What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Home in South Florida (2025 Guide)

Your 2025 Florida Mortgage Credit Score Guide

"I checked my credit score and now I'm scared I'll never qualify."

That's what a buyer told us last month when she saw her 592 score. Three months later, she closed on her new townhome in Pembroke Pines with an FHA loan at 3.5% down.

If you're thinking about buying in Miramar, Hollywood, Weston, or anywhere across Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach, your credit score matters, but it's not a brick wall. Based on hundreds of credit reviews we run each year, most Florida first-time homebuyers qualify with scores lower than they expect.

Here's exactly what you need to know, what you can control, and how to move forward in 2025.

Minimum Credit Scores by Loan Type

Every lender has overlays, but here are real-world minimums we see for South Florida buyers:

• FHA Loans – 580 minimum
• Designed for first-time buyers and credit rebuilders
• Allows 3.5% down with acceptable debt-to-income
• Most common in Miramar, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Plantation
• Conventional Loans – 620 minimum
• Backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
• Better flexibility for stronger credit profiles
• Common in higher-priced Miami-Dade and Palm Beach markets
• VA Loans – 580 minimum (often)
• 0% down for eligible Veterans and service members
• Very flexible on past credit challenges with proper documentation

Key point: Lenders also review income, debts, employment, and recent payment history, not just the score.

If Your Score Is Below 580

Homeownership is still possible. Many South Florida buyers move from the low 500s to mortgage-ready in 6–12 months with a clear plan:

• Clean up late payments – Set up autopay and stay current for 6+ months
• Lower credit card balances – Keep usage under 30%, ideally under 20%
• Avoid new debt – Skip store cards and "buy now, pay later" before applying
• Dispute true errors only – Fix accounts that don't belong to you; over-disputing slows approval

Timeline to Improve Your Score

Here's what we see for buyers in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach:

• 30–60 days: Small bumps from paying down cards
• 3–6 months: Noticeable improvement with consistent on-time payments
• 6–12 months: Many buyers reach FHA 580 or conventional 620 eligibility

Pro tip: Start early. A South Florida mortgage broker can review your credit now and create a realistic game plan, even if you're 12 months out.

What Lenders Look at Beyond the Score

• Payment history: Recent lates hurt more than old ones
• Debt-to-income ratio: How much income goes to existing debts?
• Credit mix: Revolving (cards) + installment (loans) shows depth
• Major events: Bankruptcies, foreclosures, collections need time and documentation

Think of your credit score as the headline and your credit profile as the full story.

What to Avoid Before Applying

These mistakes can delay or derail approval:

• Opening new credit accounts – Even store cards drop your score temporarily
• Making large purchases on credit – High balances raise your debt-to-income ratio
• Co-signing loans – You're responsible for that debt in the lender's eyes
• Disputing accurate items – Items in "dispute" status can pause mortgage approval
• Changing jobs right before closing – Lenders verify employment up to the day you close

Localized Insights from Real Buyers

Based on our work across South Florida:

• Miramar and Pembroke Pines: Many buyers qualify with 580 FHA due to stable employment in healthcare, education, and logistics
• Miami-Dade: Higher prices mean more buyers use conventional 620+ loans for better long-term flexibility
• Palm Beach County: VA buyers with military income often qualify at 580 with strong debt profiles

Are You Mortgage-Ready? Quick Checklist

• No late payments in the last 6–12 months
• Credit card balances under 30% of limits
• Stable employment for 2+ years (or clear job history)
• Debt-to-income ratio under 50% (lower is better)
• No new credit accounts opened in the last 3–6 months

If you checked most of these boxes, you're closer than you think.

If you're thinking about buying or refinancing in South Florida, reach out today to explore your best options:

• Get pre-approved in minutes: Start your application now
• Explore Florida homebuyer programs: Learn about FHA, VA, and low-down-payment options
• Book a strategy call: Schedule a call to review your credit and create a 2025 plan

EZ Funding Group, Inc. NMLS #349022 | Jaime Charouf NMLS #348964 | Equal Housing Lender