Buying your first Florida home, lowering your rate, or cashing out equity — your VA benefit covers all three. Jason has specialized in VA loans for 30+ years and will tell you exactly which option makes the most sense for your situation.
Watch how Jason keeps your information private while getting you a great rate.
Not sure which applies to you? That's what the consultation is for. Jason will tell you plainly which option saves you the most.
Best if: you are buying a home and have VA eligibility
Best if: you have an existing VA loan and want a lower rate
Best if: you want to access equity or convert a non-VA loan to VA
The Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 permanently removed VA loan limits for veterans with full entitlement. Down payment requirements vary by loan program, property, and credit — contact me to review your options.
Down payment requirements vary by loan program, property, and credit — contact me to review your options.
FHFA county loan limits still apply only to veterans with partial remaining entitlement — those carrying an active VA loan. If you have full entitlement restored, no county cap applies to you.
The Act equalized funding fee rates for National Guard and Reserve members with regular military. It also extended the funding fee waiver to active-duty service members who have received the Purple Heart — including personnel at MacDill AFB, NAS Jacksonville, and NAS Pensacola.
The VA funding fee is a one-time charge that keeps the program self-sustaining for future veterans. It can be financed into the loan. Many veterans pay nothing at all — tell Jason your status before we run any numbers.
| Down Payment | First Use | After First |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 5% | 2.15% | 3.30% |
| 5% – 9.99% | 1.50% | 1.50% |
| 10% or more | 1.25% | 1.25% |
| VA IRRRL (any) | 0.50% | |
VA funding fee is the same for Army, Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, Regular Military, National Guard, and Reserves.
Exemption Requirements
The exemption must be documented at closing. Acceptable documentation includes a VA disability award letter, a benefits summary letter from VA.gov, or a Certificate of Eligibility that reflects the exemption. If you are later awarded VA compensation with an effective date before your closing date, you may be eligible for a funding fee refund. Jason can walk you through this.
On a $420,000 Florida loan:
Contact me to review whether a funding fee exemption applies to your situation.
Reviewed and updated September 2026 by Jason L. Esposito, Mortgage Loan Officer · NMLS# 308764 · Licensed in Florida
Official sources
Program rules, limits, and availability can change. Confirm current requirements before applying.
Jason has worked with veterans for 30+ years. He answers his own phone, works by text or email, and will tell you plainly whether a refinance makes sense — even if the answer is not yet.
Not a phone call person? Happy to work by text or email. No pressure. Just answers.