Every Address Qualifies
FHA Construction Loans in Brevard County — Build Anywhere with 3.5% Down
No eligibility map. No income cap. No military service required. The FHA One-Time Close builds a brand-new home at any address in Brevard County — inside Titusville, where USDA can't reach, or out in the county's acreage country — with land, construction, and your permanent mortgage in one closing.
Jim Blackburn · NMLS #1072866 · 7× Scotsman Guide Top Producer · $500M+ closed · (954) 993-1625
3.5%
Minimum Down
On the total acquisition cost — and gift funds from family can cover all of it.
$541,287
2026 Brevard County FHA Limit
The maximum one-unit FHA loan amount here — set by HUD, county by county.
Anywhere
In the County
Titusville and every town around it — FHA has no geographic restriction.
1
Closing · Start to Finish
One-Time Close: no payments during construction, automatic conversion at completion.
Key Facts & Highlights
Key facts about the FHA construction loan in Brevard County
- FHA financing works at every address in Brevard County — there is no eligibility map, no income limit, and no first-time buyer requirement. (HUD's 203(b) program)
- The 2026 FHA loan limit for a one-unit home in Brevard County is $541,287 — HUD sets limits county by county, and this figure is Brevard's. (HUD county loan limit lookup)
- Minimum down payment is 3.5% with qualifying credit — and 100% of it can be gift funds from family. (HUD Handbook 4000.1, down payment & gift rules)
- New construction is fully eligible through the FHA One-Time Close: land, site work, and construction in a single closing that converts to the permanent mortgage. (FDIC Affordable Mortgage Lending Guide)
- FHA's credit flexibility is the widest of the three government programs — qualifying is possible at scores conventional lending turns away. (HUD 4000.1 credit analysis guidelines)
- Brevard County permits, inspections, and septic approvals run through the county offices linked below — the same offices your builder will work with. (Brevard County permitting)
Every City. Every Address.
FHA builds in all of Brevard County — no map to check
This is FHA's superpower here: USDA's eligibility lines exclude the urban core, and VA requires service history. FHA asks neither. Every community below — urban, suburban, or rural — qualifies at the same 3.5% down.
Cape CanaveralCocoaCocoa BeachGrantIndialanticMalabarMelbourneMelbourne BeachMerritt IslandMimsOrlandoPalm BayPatrick AfbRockledgeSatellite Beach
Building outside Titusville with a household income under the county limit? Compare the $0-down USDA construction loan in Brevard County before you commit — dual-qualified buyers should price both.
The Money Math
What 3.5% down looks like on a Brevard County build
Hypothetical acquisition costs (land + construction), the minimum investment beside each — all inside Brevard's $541,287 limit. Every scenario reviewed personally by Jim Blackburn, NMLS #1072866:
| Total project cost | 3.5% minimum down |
|---|---|
| $300,000 — starter build near Cape Canaveral | $10,500 |
| $400,000 — family home outside Cocoa | $14,000 |
| $500,000 — custom build, Cocoa Beach area | $17,500 |
Every dollar can be gift funds. Seller/builder credits up to 6% can cover closing costs on top. Hypothetical figures — your Loan Estimate is the real document. Full worksheet on the FHA Closing Cost Calculator.
Three Programs, One County
Is FHA the right door for your Brevard build?
Brevard County builders have up to three government-backed paths. The honest comparison:
| Factor | FHA | USDA | VA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment | 3.5% | $0 | $0 |
| Where in Brevard County | Anywhere — Titusville included | Eligible areas only (address check) | Anywhere |
| Income cap | None | Yes — county household limit | None |
| Who can use it | Anyone who qualifies | Anyone within the income limit | Eligible service members, veterans & surviving spouses |
| 2026 loan ceiling | $541,287 (county limit) | No set maximum (income-driven) | No limit with full entitlement |
| Credit flexibility | Widest of the three | GUS ~640 marker, manual possible | No official minimum |
$0 Down · Rural & Suburban
USDA in Brevard County
Under the income limit and outside the urban core? USDA builds with nothing down.
USDA construction loans →$0 Down · Veterans
VA construction loans
Service-connected? Your benefit builds anywhere in the county with no down payment and no loan limit.
VA construction loans →The Junction
USDA · FHA · VA compared
The full three-way comparison — fees, ratios, geography, and construction paths side by side.
Compare all three programs → Build Resources
Brevard County offices you'll actually use during a build
Permits & Inspections
Building Department
Permits, inspections, and fees for a new-construction home in Brevard County.
brevardfl.gov Parcels & Values
Property Appraiser
Parcel search and property records for every lot in the county.
bcpao.us Septic Permits
Health Department
OSTDS (septic) permitting for lots outside sewer service.
brevard.floridahealth.gov Utilities
Utilities Authority
Power and water service areas — or where well & septic take over.
brevardfl.gov County Directory
Settling into Brevard County — every office in one place
Beyond the build: the civic links every new Brevard County homeowner ends up needing.
Government
County Government
The county's official site — commissioners, departments, services.
brevardfl.gov Taxes
Tax Collector
Property taxes, titles, and registrations for your new address.
brevardtaxcollector.com Business
Chamber of Commerce
The local business network — including builders and trades.
spacecoastchamber.com Common Questions
Brevard County FHA construction loan FAQ — 61 answers from the guidelines
Sourced from HUD Handbook 4000.1 and the One-Time Close program guides, localized to Brevard County. Reviewed by Jim Blackburn, NMLS #1072866. Click any question.
Program Basics7 Q
Who is the FHA construction loan designed for in Brevard County?
Buyers who want a brand-new home without a big down payment — first-time builders, growing families, and anyone tired of bidding wars on used inventory around Cape Canaveral and Cocoa. If you can qualify for an FHA purchase, construction may be within reach.
What exactly is an FHA loan in Brevard County?
It's a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which lets lenders offer low down payments and flexible credit standards. You borrow from a lender, not the government — FHA's insurance is what makes the friendly terms possible. In Brevard County — including around Grant and Indialantic — the same guideline applies.
Can I use an FHA loan for a rental or vacation home in Brevard County?
No — FHA is for a primary residence you'll occupy. Investment and second-home financing runs through other programs we can walk you through. In Brevard County — including around Melbourne and Melbourne Beach — the same guideline applies.
Are FHA loans only for first-time buyers in Brevard County?
No — that's the most common FHA myth. Repeat buyers, builders of new homes, and refinancers all use FHA; there's no first-timer requirement anywhere in the program. In Brevard County — including around Mims and Orlando — the same guideline applies.
Is FHA only for low-income buyers in Brevard County?
No — FHA has no income limits at all, high or low. That's a key difference from USDA, which caps household income; FHA cares about your credit, your debts, and the property in Brevard County.
Does FHA mortgage insurance ever go away in Brevard County?
If you put at least 10% down (loan at or under 90% of value), MIP drops off after 11 years; above that, it runs for the life of the loan. Most borrowers who want it gone sooner simply refinance once they've built equity. In Brevard County — including around Cape Canaveral and Cocoa — the same guideline applies.
Can I have two FHA loans at the same time in Brevard County?
Only in specific situations — like a job relocation more than 100 miles away, or a family that's outgrown the current home with substantial equity in it. Outside those exceptions, one FHA loan at a time is the rule. In Brevard County — including around Grant and Indialantic — the same guideline applies.
Eligibility & Credit8 Q
How long after a foreclosure can I qualify for FHA in Brevard County?
Generally three years from the date the foreclosure completed, with documented extenuating circumstances sometimes shortening that. The clock has usually run down further than people think — it's worth checking your actual dates. In Brevard County — including around Melbourne and Melbourne Beach — the same guideline applies.
I'm paid hourly with variable income — what extra documentation is needed on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
A written verification of employment is required on hourly income, and variable pay may need extra documentation — a letter explaining raises, bonuses, or job gaps. Nothing exotic; just a clear paper trail. In Brevard County — including around Mims and Orlando — the same guideline applies.
What if I have a gap in my work history on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
FHA can work with gaps of six months or more once you're back on the job at least six months with a documented two-year history before the gap. Job changes within the same field are generally a non-issue. In Brevard County — including around Patrick Afb and Rockledge — the same guideline applies.
What's the minimum credit score for an FHA loan in Brevard County?
580 for the 3.5% down tier under FHA's baseline; scores from 500-579 can qualify with 10% down. Individual programs may set the bar somewhat higher, especially for construction. In Brevard County — including around Cape Canaveral and Cocoa — the same guideline applies.
What's the maximum debt-to-income ratio for FHA in Brevard County?
With automated approval, DTIs into the 50s are regularly approved when the rest of the file is strong. Manual underwrites cap lower, so compensating factors like reserves and residual income matter more there. In Brevard County, the 2026 FHA loan limit is $541,287 — your file is sized against it.
Can a family member co-sign on my FHA loan in Brevard County?
Yes — FHA allows non-occupant co-borrowers, typically family members, to strengthen your application. It's one of the cleanest ways parents help adult children into a first home or a new build in Brevard County.
Can I get an FHA loan with no credit score in Brevard County?
Potentially yes — FHA allows non-traditional credit like rent, utilities, and insurance payment history in place of a score. It's a manual process, but it's a real path many programs simply don't offer. In Brevard County — including around Mims and Orlando — the same guideline applies.
How does FHA count my student loans in Brevard County?
Your actual documented payment, or 0.5% of the balance if the report shows zero — a far gentler formula than programs that use 1%. For buyers carrying student debt, this rule alone can be the difference in qualifying. In Brevard County — including around Patrick Afb and Rockledge — the same guideline applies.
Property, Land & Site7 Q
Can I build in a flood zone with FHA in Brevard County?
Site-built homes can be financed in flood zones with proper flood insurance and elevation compliance. Manufactured homes are the exception — the dwelling itself can't sit in Flood Zone A or V, though the land can include those areas. In Brevard County — including around Cape Canaveral and Cocoa — the same guideline applies.
Is rural land eligible for FHA construction in Brevard County?
Yes — FHA has no rural restriction and no urban requirement. Acreage outside Titusville works as long as the site supports a residential appraisal and meets property standards. In Brevard County — including around Grant and Indialantic — the same guideline applies.
What are FHA minimum property standards in Brevard County?
Safety, soundness, and security — no structural defects, working systems, safe water, and no health hazards. New construction clears these by default; they matter most when comparing a new build against an aging resale. In Brevard County — including around Melbourne and Melbourne Beach — the same guideline applies.
What are FHA's manufactured home requirements in Brevard County?
Built after June 1976 to HUD code, at least 12 feet wide with 600+ square feet, permanently affixed on an engineer-certified foundation, on land you own, and taxed as real property. Multi-wide only — single-wides don't qualify. In Brevard County — including around Mims and Orlando — the same guideline applies.
Does FHA allow leased land or land trusts in Brevard County?
Standard programs require fee simple ownership — you own the dirt outright. Land trusts and most leased-land arrangements fall outside typical eligibility. In Brevard County — including around Patrick Afb and Rockledge — the same guideline applies.
What utilities does my site need for FHA in Brevard County?
Safe water, sanitary waste disposal, and electricity — public hookups where practical, or private well and septic where they're not. Utility connection costs belong in the construction budget. In Brevard County — including around Cape Canaveral and Cocoa — the same guideline applies.
What about buying a fixer-upper instead of building on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
That's FHA 203(k), which wraps renovation costs into a purchase loan for an existing home. Ground-up new construction runs through One-Time Close instead — different tools for different projects. In Brevard County — including around Grant and Indialantic — the same guideline applies.
Construction & Builders18 Q
How is One-Time Close different from a traditional FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Traditional construction lending means two closings, two sets of costs, and re-qualifying for the permanent mortgage after the build in Brevard County — with your rate exposed in between. One-Time Close collapses all of that into a single closing before construction starts.
Can I include upgrades like solar in the construction budget on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Upgrades priced into the builder contract can be financed if the appraised value supports the total cost. The test is always the same: will the finished home appraise for what it costs to build? In Brevard County — including around Mims and Orlando — the same guideline applies.
How experienced does my builder need to be on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
The builder's primary business must be building new residential homes, with a minimum of about three years doing it. Weekend remodelers and handyman outfits don't qualify — your home in Brevard County deserves a professional.
What's the difference between modular and manufactured for FHA in Brevard County?
Modular homes are built to local building code and treated like site-built homes — full FHA eligibility. Manufactured homes are built to the federal HUD code and carry extra requirements like permanent foundation certification and minimum width and square footage. In Brevard County — including around Cape Canaveral and Cocoa — the same guideline applies.
Can I build a manufactured home with an FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Yes — multi-wide manufactured homes on a permanent foundation are eligible under FHA, including land and site work in one loan. Single-wides are excluded, and the home in Brevard County must be new and placed on its original site.
What does a turnkey contract mean on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
The builder is responsible for 100% of the project in Brevard County — home, site work, utilities, everything — delivered move-in ready for one fixed price. You turn the key; that's the whole idea.
Can my builder get an advance of funds at closing to get started on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
No — and that's by design. Draws are based on completed work only, with no upfront advances for work not yet started. The one exception category is documented soft costs and land paid at closing. In Brevard County — including around Mims and Orlando — the same guideline applies.
What happens if my builder abandons the project on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Undrawn funds remain protected — the builder was only ever paid for verified completed work. A replacement licensed builder can be approved to finish the job, which is exactly why the draw-and-inspect structure exists. In Brevard County — including around Patrick Afb and Rockledge — the same guideline applies.
Can I refinance out of my FHA loan after the home is built in Brevard County?
Absolutely — once you've built equity, refinancing to remove FHA mortgage insurance is a common move. Think of FHA construction as the low-barrier way in, not a permanent commitment. In Brevard County — including around Cape Canaveral and Cocoa — the same guideline applies.
What is a contingency reserve on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
It's a cushion — typically a percentage of the construction budget — set aside for surprises like rock under the slab site or a materials price jump. If it goes unused, it's applied per program rules rather than lost. In Brevard County — including around Grant and Indialantic — the same guideline applies.
Who pays for cost overruns during construction on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
First the contingency reserve, then the borrower if overruns exceed it — the loan amount is fixed at closing. A detailed, realistic builder budget up front is your best protection against this scenario. In Brevard County — including around Melbourne and Melbourne Beach — the same guideline applies.
What if the appraisal comes in below my total project cost on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
You'd bridge the gap — trim the budget with your builder, bring additional funds, or adjust the plans. It's one reason we review the numbers against local Brevard County comps before you're deep into the process.
Can construction start before the FHA loan closes in Brevard County?
No — and this one is critical. Any construction or site improvements started before closing render the project in Brevard County ineligible. Clearing, grading, pouring — all of it waits until after you sign.
I already own my lot in Brevard County — does that help my down payment with a FHA construction loan?
Yes. In Brevard County, Equity in land you already own can count toward your down payment, and if you've held the lot long enough, appraised value rather than what you paid may be used. Many landowners bring little or no additional cash to closing.
How soon after completion can I move in on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
As soon as the certificate of occupancy is issued and final loan conditions are cleared — typically within days of the final inspection. The permanent phase is already in place, so there's nothing left to close. In Brevard County — including around Grant and Indialantic — the same guideline applies.
How do construction draws work on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Your builder completes a stage of work, an inspection verifies it, and funds for that stage are released. Draws continue on that verify-then-pay rhythm until the home in Brevard County is finished — the builder is never paid ahead of the work.
How much do I need down for an FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
As little as 3.5% of the total acquisition cost — land plus construction — with qualifying credit. That's one of the lowest entry points of any ground-up construction program available to civilian buyers in Brevard County.
Can I get cash back at closing on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
No. In Brevard County, Borrowers may not receive funds, reimbursements, or cash back from the transaction. A minimal principal reduction at closing is the only exception.
Fees, Money & Timing8 Q
Do construction fees eat into my 6% seller concession limit on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
No — construction soft costs are budgeted into the builder's project cost and don't count toward the maximum contributions allowed to you. Your 6% stays available for actual closing costs and prepaids. In Brevard County, the 2026 FHA loan limit is $541,287 — your file is sized against it.
Do I pay property taxes during construction on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Land taxes continue during the build and are handled through the loan structure; the full improved-value tax bill doesn't hit until Brevard County reassesses the completed home. Your escrow account is set up to absorb the transition.
How much can the seller contribute toward my costs on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Up to 6% of the price — one of the most generous interested-party allowances in mortgage lending. On new construction, builder contributions follow the same framework. In Brevard County, the 2026 FHA loan limit is $541,287 — your file is sized against it.
Do I pay the upfront mortgage insurance in cash on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Almost nobody does — the 1.75% upfront MIP is typically financed into the loan amount. Your cash to close stays focused on down payment and standard closing costs. In Brevard County — including around Mims and Orlando — the same guideline applies.
Do I need earnest money on a new build on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
If you're buying the lot, earnest money works like any purchase and credits at closing. Builder deposits under your construction contract are separate and get accounted for in the overall budget. In Brevard County — including around Patrick Afb and Rockledge — the same guideline applies.
Is an escrow account required on FHA loans in Brevard County?
Yes — taxes and insurance are escrowed on every FHA loan, no waivers. Most borrowers prefer it anyway: one payment, no surprise tax bills. In Brevard County — including around Cape Canaveral and Cocoa — the same guideline applies.
How long does an FHA construction loan take to close in Brevard County?
Plan on roughly 45-60 days from full application to closing — the builder package, plans-and-specs appraisal, and program review add steps a standard purchase doesn't have. Getting your builder's paperwork in early is the single biggest accelerator. In Brevard County — including around Grant and Indialantic — the same guideline applies.
Can I use down payment assistance with FHA in Brevard County?
FHA pairs with many DPA programs, though note that assisted loans carry a somewhat higher minimum credit score. Availability for construction loans varies by program, so we confirm fit before you count on it. In Brevard County — including around Melbourne and Melbourne Beach — the same guideline applies.
Process, Docs & Underwriting8 Q
What has to be cleared before we can close on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Both tracks finish together: your borrower file clears its underwriting conditions, and the construction project clears its review. When both are done, closing documents are prepared and you sign once. In Brevard County — including around Mims and Orlando — the same guideline applies.
What does the appraiser need to value my future home on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Builder plans and specs, the construction contract, the cost breakdown, the land contract if applicable, and a title report with legal description. Complete packages produce clean appraisals — we assemble it all before ordering. In Brevard County — including around Patrick Afb and Rockledge — the same guideline applies.
What is an FHA case number in Brevard County?
It's the loan's federal registration with HUD, pulled early in the process — think of it as the loan's serial number. On condos and certain properties, timing rules govern when it can be issued. In Brevard County — including around Cape Canaveral and Cocoa — the same guideline applies.
What most often slows down an FHA construction approval in Brevard County?
Incomplete builder paperwork, budget line items that don't match the plans, and slow responses to document requests. Files where the borrower and builder respond within 24 hours close dramatically faster. In Brevard County — including around Grant and Indialantic — the same guideline applies.
Is there one appraisal or two on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
One. A full FHA appraisal is completed before closing with the value assigned as completed, and it doesn't expire once the loan closes. One appraisal, one fee, no repeat at the finish line in most cases. In Brevard County — including around Melbourne and Melbourne Beach — the same guideline applies.
How is underwriting different for a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Everything a standard FHA loan reviews, plus the project in Brevard County itself: builder credentials, budget reasonableness, plans, and the subject-to-completion appraisal. You're approved once, for both the build and the permanent mortgage.
Do my documents expire during a long build on a FHA construction loan in Brevard County?
Credit and income documents are valid 120 days and appraisals 180 days — measured to closing, which happens before construction starts on a One-Time Close. That's a quiet advantage: your qualification is locked before the build in Brevard County, not re-checked after.
Can self-employed borrowers get FHA construction loans in Brevard County?
Yes — plan on two years of tax returns and transcripts, with income averaged per FHA's self-employment rules. Plenty of Brevard County business owners build this way; the documentation is just more involved.
Comparisons5 Q
FHA vs conventional for a new construction loan in Brevard County?
Conventional construction typically wants larger down payments and stronger credit, and often two closings. FHA One-Time Close wins on entry cost — 3.5% down, flexible credit, single closing — while conventional can win on mortgage insurance for high-credit, larger-down borrowers. In Brevard County — including around Grant and Indialantic — the same guideline applies.
FHA vs USDA construction loan in Brevard County — which fits me?
USDA offers $0 down but requires an eligible rural address and household income under the county limit. FHA takes 3.5% down with no income cap and no geography rules — buildable even in Titusville. Dual-eligible buyers should see both priced side by side. In Brevard County — including around Melbourne and Melbourne Beach — the same guideline applies.
FHA vs VA construction — what's the difference in Brevard County?
VA is exclusively for eligible veterans and service members: $0 down, no monthly mortgage insurance. FHA is open to everyone at 3.5% down with MIP. If you have VA eligibility, it usually leads; FHA is the strongest construction path for everyone else. In Brevard County — including around Mims and Orlando — the same guideline applies.
Is building new with FHA smarter than buying an existing home in Titusville?
Building gets you exactly the layout you want, new-everything with builder warranties, and no bidding wars — at 3.5% down, the entry cost matches buying existing. Resales win on speed. When Titusville inventory is thin or dated, building often pencils out surprisingly close. In Brevard County — including around Patrick Afb and Rockledge — the same guideline applies.
FHA One-Time Close vs FHA 203(k) — which do I need in Brevard County?
One-Time Close builds a brand-new home from the ground up; 203(k) buys and renovates an existing home in one loan. New construction in Brevard County means OTC — 203(k) can't fund a ground-up build.
Local Pulse
What's happening in Brevard County
Florida Today · 2026-08-26
Brevard officials fear new housing law impact
New state housing legislation could significantly affect local development policies and housing availability in Brevard County.
Florida Today · 2026-08-23
Relativity Space expansion, plans to hire thousands could remake North Brevard
Major aerospace company expansion will drive job growth and likely increase demand for residential housing in North Brevard.
The Business Journals · 2026-08-20
Brevard County credit union breaks ground on 3-story headquarters
New commercial construction project demonstrates ongoing development activity and economic confidence in Brevard County's real estate market.
Updated automatically — sources are original local publishers.
Ready to build anywhere in Brevard County?
Jim Blackburn (NMLS #1072866) — $500M+ closed, construction lending done daily. Straight answers on your lot, your budget, and which of the three programs actually fits.
FHA Construction Loans by Florida County
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FHA loan limits are set by HUD and subject to change. Program guidelines and fees are subject to change. This page is educational and is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of approval. Down payment shown is the program minimum with qualifying credit.