2026 loan limits in Pinellas County
These are the 2026 limits for one-unit homes in Pinellas County, set by HUD (FHA) and FHFA (conforming). Two- to four-unit properties have higher limits. We confirm the current figures before every rate lock.
Buying a home in Pinellas County
Pinellas is Florida's most densely populated county and almost fully built out, so most purchases are resales, often older homes or Gulf-front condos. After Helene's 2024 surge, buyers in St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and low-lying parts of St. Petersburg should get flood and wind quotes before going under contract. Older condo buildings must meet the state's milestone-inspection and reserve-study rules, which affects which loans are available.
Areas served in Pinellas County
- St. Petersburg
- Clearwater · FHA loans, Jumbo loans, DSCR loans
- Largo
- Dunedin
- Palm Harbor
- Tarpon Springs
- St. Pete Beach
Also serving Seminole and the rest of Pinellas County.
Florida closing costs on a Pinellas County purchase
Example: a $560,000 purchase with an FHA loan of $540,400. The state taxes on that deal:
- Deed doc stamps: $0.70 per $100 of price = $3,920. The standard Florida contract has the seller pay this; check yours.
- Doc stamps on the mortgage note: $0.35 per $100 of loan = $1,891. Paid by the buyer.
- Intangible tax on the mortgage: 0.2% of the loan = $1,081. Paid by the buyer.
Add title insurance, lender fees, prepaid taxes and insurance, and recording fees for the full picture. Run your own numbers with the Florida closing cost calculator.
Homestead exemption in Pinellas County
If the home will be your primary residence, file for the homestead exemption with the Pinellas County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the year after you close. It can take up to about $50,000 off your assessed value and caps future increases under Save Our Homes. Details in the homestead guide.
Loan programs available in Pinellas County
- Conventional: Low down payment options for qualifying first-time buyers.
- FHA: Low down payment and flexible credit; minimum scores vary by lender.
- VA: For eligible veterans and service members.
- USDA: For eligible homes in qualifying rural and suburban areas.
- Jumbo: Loans above the conforming limit.
- DSCR: Investment property qualified on rental income.
- Bank statement: For self-employed borrowers.
- Construction-to-perm: One closing for building a new home.
- Foreign national: For buyers without US credit.
- Down payment assistance: Including Florida Hometown Heroes.