Zero down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates — available to veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. Alex Doce has been originating VA loans for 38+ years.
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VA-backed loans offer advantages that no other mortgage program can match.
Purchase a home with zero money down at closing — the most significant advantage of a VA loan compared to conventional or FHA financing.
VA loan rates are typically 0.25% to 0.50% lower than conventional loans — translating to substantial savings over the life of your mortgage.
Unlike conventional loans that require PMI for down payments below 20%, VA loans never charge mortgage insurance — saving hundreds per month.
VA loans are more forgiving on credit scores than conventional mortgages. At The Doce Mortgage Group, we offer VA loans with FICO scores as low as 500.
The VA limits closing costs to no more than 1% of the total loan amount (the VA 1% rule) — compared to 2% to 5% for conventional loans.
VA loans can be transferred to another eligible veteran at sale. No prepayment penalties, no maximum loan amounts for full entitlement borrowers, and no limit on how many times you can use the benefit.
See if you qualify for a VA loan — check your eligibility in minutes.
Check My EligibilityFlorida is home to the third largest veteran population in the country — and VA loans make homeownership more accessible than ever.
VA home loans are backed by the federal government, not banks. This allows for more favorable rates, zero down payment, and no PMI — benefits that conventional lenders simply can’t match for qualifying borrowers.
Together, the zero down payment, no PMI, and lower interest rates can save veterans tens of thousands of dollars over the life of their loan — making it significantly easier for those who have served to purchase a place they can call home.
VA loans are available to U.S. veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and surviving spouses of qualifying veterans. Eligibility is confirmed through a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).
VA purchase loans can be used toward primary residences in every Florida county — from Jacksonville to Miami, Fort Lauderdale to Tampa, and everywhere in between.
VA-backed financing covers purchasing, refinancing, and even energy-efficient home improvements.
Buy a home with competitive interest rates and without the costly hurdle of a down payment or private mortgage insurance. Available for primary residences in all Florida counties.
Turn home equity into cash by replacing your current mortgage with a new VA loan. Typically used to pay off debt, make home improvements, buy additional real estate, or cover other large expenses.
The Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan lets you refinance an existing VA loan to a lower rate or convert an adjustable-rate mortgage into a fixed-rate — with minimal paperwork and no appraisal.
Finance up to $6,000 toward energy-efficient improvements like solar panels, insulation, or efficient windows and doors — rolled into your VA loan at closing.
We specialize in helping veterans, active-duty service members, and their families secure Florida VA loans.
Alex Doce has been originating VA loans since 1987. We understand the unique requirements, challenges, and opportunities of VA financing better than most lenders.
Every veteran’s situation is different. We provide personalized service tailored to your specific needs — from first-time buyers to those restoring entitlement.
Get expert advice on your VA loan options in Fort Lauderdale and across Florida.
Talk to a VA SpecialistTo qualify for a VA-backed home loan, you must meet the following criteria.
Be a U.S. veteran, active-duty service member, or the surviving, not-remarried spouse of a qualifying veteran.
Have served 90 days of active service during wartime, 181 days during peacetime, or 6 years in the National Guard or Reserves.
If a surviving spouse, the veteran must have died in service or as a direct result of a service-related disability.
Have a current Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — a VA document confirming your eligibility. We can obtain this for you.
Meet the lender’s minimum requirements for income and credit score. At The Doce Mortgage Group, we accept FICO scores as low as 500.
Not sure if you qualify? Find out in minutes — no obligation.
Check My EligibilityFrom eligibility to closing day — here’s the VA loan process with The Doce Mortgage Group.
Confirm you meet service requirements or speak with Alex Doce for one-on-one guidance. Serving veterans since 1987.
We obtain your Certificate of Eligibility for you. You can also get one through the VA’s eBenefits Portal or by mail using VA Form 26-1880.
We provide a mortgage pre-approval that strengthens your offer and tells you exactly how much home you can afford.
VA loans apply to primary residences in all Florida counties. A VA-approved appraiser will assess the property’s value and condition.
We walk you through every step, ensuring all documentation is accurately submitted for a quick, hassle-free approval.
The VA verifies your income, eligibility, and loan limits, and schedules an appraisal. Expect a decision within a couple of weeks.
Final verification of income, credit, assets, and property. After approval, sign your documents, get funded, and receive your keys.
Ready to start your VA loan? Get pre-approved in 24 hours.
Get Pre-Approved NowThe maximum amount the VA will guarantee depends on your entitlement status.
No cap on how much the VA will guarantee — borrow as much as the lender approves based on your financial situation (minimum $144,000).
Loan guarantee limits set by county. Most Florida counties have a limit of $822,550 for veterans with partial entitlement.
In high-cost Monroe County (Florida Keys), the conforming loan limit increases to $967,150 for remaining entitlement borrowers.
Important: Having an amount guaranteed is not the same as being able to borrow that amount. The VA guarantees at least 25% of your total loan, but the actual borrowing amount is determined by your lender based on your financial profile. Not sure about your entitlement status? Contact us for a free consultation.
VA loans offer exceptional benefits, but there are a few limitations to be aware of.
A one-time VA funding fee of 1% to 3.6% of the loan total is required (though it can be rolled into the loan and is waived for veterans with service-connected disabilities).
VA loans can only be used for primary residences — not vacation homes or investment properties.
VA appraisals are stricter than conventional appraisals — properties must meet the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements for safety and livability.
Most VA loans prohibit borrowers from taking out a second mortgage on the property.
Everything you need to know about VA home loans in Florida. For additional resources, visit our VA Loan Calculator, read our VA loan articles & guides, explore the Hometown Heroes Program, or visit VA.gov for official information.
Alex Doce has been helping veterans secure VA loans for almost 40 years.
Talk to AlexGet a free VA mortgage quote from Alex Doce — serving veterans and military families in Fort Lauderdale and across Florida since 1987.
VA loans require borrowers to have VA eligibility through the Veterans Administration. For more information, please visit www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans. Bond programs are excluded. The Doce Mortgage Group is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of or at the direction of the VA or the Federal Government.
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