHamilton CountyHardee CountyHendry CountyHernando CountyHighlands CountyHillsborough CountyHolmes CountyIndian River CountyJackson CountyJefferson CountyLafayette CountyLake CountyLee CountyLeon CountyLevy CountyLiberty CountyMadison CountyManatee CountyMarion CountyMartin CountyMiami-Dade CountyMonroe CountyNassau CountyOkaloosa CountyOkeechobee CountyOrange CountyOsceola CountyPalm Beach CountyPasco CountyPinellas CountyPolk CountyPutnam CountySanta Rosa CountySarasota CountySeminole CountySt. Johns CountySt. Lucie CountySumter CountySuwannee CountyTaylor CountyUnion CountyVolusia CountyWakulla CountyWalton CountyWashington County
Conforming loan limits are set by FHFA and subject to change. Program guidelines are subject to change. Educational content — not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of approval. Down payment and PMI treatment depend on qualification.