Yes, you can get a mortgage in Florida without a Social Security number. An ITIN mortgage lets you qualify with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead, usually with a down payment of 15% to 30% (sometimes 10% to 20% for strong files) and a rate somewhat higher than a conventional loan. Every ITIN loan is subject to lender approval, and the first step is having your US tax returns in order.
Rui Cunha, broker at Royal Star Corp in Deerfield Beach, started his career as a mortgage broker in 2003 and founded his own mortgage brokerage in 2005. He can help you understand where you stand before you apply, in English or Portuguese.
Who an ITIN mortgage is for
An ITIN is a tax number the IRS issues to people who need to file US taxes but aren't eligible for a Social Security number. ITIN mortgages are typically used by:
- Immigrants living and working in Florida without an SSN, who earn income and file taxes with an ITIN.
- People whose immigration status a conventional lender can't document. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans require the lender to confirm lawful residency, not just a tax number (Fannie Mae Selling Guide B2-2-02, Freddie Mac 5103.2).
- Self-employed workers paid on 1099s or in cash deposits, who can show income through tax returns or bank statements.
If you live abroad and want to buy in Florida, a foreign national loan is usually the better fit. See international buyers.
Buying a home does not change your immigration status. For immigration questions, talk to an immigration attorney.
Typical requirements
These are common ranges reported by lenders and mortgage guides, not promises. Each lender sets its own rules, and your file decides the final terms.
- Down payment: generally 15% to 30%; some lenders accept 10% to 20% for strong borrowers (NerdWallet, Sprintax).
- Interest rate: typically about 0.5 to 1.5 percentage points above a comparable 30-year fixed conventional loan (Sprintax, NerdWallet). We don't quote rates here because they change daily.
- Tax history: commonly two years of US tax returns filed with your ITIN (AD Mortgage ITIN program).
- Credit: some lenders use a US credit score if you have one; others accept alternative credit, such as rent, utility and phone payment history (Morty).
- Reserves: many lenders want to see savings left over after closing. Ask how many months they require.
ITIN loans are "non-QM" loans, meaning they fall outside the standard Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA rules. They're offered by non-QM and portfolio lenders, not by every bank.
Documents to gather
Lenders vary, but most ITIN files include (Gustan Cho Associates, AD Mortgage):
- Your IRS ITIN assignment letter (and make sure the ITIN hasn't expired).
- Two years of federal tax returns filed with the ITIN.
- Proof of income: W-2s, 1099s, or 12 to 24 months of bank statements if you're self-employed.
- A valid passport or other government photo ID.
- Rent, utility and phone payment records, often for 12 to 24 months, if you have little or no US credit.
- Bank statements showing your down payment and reserves, plus an explanation of any large deposits.
Tip: keep your money in a US bank account for a few months before you apply, and pay rent by check or transfer, not cash. Funds that can be traced make underwriting much easier.
ITIN vs. conventional vs. FHA
| ITIN (non-QM) | Conventional | FHA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax ID | ITIN | SSN or ITIN, plus documented lawful residency | SSN |
| Who qualifies | ITIN filers, including those who can't document status | Citizens, green card holders, lawful non-permanent residents | US citizens and green card holders (since May 25, 2025) |
| Typical down payment | About 10–30% | Lower minimums available | Low down payment (HUD) |
| Rate | Typically higher | Market rate | Market rate plus mortgage insurance |
| Credit | US score or alternative credit | US credit score; limited alternative-credit options | US credit score |
| Down payment assistance | Generally not eligible | Often eligible | Often eligible |
Sources: Fannie Mae B2-2-02, HUD Mortgagee Letter 2025-09, NerdWallet. Terms vary by lender and are subject to approval.
The May 2025 FHA change matters here. HUD removed FHA eligibility for non-permanent residents for case numbers assigned on or after May 25, 2025, and a Social Security card alone no longer proves status (NAR summary). Some buyers who would have used FHA a year or two ago now need a conventional or ITIN loan instead.
Common pitfalls
- Missing or late tax returns. No filed returns usually means no ITIN loan. Fixing your US taxes is step one, and a CPA or enrolled agent can help.
- An expired ITIN. ITINs that aren't used on a tax return for several years can expire. Check yours before you apply.
- Untraceable cash. Down payment money that can't be documented can stall or kill a loan.
- Shopping for a house before the loan. Get pre-approved first, so you know your real down payment and payment.
- Forgetting the full monthly cost. Florida taxes, insurance and condo or HOA fees add up. Use the mortgage calculator.
- Counting on assistance programs. Florida and county down payment programs generally pair with FHA or conventional loans, so ITIN-only buyers should assume they won't qualify.
- Trusting anyone who "guarantees" approval. No one can. Only the lender approves a loan.
FAQ
Can I buy a house in Florida without a Social Security number?
Yes. You can pay cash with no SSN at all, and some lenders offer ITIN mortgages if you file US taxes with an ITIN. Expect a larger down payment and a higher rate, subject to lender approval.
How much down payment do I need for an ITIN loan?
Generally 15% to 30% of the price, with some lenders accepting 10% to 20% for strong files. Add about 2% to 5% for closing costs (Home Buying Institute, 2025).
Can I get an FHA loan with an ITIN?
No. FHA requires a Social Security number, and since May 25, 2025, it's limited to US citizens, green card holders and a few other groups.
I have no US credit score. Can I still qualify?
Possibly. Many ITIN lenders accept alternative credit, like 12 to 24 months of on-time rent, utility and phone payments.
Can I refinance into a conventional loan later?
If your situation changes, for example you get a green card and build US credit, refinancing into a conventional loan may become possible. It depends on rates, your equity and lender approval at that time.
Does buying a home help my immigration case?
No. Owning property doesn't create any immigration status. Talk to an immigration attorney about your case.
Next: read the full guide to buying a home in Broward and Palm Beach or more answers in the FAQ.
Talk to Rui
Not sure if your documents are ready for an ITIN loan? Send Rui a message and find out.