How to get a mortgage when you are self-employed in Florida — documentation, loan options, and strategies for approval.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed MLO · NMLS #PENDING · Last updated: February 2026
- 2 years self-employment history required for most loan programs
- Tax returns: 2 years personal AND business returns required (conventional/FHA/VA)
- Problem: tax write-offs reduce qualifying income
- Bank statement loans: alternative for strong depositors with low tax income
- P&L loans: CPA-prepared profit and loss statement
- 1099 loans: for independent contractors receiving 1099 forms
- Asset depletion: qualify on liquid assets instead of income
- Strategies: file less aggressively 2 years before buying, or use non-QM
- Florida has one of the highest self-employment rates in the US