FHA Loan Pinellas County FL — First-Time Buyers & Condo Specialists
Lena Polnet (NMLS #17225) has helped Pinellas County buyers close FHA loans for 28+ years. From St. Petersburg’s waterfront neighborhoods to Clearwater Beach condos and Largo’s affordable entry-level market, Lena connects buyers with FHA programs that work for their situation. Dynamic Funding Solutions, Inc. (NMLS #17144) is licensed in Florida and Pennsylvania. Call (215) 364-7171 to get started.
How FHA Loans Work in Pinellas County
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and designed to help buyers with lower down payments or less-than-perfect credit. In Pinellas County, the 2025 FHA loan limit is $524,225 for a single-family home — sufficient for the majority of entry-level and mid-range properties across St. Pete, Clearwater, Largo, and Pinellas Park. Buyers need a minimum 3.5% down payment with a 580+ credit score, or 10% down with scores as low as 500. FHA loans require both an upfront mortgage insurance premium (1.75% of the loan amount) and annual MIP. Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers down payment assistance programs that can be layered with FHA financing for eligible Pinellas buyers.
Communities Served in Pinellas County
Lena serves all of Pinellas County including: St. Petersburg, the county’s largest city with a booming arts district and diverse housing stock from historic bungalows to new construction; Clearwater, home to world-famous beaches, an active condo market, and strong FHA-approved development inventory; Largo, one of the most affordable entry points in the Tampa Bay area for first-time buyers; Dunedin, a charming waterfront community popular with buyers seeking character homes and walkable downtown access; Safety Harbor, known for its small-town atmosphere on Tampa Bay’s eastern shore; Tarpon Springs, the historic Greek sponge-diving community with a distinct cultural character and affordable housing; Pinellas Park, offering some of the lowest price points in the county; St. Pete Beach, a barrier island community with high vacation rental demand; Treasure Island, a Gulf-front beach community popular with both primary residents and investors; Palm Harbor, an unincorporated community with top-rated schools and strong family demand; Seminole, a quiet inland community between St. Pete and Clearwater with solid value; and Kenneth City, a small enclave offering exceptional value close to major employment corridors.
FHA vs Conventional Loan in Pinellas County
FHA loans typically win for Pinellas buyers who have credit scores below 700, limited savings for a down payment, or are purchasing in one of the county’s many FHA-approved condo developments. Conventional loans may be better for buyers with 700+ credit and 10–20% down, particularly in higher-priced coastal neighborhoods where MIP avoidance yields real long-term savings. Lena runs a side-by-side comparison for every buyer before committing to a program.
FAQ — FHA Loans in Pinellas County
- Is FHA condo financing available in Clearwater?
- Yes — but only in FHA-approved condo developments. Clearwater has a number of HUD-approved condo associations, particularly on the beach corridor. Lena verifies FHA approval status for any condo you’re considering before you make an offer. If the association isn’t approved, a Single-Unit Approval (spot approval) may be possible depending on the project’s financial health.
- What is the FHA loan limit for Pinellas County in 2025?
- The 2025 FHA conforming loan limit for Pinellas County is $524,225 for a single-family (1-unit) property. Limits increase for 2-unit ($671,200), 3-unit ($811,275), and 4-unit ($1,008,300) properties. Pinellas County falls within the standard limit area — not a high-cost designation — so these are the HUD baseline figures.
- Are there down payment assistance programs in Pinellas County?
- Yes. Florida Housing Finance Corporation offers the Florida Assist and HFA Preferred programs, which provide second mortgage down payment assistance that can be layered with FHA financing. Pinellas County itself and the City of St. Petersburg also operate homebuyer assistance funds for income-qualified buyers. Lena identifies which programs you qualify for during your initial consultation.
- FHA Loan (Q2477520) — Federal Housing Administration mortgage program
- Dynamic Funding Solutions (Q17020729) — Licensed mortgage broker NMLS #17144
- Pinellas County, Florida (Q104904) — Tampa Bay area coastal county
- Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Q2832401) — State DPA and first-time buyer programs
Pinellas County is Florida’s most densely populated county, encompassing the St. Petersburg–Clearwater metro area on a peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Its real estate market includes a significant concentration of condominium developments — many FHA-approved — making FHA financing a common path for buyers in beach communities like Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach, and Treasure Island. The 2025 FHA limit of $524,225 covers the vast majority of starter and mid-range homes in the county.
Apply for an FHA Loan in Pinellas County
Call (215) 364-7171 or visit dynamicfunding.net.
Dynamic Funding Solutions, Inc. — NMLS #17144 | Lena Polnet — NMLS #17225 | Licensed in Pennsylvania and Florida | Equal Housing Lender