Physician Mortgage Loans in Jacksonville: How They Work in 2026

Jacksonville is one of Florida's major medical hubs, with Mayo Clinic, Baptist Health, UF Health and others recruiting physicians from across the country. Many of the doctors we meet are early in their careers: strong future income, significant student loans, and not much time to house hunt before a start date.

That combination is exactly what physician mortgage loans were designed for. Here's how they generally work, what to compare, and how to plan a move. Lender terms change often, so treat this as a starting point and confirm details with each lender.

What makes a physician loan different

Program details vary, but these features are common:

• Low or no down payment. Many programs offer up to 100% financing on a primary residence up to a certain loan amount, often in the $1 million to $2 million range, with a modest down payment required above that.
• No private mortgage insurance. Most programs don't charge PMI, even with a small down payment.
• Student loan flexibility. Some lenders exclude deferred student loans from debt-to-income. Others use an income-driven payment or a percentage of the balance.
• Closing on a contract. Many lenders accept a signed employment contract as proof of income, so you can close before your first paycheck.
• Eligible professions. MDs and DOs are almost always eligible. Many programs include dentists, and some extend to veterinarians, CRNAs, pharmacists, PAs or NPs. Residents and fellows are often eligible too.

Most programs require the home to be your primary residence, and credit score and debt-to-income limits apply.

Jumbo territory

The 2026 baseline conforming loan limit for a one-unit home is $832,750 in most of the country. Loans above that are jumbo loans, which usually carry stricter requirements. Many physician programs cover jumbo amounts, but the required down payment often increases as the loan size goes up. If you're shopping in neighborhoods where prices run higher, ask each lender where its down payment steps up.

What to compare

Get quotes from at least two or three lenders, on the same day, for the same price and loan type. Compare:

• interest rate and points;
• lender fees and closing costs;
• the maximum loan amount at your down payment;
• how they treat your student loans;
• how early before your start date you can close; and
• fixed-rate versus adjustable-rate options.

It's also worth getting a conventional loan quote. If you plan to put 20% down, a conventional loan can sometimes beat a physician loan on rate.

Planning a move around a start date

A typical relocation timeline we use with physicians:

1. Three to four months out: get pre-approved with your signed contract and narrow down areas by commute. Our Mayo Clinic Florida relocation guide shows estimated drive times from neighborhoods across Northeast Florida, and the relocation hub covers other major employers.
2. Two to three months out: plan one scouting trip, or tour by live video if you can't get here. Check flood zones on FEMA's free Flood Map Service Center and get insurance quotes on specific addresses early.
3. Six to eight weeks out: go under contract, schedule inspections and lock your rate.
4. Closing: align the closing date with your lender's contract window and your moving date.

Also budget for property taxes, which in Florida depend on the purchase price. Our property tax calculator gives a quick estimate.

How we help

We work with lenders who offer physician programs and can introduce you to more than one, so you can compare. We also tour by live video for buyers who are still finishing residency or fellowship somewhere else.

Relocating to Jacksonville for a physician role? We'll help you plan the move around your start date.