USDA income limits are set at 115% of the Area Median Income for your county and household size. For a family of 1–4 in the Orlando/Orange County area, the limit is approximately $106,550. Larger households get higher limits. Importantly, USDA uses total household income — not just the borrower’s — so all adults in the home may count. The limit exists to ensure the program serves moderate-income buyers, not as a hurdle to exclude people.

Genuinely $0 down — no minimum. The “catch” is that USDA loans carry a 1% upfront guarantee fee (rolled into the loan) and an annual fee of 0.35% of the outstanding loan balance, paid monthly. This is far lower than FHA’s MIP and there’s no monthly PMI. The other constraints are property location (must be USDA-eligible) and income limits. If you qualify, it’s one of the best deals in mortgage lending.

Yes. USDA loans can be used for new construction as well as existing homes, as long as the property is in a USDA-eligible location and will be your primary residence. The home must meet USDA’s modest property requirements — but that covers the vast majority of new builds in eligible Florida communities.

The official tool is eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov — enter the property address and it will tell you instantly. Alternatively, tell me the address and I’ll check it for you as part of a no-obligation strategy call. Maps are updated periodically, so always verify before making an offer.

Since USDA already requires $0 down, any DPA funds would be applied to closing costs. Florida’s Hometown Heroes program and county SHIP programs can be layered on top of USDA loans to help cover closing costs — potentially allowing you to close with very little out of pocket at all.