In Late-Q1 2026, Miami and West Palm Beach buyers typically put down ~20%, while Fort Lauderdale averaged mid-teens, keeping these Florida metros above national norms.
Orlando buyers typically put down ~14%, Tampa ~10%, and Jacksonville single digits; Tampa and Miami were among the few major markets posting yearly gains.
Analysts said higher home prices in Tampa and Miami kept pushing buyers to bring more cash to closing, even as competition eased in many markets.
Housing experts said some Florida buyers chose smaller down payments to preserve savings for moving expenses, home repairs, and other costs tied to purchase.
Even in a more balanced market, Florida buyers still faced higher upfront costs in Late-Q1 than many nationwide, with down payments well above pre-2020 levels.
