Florida Ground-Up Construction Financing

Build It In Florida.
Finance It. Fund It Fast.

From vacant lot to finished structure — MortgageHouz connects Florida builders, developers, and investors with ground-up construction capital designed for speed, flexibility, and maximum leverage.

Proudly serving Orlando, Tampa, Miami and builders across all of Florida.

90%
Max LTC
75%
Max LTV / LTARV
680+
Min Credit Score
$5M+
Max Loan Size
Program Snapshot
  • Loan Type: Short-term construction — 12 to 24 months
  • Leverage: Up to 90% LTC · Up to 75% LTARV
  • Interest: Interest-only on drawn funds — not full commitment
  • Draws: Milestone-based, funded within 24–72 hours
  • Entities: LLC, LP, and Corporation closings accepted
  • Income Docs: Not required — experience-based underwriting available
  • Land Equity: Counts toward down payment / borrower contribution
  • Florida Coverage: Orlando, Tampa, Miami and statewide
Request a Florida Quote →
🏗️ New Construction · Spec · Custom Homes 🗺️ Statewide Florida Coverage ⚡ Fast Draws — As Quick As 24 Hours 🏢 LLC & Entity Closings Welcome 🔒 No Personal Income Docs Required
What Is Ground-Up Financing?

From Bare Land To Finished Asset In Florida

Florida's population growth continues to outpace new housing supply, keeping builders active from Orlando's Central Florida corridor to Tampa Bay and South Florida. Hurricane-code construction and strong buyer demand make Florida one of the most active ground-up markets in the Southeast.

A ground-up construction loan funds the entire build process from land acquisition through final completion. Unlike a traditional mortgage on an existing property, construction loans finance a property that does not yet exist — releasing capital in stages as work is verified on site.

During construction you pay interest only on the amount that has been drawn, not the full loan commitment — keeping carrying costs low in early phases. Once complete, your exit in Florida is a sale, a refinance into a DSCR rental loan, or a one-time-close permanent conversion.

Key Metrics At A Glance
Loan-to-Cost (LTC)
Up to 90% of total project cost
Loan-to-After Repair Value (LTARV)
Up to 75% of completed value
Loan Term
12 – 24 months
Typical Interest Rate Range
From ~8.875% (varies by profile)
Origination Fees
1–2% of loan amount
Draw Inspection Fee
$150 – $250 per draw
Interest Reserve
Often built into loan
Prepayment Penalty
None on most programs
Min Credit Score
680+
Closing Timeline
15 – 30 days
Financing Programs

5 Powerful Programs. One Expert Team.

We match your Florida project to the right construction lending program — whether you're building a single-family spec home, a multifamily complex, or a full subdivision.

🏡

Multifamily & Townhome

Purpose-built for 2–10 unit residential properties, townhome communities, and infill multifamily in Florida.

  • Up to 85% LTC on total project cost
  • Up to 75% of as-completed value
  • Min. 680 credit score
  • Flexible lease-up and sell-out exit strategies
  • Terms: 18–24 months
  • Milestone draws funded in 24–72 hrs
🏗️

Custom Home — One-Time Close

Single-close loan that finances land acquisition and construction, then converts to permanent financing automatically.

  • Combines land purchase + build into one loan
  • Construction-to-permanent in a single close
  • Up to 80% LTC during construction phase
  • Interest-only during build; converts on CO
  • Great for owner-builders and custom build clients
🔄

Build-to-Rent (B2R)

Transitions from interest-only construction to a 30-year DSCR rental loan at completion — popular with Florida portfolio investors.

  • Construction phase: interest-only on drawn funds
  • Converts to 30- or 40-year DSCR at CO
  • No tax returns or DTI calculation at refinance
  • Up to 75% LTV on permanent DSCR loan
  • SFR, 2–4 unit, and small multifamily eligible
Advanced Program
🌅

Subdivision & Scattered-Site Program

For experienced Florida developers building multiple properties under one program — from scattered-site portfolios to platted subdivisions and infill communities.

  • Multiple simultaneous builds under one credit facility
  • Cross-collateralization available to increase leverage
  • Land equity reimbursement at closing
  • Lot purchase reimbursement up to 65% of land value
90%
Max LTC
$5M+
Max Loan
680
Min Score
3+
Projects Req.
18–24
Term (Mo)
LLC/LP/Corp
Entities
24–72h
Draw Speed
None
Income Docs
The Process

5 Steps From Blueprint To Funded

1
Submit Your Florida Quote Request
Share basic project details — property type, Florida location, loan amount, and your experience level. Takes 2 minutes.
2
Pre-Qual Within 24 Hrs
Our team reviews your project and connects you with the best-fit program. Most pre-qualifications are returned same or next business day.
3
Submit Full File
Approved construction plans, project budget, contractor agreements, and permits. We walk you through exactly what's needed.
4
Close In 15–30 Days
Loan closes in your LLC or entity. Interest reserve is often built in. Land equity is credited toward your borrower contribution.
5
Build & Draw Funds
Funds release within 24–72 hours of each milestone inspection. Pay interest only on what's been drawn. Crews stay paid, projects stay on schedule.
Draw Schedule

How Funds Are Released

Construction funds are disbursed in stages tied to verified milestones — protecting both the lender and your Florida project timeline. Each draw is inspected and funded within 24–72 hours of approval.

Draw PhaseMilestone / TriggerTypical % of BudgetNotes
Draw 1 — InitialClosing / Land acquisition & site prep5–10%Lot purchase reimbursement available up to 65% of land value
Draw 2 — FoundationFoundation poured & inspected10–15%Third-party inspection required; interest begins accruing on drawn amount
Draw 3 — FramingFraming complete, roof sheathed20–25%Structural milestone — largest single draw for most projects
Draw 4 — MechanicalsHVAC, plumbing, electrical rough-in15–20%Required inspections: mechanical, plumbing, electrical rough-in
Draw 5 — Drywall & InteriorDrywall hung and taped; insulation complete10–15%Interior work progressing; exterior nearly complete
Draw 6 — FinishesFlooring, cabinets, fixtures, trim15–20%Near-complete milestone; landscaping and drives may be included
Draw 7 — FinalCertificate of Occupancy issued10–15%Final disbursement triggers permanent conversion or sale payoff

Draw fees typically $150–$250 per inspection. Schedules are customized per project. Contingency fund of 10–20% of total budget recommended.

Qualification Guidelines

Do You Qualify In Florida?

Our programs are designed for real estate investors, builders, and developers — not owner-occupants. Here's what lenders typically look for.

✅ Borrower Requirements

  • Minimum 680 credit score (some programs allow 660 with compensating factors)
  • Experience evaluated — 2 to 3 completed ground-up builds preferred
  • First-time builders may qualify with a strong general contractor & detailed plans
  • Must close in LLC, LP, or Corporation — no personal vesting
  • No personal income documentation required on most programs

🏗️ Project Requirements

  • Approved construction plans, permits, and project budget required at submission
  • Licensed general contractor with signed contractor agreement
  • Shovel-ready Florida projects get fastest approvals and maximum LTC
  • Contingency fund of 10–20% of total hard costs strongly recommended
  • Builder's risk insurance required prior to first draw

📋 What You'll Need

  • Construction plans and specifications
  • Full project budget (hard costs, soft costs, contingency)
  • Contractor agreements and builder resume / track record
  • Copy of lot purchase contract or current deed
  • Entity documents (LLC operating agreement, etc.)

🔁 Exit Strategy Options

  • Sell — Pay off construction loan from sale proceeds at closing
  • DSCR Refinance — Refinance into a 30- or 40-year rental loan, no income docs
  • Construction-to-Perm — Single-close option converts automatically at CO
  • Build-to-Rent (B2R) — Interest-only through construction, then long-term DSCR loan
Eligible Property Types

What We Finance In Florida

Ground-up construction loans for investment and builder-owned properties across Orlando, Tampa, Miami and the rest of Florida.

🏠

Single-Family Spec

Standalone homes in residential areas — built to sell or rent.

🏡

2–4 Unit

Duplex, triplex, and quadplex new construction for investors.

🏢

Multifamily 5–10 Unit

Small apartment buildings, lease-up or build-to-rent strategies.

🏙️

Townhome Projects

Attached and detached townhome communities and infill developments.

🗺️

Subdivision / Platted Land

Scattered-site or platted residential subdivision programs.

🏗️

Mixed-Use (Residential Majority)

Buildings with residential above retail — majority residential use required.

🌳

Custom Homes

Custom home builds where the borrower does not intend to occupy.

🔄

Build-to-Rent Portfolios

Single or multiple SFRs built for long-term rental income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Florida Ground-Up Financing — Answered

Are ground-up construction loans available throughout Florida?
Yes. MortgageHouz funds ground-up construction loans across Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and surrounding markets, as part of our nationwide footprint covering 48 states plus DC. A small number of state-specific restrictions may apply — contact us and we'll confirm availability for your exact project location.
What's the difference between LTC and LTARV?
Loan-to-Cost (LTC) measures the loan against what you spend to build — land, hard costs, soft costs, and contingency. LTARV (Loan-to-After-Repair-Value) measures the loan against what the finished property is appraised at when complete. Most Florida programs cap at 90% LTC AND 75% LTARV — whichever is more conservative governs your maximum loan amount.
Can I use land I already own as part of my down payment?
Yes. Most programs allow land equity to count toward your borrower contribution. If you own the lot free and clear, some programs will finance up to 100% of the construction cost as long as the total loan stays within LTC and LTARV limits.
Do I need to provide tax returns or personal income documents?
No traditional income documentation is required on most of our ground-up programs. Underwriting is primarily based on your experience, the project strength, and the as-completed value.
What if I'm a first-time builder in Florida with no completed projects?
Some programs are open to less-experienced builders, particularly if you have a licensed and experienced general contractor with a strong track record, a detailed project plan, and a larger equity contribution. Tell us your situation and we'll find the best fit.
How quickly can I access draw funds during construction?
Once a draw request is submitted with the required documentation and inspection is completed, funds are typically disbursed within 24 to 72 hours on most programs. Fast draws keep your Florida crews paid and your projects on schedule.
Can I close the loan in an LLC or business entity?
Yes, and in most cases it's required. Ground-up construction loans are business-purpose loans and must be closed in the name of an LLC, LP, or Corporation.

Ready To Break Ground In Florida?

No obligation. Our team responds within 24 hours.

Request A Florida Quote Now →