--- title: "Florida Reverse Mortgage Guide (HECM 2026)" description: "Florida HECM reverse mortgage guide for homeowners 62+. Learn how FHA lending limits apply to Florida properties, how the Homestead Exemption affects property" lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "WebSite", "name": "HECMAcademy", "url": "https://hecmacademy.com", "description": "Independent, plain-English reverse mortgage education for U.S. homeowners age 62 and older. 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Explains HECM eligibility, costs, protections, and payout options without sales pressure." }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://hecmacademy.com" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Reverse Mortgage", "item": "https://hecmacademy.com/reverse-mortgage" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Florida", "item": "https://hecmacademy.com/reverse-mortgage/florida" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Service", "serviceType": "Reverse Mortgage Education", "name": "Florida Reverse Mortgage (HECM) Education", "description": "Florida HECM reverse mortgage guide for homeowners 62+. Learn how FHA lending limits apply to Florida properties, how the Homestead Exemption affects property taxes, how HUD-approved counseling works, and whether your Florida home qualifies. Spanish-language counseling widely available.", "url": "https://hecmacademy.com/reverse-mortgage/florida", "areaServed": { "@type": "State", "name": "Florida" }, "provider": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "HECMAcademy", "url": "https://hecmacademy.com" } }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are HECMs available in Florida?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. Florida is one of the most active HECM markets in the United States, given its large senior homeowner population. FHA-approved lenders licensed in Florida can originate HECMs throughout the state." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Florida require additional reverse mortgage counseling?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "No state-specific counseling requirement exists beyond the federal HUD mandate. All HECM applicants must complete a one-on-one session with a HUD-approved independent counselor before applying. Florida has many HUD-approved counseling agencies available by phone or in person." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does Florida's Homestead Exemption interact with a HECM?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Florida's Homestead Exemption reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by $50,000 for property tax purposes (with an additional $25,000 for most properties), lowering annual property tax bills. Because HECM borrowers must keep property taxes current, the Homestead Exemption can make that obligation more manageable. The exemption does not affect HECM eligibility." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I have a HELOC on my Florida home?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Existing HELOCs must be paid off and closed at HECM closing. The payoff typically comes from HECM proceeds. If the HELOC balance is large, a lender will calculate whether remaining HECM proceeds after payoff justify the loan." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where can I find a HUD-approved HECM counselor in Florida?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Florida has one of the largest networks of HUD-approved HECM counselors in the country. Use the HUD HECM Counselor Search (link above) filtered to Florida. Spanish-language counseling is widely available, particularly in South Florida." } } ] } ] --- Free HECM guidance — no sales pressure Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm ET [Contact](/contact) [![HECMAcademy — reverse mortgage education](/__l5e/assets-v1/11c6d22b-7f84-4add-8068-34dad2c8a5b7/hecmacademy-logo.png)](/) [How it works](/#how) Learn [Free Guide](/guide)[FAQ](/faq)[Blog](/blog)[Retirement Tax Guide](/retirement-tax-guide)[Heirs Guide](/heirs-guide) By State [California](/reverse-mortgage/california)[Texas](/reverse-mortgage/texas)[Florida](/reverse-mortgage/florida)[Arizona](/reverse-mortgage/arizona)[Colorado](/reverse-mortgage/colorado)[Virginia](/reverse-mortgage/virginia)[Utah](/reverse-mortgage/utah)[Washington](/reverse-mortgage/washington)[Ohio](/reverse-mortgage/ohio)[Illinois](/reverse-mortgage/illinois)[Maryland](/reverse-mortgage/maryland)[North Carolina](/reverse-mortgage/north-carolina)[Oregon](/reverse-mortgage/oregon)[Hawaii](/reverse-mortgage/hawaii) [All states →](/reverse-mortgage) [Calculator](/calculator)[About](/about) [Expert advisor (888) 203-8887 Mon–Fri, 9am–6pm ET ](tel:+18882038887)[Check Eligibility](/#quickcheck) [](tel:+18882038887)[Check Eligibility](/#quickcheck) [HECMAcademy](/) / [State Guides](/reverse-mortgage) / Florida State Guide # Reverse Mortgage (HECM) Guide for Florida Homeowners 62+ Florida has approximately 2 million homeowner households led by someone 62 or older — the highest concentration of senior homeowners of any state in the country. With a median home value of $340,000 and strong equity gains in recent years across Tampa, Miami, and Orlando, many Florida retirees have substantial housing wealth. A HECM can help Florida seniors access that equity to cover healthcare, living expenses, or simply remove the burden of a monthly mortgage payment. Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022 1-Year Estimates (Table B25077); U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2022 1-Year Estimates (Table B25007) 2026 FHA Lending Limit ## $1,249,125 Florida's median home values fall well below the 2026 FHA HECM limit of $1,249,125, meaning most Florida homeowners can access the full available equity on their home through a HECM. High-end coastal properties in Miami Beach or Palm Beach may approach or exceed the cap. Source: HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-21 ## Florida Reverse Mortgage Protections Florida does not impose additional reverse mortgage counseling requirements beyond federal HUD mandates. Florida's Homestead Exemption (Article X, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution) provides significant property tax protections for primary residences, which can reduce annual costs — an important consideration for HECM borrowers who must keep taxes current. Source: Florida Constitution Art. X § 4; Florida Statute § 494.0026 ## HUD-Approved Counseling in Florida Federal law requires an independent counseling session before any HECM application. Counseling can be done by phone and typically takes 60–90 minutes. [Find a HUD-approved counselor in Florida →](https://hudapps.hud.gov/HUDApps/HECMCounselorsApp/?state=FL) ## Florida HECM FAQ ### Are HECMs available in Florida? Yes. Florida is one of the most active HECM markets in the United States, given its large senior homeowner population. FHA-approved lenders licensed in Florida can originate HECMs throughout the state. ### Does Florida require additional reverse mortgage counseling? No state-specific counseling requirement exists beyond the federal HUD mandate. All HECM applicants must complete a one-on-one session with a HUD-approved independent counselor before applying. Florida has many HUD-approved counseling agencies available by phone or in person. ### How does Florida's Homestead Exemption interact with a HECM? Florida's Homestead Exemption reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by $50,000 for property tax purposes (with an additional $25,000 for most properties), lowering annual property tax bills. Because HECM borrowers must keep property taxes current, the Homestead Exemption can make that obligation more manageable. The exemption does not affect HECM eligibility. ### What if I have a HELOC on my Florida home? Existing HELOCs must be paid off and closed at HECM closing. The payoff typically comes from HECM proceeds. If the HELOC balance is large, a lender will calculate whether remaining HECM proceeds after payoff justify the loan. ### Where can I find a HUD-approved HECM counselor in Florida? Florida has one of the largest networks of HUD-approved HECM counselors in the country. Use the HUD HECM Counselor Search (link above) filtered to Florida. Spanish-language counseling is widely available, particularly in South Florida. ### Compare nearby states - [Reverse Mortgage Guide for North Carolina →](/reverse-mortgage/north-carolina) - [Reverse Mortgage Guide for Virginia →](/reverse-mortgage/virginia) [Estimate your HECM — Florida homeowners →](/#prequal?src=state_florida) Reviewed by the HECMAcademy Editorial Team · Last updated June 2026 · [How we vet this content](/about#editorial-standards) ## Get the Free HECM Guide (PDF) An 8-page plain-English guide to how the FHA HECM works — sent straight to your inbox. Company website First nameLast name EmailPhoneZIP code Age range 55-6162-6970-7980+ I agree to receive calls and texts from HECM Academy about reverse mortgages. Not required to get the guide. Reply STOP to opt out. Send Me the Guide We never sell your information. [Privacy policy](/privacy-policy). HECMAcademy is not a lender. This is educational information only. By submitting, you agree to receive our free HECM educational guide and follow-up emails. Unsubscribe anytime. Talk to a HUD-approved counselor Free, independent, and required before any HECM. Not affiliated with HECMAcademy. [1-800-569-4287](tel:+18005694287)[Search by ZIP →](https://hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfm) HECMAcademy Independent education for homeowners 62+ exploring HECM and jumbo proprietary reverse mortgages. Not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. Learn - [Blog](/blog) - [FAQ](/faq) - [Free HECM Guide](/guide) - [Heirs Guide](/heirs-guide) - [Retirement Tax Guide](/retirement-tax-guide) By State - [california](/reverse-mortgage/california) - [texas](/reverse-mortgage/texas) - [florida](/reverse-mortgage/florida) - [arizona](/reverse-mortgage/arizona) - [colorado](/reverse-mortgage/colorado) - [virginia](/reverse-mortgage/virginia) - [utah](/reverse-mortgage/utah) - [washington](/reverse-mortgage/washington) - [ohio](/reverse-mortgage/ohio) - [illinois](/reverse-mortgage/illinois) - [maryland](/reverse-mortgage/maryland) - [north carolina](/reverse-mortgage/north-carolina) - [oregon](/reverse-mortgage/oregon) - [hawaii](/reverse-mortgage/hawaii) [About](/about)[Contact](/contact)[Privacy](/privacy-policy)[Terms](/terms)[(888) 203-8887](tel:+18882038887) © 2026 HECMAcademy. All information is educational and not a loan commitment. HECM borrowers must remain current on property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. HECMAcademy is an independent consumer education platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any lender, mortgage banker, or bank, including any company using a similar name. [Check Eligibility](/#quickcheck)[Call](tel:+18882038887)