Palm Beach County FHA Loan Limits for 2026
If you are looking to buy a home in Palm Beach County with an FHA loan, the loan limit for a single-family home in 2026 is $667,000. This limit applies to FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026.
For context, the 2025 limit was $654,350. The increase reflects continued home price appreciation in the county.
How FHA Loan Limits Work
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) sets loan limits by county each year based on median home prices. The National Housing Act requires FHA to calculate limits at 115% of the local median home price, subject to a national floor and ceiling.
- Floor (low-cost areas): $541,287 for a one-unit property in 2026
- Ceiling (high-cost areas): $1,249,125 for a one-unit property in 2026
Palm Beach County falls in the high-cost category, so its limit sits between the floor and ceiling based on local median prices.
Multi-Unit Property Limits in Palm Beach County (2026)
| Property Type | 2026 FHA Limit |
|---|---|
| One-unit (single family) | $667,000 |
| Two-unit (duplex) | $854,600 |
| Three-unit (triplex) | $1,032,550 |
| Four-unit (fourplex) | $1,283,050 |
Source: HUD FHA Mortgage Limits for Palm Beach County, Florida, effective for case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026.
Why the County Limit Matters
The FHA loan limit is the maximum amount the FHA will insure for a mortgage in that county. It is not necessarily the maximum you can borrow — your loan amount is still based on the lower of the purchase price or appraised value, minus your down payment.
If you are buying a home priced above the limit, you would need to either:
- Bring a larger down payment to bring the loan amount under the limit
- Consider a conventional loan with a higher conforming limit ($832,750 for Palm Beach County in 2026)
- Explore a jumbo loan if the price exceeds both FHA and conforming limits
What This Means for Boca Raton and Palm Beach County Buyers
With a 2026 FHA limit of $667,000, many buyers in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and surrounding areas will find the limit accommodates a wide range of home prices — especially with the FHA minimum down payment of 3.5%.
For example, with 3.5% down, a $667,000 loan limit supports a purchase price of approximately $691,000. Homes above that price would require a larger down payment to stay within the FHA limit.
FHA vs. Conventional Limits in Palm Beach County (2026)
| Loan Type | One-Unit Limit (2026) |
|---|---|
| FHA | $667,000 |
| Conventional (conforming) | $832,750 |
The conventional conforming limit is higher, which gives buyers more flexibility if they qualify for conventional financing. FHA remains valuable for borrowers with lower credit scores, higher debt-to-income ratios, or smaller down payments.
Key Reminders for FHA Buyers
- Loan limits apply to the base loan amount, not the purchase price. Your down payment reduces the loan amount.
- Limits are based on the county, not the city or zip code. All of Palm Beach County shares the same limit.
- FHA requires the property to meet minimum property standards and pass an FHA appraisal.
- Mortgage insurance is required: an upfront premium (1.75% of the loan amount) plus annual premiums (0.55% for most 30-year loans with less than 5% down).
- Your actual loan amount also depends on your qualifications — credit score, debt-to-income ratio, employment history, and reserves.
Next Steps
The county limit is a starting point. Your real buying power depends on your full financial picture. The best way to know what you qualify for is to get a personalized pre-approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 FHA loan limit for a single-family home in Palm Beach County?
$667,000. This applies to FHA case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026.
Can I borrow more than the FHA limit if I put more money down?
The FHA will not insure a loan above the county limit regardless of down payment. If the home price requires a loan above the limit, you would need a different loan type (conventional or jumbo) or a larger down payment to bring the loan amount under the FHA limit.
Does the limit include the upfront mortgage insurance premium?
No. The upfront mortgage insurance premium (1.75%) can be financed on top of the base loan amount, but the base loan amount cannot exceed the county limit.
What if I am buying a condo in Boca Raton?
The same county limit applies. However, the condo project must be on FHA’s approved list or meet FHA’s project eligibility requirements. This is a separate hurdle from the loan limit.
Where can I check the official FHA limit for a specific address?
You can use the HUD FHA Mortgage Limits lookup tool by entering the property address or county.
Loan limits are published annually by HUD and are subject to change. This article reflects the 2026 limits effective for case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2026. Always verify current limits with your loan officer before making decisions.
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