Mixed-Use & 2-8 Unit Loans in Florida

Florida small multifamily and mixed-use is concentrated in Miami-Dade urban infill, Tampa Bay (Seminole Heights, Riverside), Jacksonville, and Orlando. State has been net-positive on permitting and zoning reform for missing-middle housing in many metros.

Top Florida markets for mixed-use & 2-8 unit

  • Miami-Dade: Wynwood, Allapattah, Little Haiti - mixed-use redevelopment.
  • Tampa Bay: Seminole Heights, Riverside duplex/triplex inventory.
  • Orlando: Downtown infill 2-8 unit converted bungalows and SROs.

Florida quick facts

  • Active urban small-MF market
  • Missing-middle zoning reforms ongoing
  • No state income tax

Florida Mixed-Use & 2-8 Unit FAQs

FL 5-8 unit DSCR - typical rate vs. SFR DSCR?

Typically 0.25-0.5% above SFR DSCR. FL has multiple lenders comfortable with small multifamily; pricing competitive.

FL mixed-use commercial-space ratio caps?

Most programs require residential >50% of gross rent. Miami-Dade urban projects often have 30-40% retail; lender review required.

General mixed-use & 2-8 unit questions

What’s the difference between a 5-unit DSCR and a commercial multifamily loan?

A 5-unit DSCR loan uses residential underwriting (single appraiser, no commercial DCR analysis, no recourse trigger from KPIs) at smaller loan sizes. Commercial multifamily uses a Yield Maintenance / Defeasance / DSCR-floor structure and is usually $1M+. DSCR programs are simpler and faster for 5-8 unit properties under $2M.

How is mixed-use defined?

Most programs require residential rent to make up at least 51% of gross income. Commercial space cannot exceed 35–49% of total square footage depending on the lender.

Will a vacant commercial unit kill my DSCR?

Vacant commercial space is usually credited at 0 income, which lowers DSCR. A few programs allow market-rent crediting for vacant commercial if comparable leases support it.

See all Mixed-Use & 2-8 Unit guidelines and FAQs →

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