Southwest Florida mortgage loans span a wide range: Collier carries a $764,750 FHA limit while neighbouring Lee sits on the $541,287 floor.
Written by Renzo Johnson, Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator · Figures from HUD, the FHFA and the county housing offices · Last updated: August 2026
Few parts of Florida show a bigger jump across one county line. Collier carries the highest FHA limit in mainland Florida, and Lee immediately north of it uses the standard floor. That gap of $223,463 changes which programme fits.
What you can borrow across Southwest Florida
| County | FHA 1-unit limit | Main cities |
|---|---|---|
| Collier | $764,750 | Naples, Marco Island |
| Lee | $541,287 | Fort Myers, Cape Coral |
| Charlotte | $541,287 | Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte |
Because these limits change every January, confirm your own county on HUD’s FHA mortgage limits lookup before you rely on a figure.
Because the conforming limit is $832,750, a Collier buyer moves from FHA into jumbo within $68,000, whereas a Lee County buyer has nearly $300,000 of conventional room first. Read jumbo loans for what changes above the line.
Flood is the regional question
This coastline carries significant flood and windstorm exposure, and much of the residential stock sits on or near water. When a property falls in a Special Flood Hazard Area your lender must require flood insurance, and that premium enters PITIA alongside principal and interest.
An elevation certificate can materially change the premium on an older home. Our Florida flood insurance page explains when the requirement applies.
Assistance in Southwest Florida
- Collier County down payment assistance
- Lee County down payment assistance
- Hometown Heroes: up to $35,000 statewide, stacking on either
How to get started
First establish which county your target address sits in, because the limit moves sharply at that line. Then get an insurance quote before you fix a budget. Finally, request a free Southwest Florida mortgage quote.
Sources: HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-23, the FHFA 2026 conforming loan limit and the Collier and Lee county housing offices.