The equity in your home that you can access and borrow is known as tappable equity. According to TransUnion, tappable equity averages $206,000 in Florida. A home equity loan (HEL) can help you maximize your home equity, whether you're looking to fund home improvement projects or consolidate debt.
Florida's home equity loan rates are just under national averages — 7.6% APR for a 10-year term (7.7% nationally) and 7.9% APR for a 15-year term, which aligns with the national rate. We've compiled detailed insights on current home equity loan rates in Florida, including city-specific rates, top lenders and tips on securing the best rates for using your home's equity.
Home Equity Loan Rates in Florida (January 2025)
The current home equity loan rates in Florida for 10-year loans average 7.6%, slightly below the national rate of 7.7%. The 15-year loan rate in Florida is 7.9%, matching the national average.
Updated: January 15, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Higher LTV ratios lead to higher rates. The average APR for a 15-year HEL in Florida with an 80% LTV is 7.8%, compared to 8.1% for a 90% LTV.
HEL rates vary by city in Florida. For example, for 15-year loans, Forest City has an average APR of 6.5%, whereas Zephyrhills's is 10.5%.
Different lenders offer varying rates for the same loan types. Miami Postal Service Credit Union's average APR is 4.9%, whereas PNC Bank's is 10.1%.
MoneyGeek examined 70 different banks and credit unions in Florida using S&P Global's SNL Depository Rates dataset to stay current on the latest home equity loan rates.
This data is accurate as of January 2025.
Current Home Equity Loan Rates in Florida
The current average APR for a 15-year home equity loan in Florida is 7.9%, but several factors might impact what lenders offer. For instance, a higher credit score usually results in a lower APR, while a larger loan amount might increase the rate. Repayment terms also play a role in determining the rates. Explore the table to compare current home equity loan rates in Florida across different loan terms.
10Year | 7.6% |
15Year | 7.9% |
5Year | 7.4% |
Home equity loan interest rates change daily. Keeping track of these rates can help you pay less in interest over the life of the loan, saving you money. It also allows you to accurately plan your budget and future expenses, ensuring you're borrowing within your means.
For example, a 15-year home equity loan with a 7.9% APR results in a monthly payment of $475 and a total interest of $35,490. In contrast, a 10-year loan with a 7.6% APR has a monthly payment of $596 and a total interest of $21,535.
Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are popular options for homeowners to tap into their home's equity. Home equity loans have fixed rates, averaging 7.7%, while HELOC rates in Florida are variable, averaging 8.2%.
Fixed rates mean consistent monthly payments, providing financial predictability. Variable rates can start lower but may increase, leading to higher payments over time, especially with HELOC rates in Florida.
Home Equity Loan Rates by LTV Ratio
The rate you qualify for depends on your loan-to-value ratio, which is the proportion of your mortgage balance to your home's appraised value. To calculate your LTV ratio, divide your current mortgage balance by your home's appraised value and multiply by 100. For example, if your home is valued at $300,000 and you owe $240,000 on your mortgage, your LTV ratio is 80%.
A higher LTV ratio presents a higher risk to lenders, resulting in higher rates. In Florida, the average APR for a 15-year equity loan with an LTV ratio of 80% is 7.8%, while it is 8.1% for a 90% LTV ratio. Use the table below to see what rates you might qualify for based on your LTV ratio.
7.6% | 7.8% |
Home Equity Loan Rates by City in Florida
Average APRs also vary between cities in Florida. In larger or more densely populated cities, more lenders compete, which can lead to lower interest rates. Differences in property taxes or local fees can also influence rates, as these affect overall borrowing costs.
In Florida, Tyndall AFB has an average APR of 6.1%, while Loxahatchee's average APR is 10.1%. Below is a table showing the cities in Florida and their average APRs for home equity loans with different terms.
10Year | 7.5% |
15Year | 7.8% |
5Year | 7.3% |
Home Equity Loan Lenders in Florida
Home equity loan rates in Florida vary significantly between lenders, driven by each lender's policies and market strategies. For instance, Miami Postal Service Credit Union offers the lowest average APR at 4.9%, while both American Commerce Bank and Suncoast Credit Union present the highest rates at 10.0%.
Comparing rates and terms from different lenders is essential for securing the lowest home equity loan rates. Explore the interactive table below to find lenders in your city offering competitive rates.
VyStar Credit Union | 6.6% |
Campus USA Credit Union | 8.0% |
Including credit unions in your lender options for home equity loan rates in Florida can be beneficial. While commercial banks have an average APR of 8.7%, credit unions offer a lower rate of 7.5%. Credit unions typically provide better rates but may have stricter membership requirements. Consider these factors when exploring your loan options.
How to Get the Best Home Equity Loan Rate in Florida
Securing a good home equity interest rate can result in lower monthly payments and reduced overall costs, possibly freeing up funds for other financial goals. To lock in the best home equity loan rate in Florida, consider these strategies:
Compare lenders
Lenders may offer different APRs for the same loan amount and credit profile. For instance, Tyndall Federal Credit Union advertises an average APR of 6.1%, while Suncoast Credit Union offers 10.0%. Comparing different home equity loan lenders in Florida can help you find better rates.
Increase your home's equity
Having more equity in your home can result in more competitive rates from lenders. Florida homeowners can increase their home's equity by hurricane-proofing or adding patio enclosures.
Improve your credit score
Increasing your credit score can lead to more competitive home equity loan rates. Pay bills on time and reduce credit card debt to improve your credit score. The average credit score in Florida is 698, according to Equifax.
Decrease debt-to-income ratio
A lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratio — the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward paying debts — can lead to better rates as lenders see you as a less risky borrower.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Provide your income and recurring payments to calculate your DTI.
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FAQ About Home Equity Loan Rates in Florida
MoneyGeek addresses common homeowner questions about home equity loan rates, providing precise and reliable information for Florida residents.
What is the interest rate on a home equity loan in Florida?
As of January 2025, the average APRs for home equity loans in Florida are 7.4% for 5-year, 7.6% for 10-year, and 7.9% for 15-year terms. Rates may vary based on factors like credit score.
How do you calculate your home equity in Florida?
To calculate your home equity, subtract any outstanding mortgage balance from your home's current market value. Understanding home equity requirements can help in this process.
Do home equity loan rates vary between cities in Florida?
Yes, they can vary. For instance, Tyndall AFB has an average APR of 6.1%, while Loxahatchee is at 10.1% as of January 2025.
Does a home equity loan in Florida have tax benefits?
Interest on a home equity loan may be tax-deductible if the funds are used for home improvement.
What are possible drawbacks of securing a home equity loan in Florida?
Potential drawbacks include the risk of foreclosure if you can't repay the loan and possibly higher interest rates compared to other types of financing.
How long does it take to get a home equity loan in Florida?
The process typically takes several weeks, depending on lender requirements and the completeness of your application.
How do you get a home equity loan in Florida?
Start by assessing your eligibility for a home equity loan, including credit score requirements, and then apply with a lender.
What can I use my funds for? Are there any home equity loan use restrictions in Florida?
Funds can typically be used for home improvements, debt consolidation, or other personal expenses. Lenders may have specific restrictions.
Can you only take out a home equity loan in Florida on your primary residence?
You can apply for a home equity loan on your primary residence, but some lenders may also allow loans on second homes or investment properties.
What other home equity products can you consider if you want to tap into your home's equity in Florida?
Consider a cash-out refinance or a HELOC as other types of loans to access your home equity.
What's the difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan?
A HELOC offers a revolving line of credit with a draw period and may have an annual fee, while a home equity loan provides a lump sum with fixed interest rates.
About Zachary Romeo, CBCA
Zachary Romeo is a certified Commercial Banking and Credit Analyst (CBCA), and the Head of Loans and Banking at MoneyGeek. Previously, he led production teams for some of the largest online informational resources in higher education, with over 13 years of experience in editorial production.
Romeo has a bachelor's degree in biological engineering from Cornell University. He geeks out on minimizing personal debt and helping others do the same through people-first content.
sources
- Experian. "What Is the Average Credit Score in the U.S.?." Accessed January 15, 2025.
- TransUnion. "Home Equity Trends Report — Q4 2023." Accessed January 15, 2025.