Interest-only mortgages occupy a narrow but genuinely useful corner of the home loan market in 2026. During the interest-only period — typically 5 to 10 years — your required monthly payment covers only the interest charge on the outstanding balance. No principal reduction happens until the loan recasts. That lower payment can create real flexibility: room to invest the difference, manage irregular income, or qualify on a tighter debt-to-income ratio.
Florida buyers are often well-positioned to use IO loans strategically. Because Florida has no state income tax, your gross income is not reduced by state tax withholding when calculating DTI, giving you a genuine qualification advantage over borrowers in high-tax states. That advantage compounds when you layer in a lower IO payment.
But IO loans carry real trade-offs, and not every mortgage company offers them. They are not standard Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac conforming products, and they are not available on FHA, VA, or USDA government-backed programs. Where they do exist, they live inside jumbo, portfolio, or non-QM loan structures. This guide covers the companies that can actually put an interest-only loan in your hands in Florida right now, what each brings to the table, and the questions you should ask before signing.
A few things worth knowing upfront as you compare your options in 2026:
- Broker independence: An independent mortgage broker with access to 500+ wholesale lenders compares IO products across the actual market — not just one lender’s current shelf. That independence is backed by 1,400+ five-star reviews earned on real Florida closing outcomes.
- VA loans to 500 FICO: If you’re a veteran or active-duty service member, VA purchase loans are available down to a 500 FICO score. IO borrowers who are veterans should always benchmark the VA option before committing to a non-QM IO product.
- Down payment assistance programs: FL Assist, FL HLP, Salute Our Soldiers, Dynamo DPA, and Turbo DPA can help eligible buyers come to closing with little to nothing out of pocket at closing — a meaningful alternative to an IO structure for buyers motivated primarily by upfront cost. Confirm current FL Assist, FL HLP, and Salute Our Soldiers program terms at floridahousing.org as program terms, income limits, and availability are updated periodically.
- Soft pull first: Start with a soft pull mortgage pre-qualification — also called a no hard inquiry mortgage pre-check or soft credit check mortgage consultation — before any hard inquiry when comparing IO options across multiple companies.
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What You’re Actually Paying (and What Changes After Year 10)
Before comparing companies, it helps to see the real numbers. These are illustrative calculations using a $500,000 loan amount.
Scenario A: 30-year fixed at 6.875% — Monthly principal and interest payment is approximately $3,284.
Scenario B: 10-year IO at 7.25% — Monthly interest-only payment is approximately $3,021 ($500,000 × 7.25% ÷ 12). Monthly savings during the IO period: approximately $263.
Here is where the trade-off becomes concrete. After the IO period ends in year 10, your remaining balance is still $500,000 because no principal was paid down. That balance now amortizes fully over the remaining 20-year term. At the same 7.25% rate, your new required payment becomes approximately $3,927 per month. That is a jump of roughly $906 compared to your IO payment. This is what the industry calls payment shock, and it is the single most important concept to understand before choosing an IO structure.
Florida’s no-state-income-tax advantage does not eliminate this risk, but it does give you more gross income to work with when the recast arrives. A borrower in a state with a 5% income tax rate has meaningfully less take-home pay to absorb that payment increase than a Florida borrower at the same gross income level.
Two additional Florida-specific carrying costs deserve attention before you focus only on the IO payment. First, check whether the property sits in a FEMA-designated flood zone at msc.fema.gov. Flood insurance premiums are a real monthly cost that must be included in your PITIA calculation and your DTI. IO borrowers focused on the lower payment sometimes overlook this line item. Second, Florida Statute 196.031 provides up to a $50,000 reduction in assessed value for a primary residence under the Homestead Exemption. If you are purchasing, this exemption typically does not appear on your tax bill until the following year, so your first-year PITIA may be higher than your long-term carrying cost. Both factors affect how much IO payment flexibility you actually have in practice.
Comparing Your Options: IO Mortgage Companies in 2026
The table below provides a quick-reference comparison. Detailed breakdowns follow for each company.
Company | Type | IO Available | Credit Pull Policy | Best For
Florida Mortgage Maestro | Broker | Yes, multiple lenders | No hard inquiry for pre-check | Comparison shopping, FL statewide
Rocket Mortgage | Retail | Jumbo and select products | Hard pull for full application | Digital-first, jumbo borrowers
Guild Mortgage | Retail | Portfolio products | Hard pull for full application | Relationship-driven, portfolio
Movement Mortgage | Retail | Portfolio and non-QM | Hard pull for full application | Fast close, specialty products
CrossCountry Mortgage | Retail | Non-QM products | Hard pull for full application | Self-employed, non-QM borrowers
1. Florida Mortgage Maestro
Best for: Florida borrowers who want to compare multiple IO lenders simultaneously without a hard credit inquiry
Florida Mortgage Maestro is a Florida-licensed mortgage broker serving clients statewide, operating under Coast2Coast Mortgage LLC (NMLS #376205), with the ability to shop hundreds of wholesale lenders at once, including those offering interest-only products across portfolio, non-QM, and jumbo structures.
Where This Tool Shines
The core advantage here is breadth. A retail lender has one product shelf. A broker has access to wholesale pricing and products from a wide network of lenders simultaneously. For IO borrowers, that matters more than in the conventional conforming market, because IO availability is fragmented. One lender may offer a 10-year IO jumbo; another may have a non-QM bank statement IO product better suited to a self-employed borrower. Accessing both options in one conversation is a genuine differentiator.
Florida Mortgage Maestro’s NoTouch Credit process uses Vantage Score 4.0 to run an initial eligibility check with no hard inquiry and no credit hit. For borrowers comparing IO options across multiple companies, this is meaningful: you can get a real picture of what you qualify for before any hard pull appears on your credit report. Florida’s no-state-income-tax environment is factored into DTI analysis from the start, which often improves the qualification picture relative to what national lenders calculate by default.
Key Features
Shops Hundreds of Lenders Simultaneously: Access to portfolio, non-QM, and jumbo IO products across the wholesale network, not limited to a single lender’s current menu.
NoTouch Credit / Vantage Score 4.0: Initial eligibility check runs with no hard inquiry, so your credit score is not affected during the comparison phase.
Florida-Specific Expertise: No-state-income-tax DTI framing, Florida Statute 196.031 Homestead Exemption guidance, and FEMA flood zone awareness built into the consultation process.
24/7 Availability and Fastest Close Times: Accessibility and speed matter in competitive Florida purchase markets where IO borrowers are often making larger offers.
Cash-Out Refinances to 90%: Relevant for IO borrowers who build limited equity during the IO period and later need to access it through a refinance.
Best For
Florida buyers and homeowners who want to compare IO options across multiple lenders without committing to a single product shelf. Particularly well-suited to self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, and high-net-worth buyers who need non-QM or portfolio IO structures and want a no-credit-hit mortgage pre approval before any hard inquiry.
Pricing
Broker model with no upfront consultation fee. Compensation is disclosed per transaction. Rates vary by the lender matched to your specific borrower profile and loan structure.
2. Rocket Mortgage
Best for: Digital-first borrowers seeking interest-only options on jumbo loan products
Rocket Mortgage is a large national retail lender with a fully digital application platform and strong brand recognition, offering interest-only options on select jumbo loan products for qualified borrowers.
Where This Tool Shines
Rocket’s primary strength is the application experience. For a borrower who is comfortable managing the entire process digitally, from document upload to rate lock to closing disclosure, Rocket’s platform is among the most polished in the retail space. The customer support infrastructure is substantial, with multiple contact channels and a well-documented process.
For IO specifically, Rocket has offered interest-only options within its jumbo product line. If you are purchasing or refinancing a higher-balance property and prefer a streamlined digital experience over a broker comparison, Rocket is a reasonable option to evaluate directly. Keep in mind that as a retail lender, you are seeing one company’s current product shelf, not a market comparison.
Key Features
Fully Digital Application and Approval Process: End-to-end online experience from pre-approval through closing, with document management built into the platform.
Interest-Only on Select Jumbo Products: IO availability has been offered on jumbo loan structures; current availability and terms should be confirmed directly with Rocket.
Strong Brand Recognition and Support Infrastructure: Established customer service channels and a large operational footprint.
Single Lender Product Shelf: You are evaluating one company’s offerings, not a brokered comparison across multiple wholesale sources.
Best For
Borrowers purchasing or refinancing higher-value properties who want a digital-first experience and are comfortable working directly with a single retail lender. Best for those whose primary need is a jumbo IO product and who have already done market comparison elsewhere.
Pricing
Rates and fees vary by product and borrower profile and are published on Rocket’s website. Standard retail lender pricing applies; confirm current IO program terms and rate premiums directly.
3. Guild Mortgage
Best for: Borrowers who want a relationship-driven experience with access to portfolio lending flexibility
Guild Mortgage is a retail lender with portfolio lending capability, allowing for specialty products including interest-only structures for qualified borrowers, alongside a branch-based service model for those who value in-person guidance.
Where This Tool Shines
Guild’s portfolio lending capability is the key differentiator here. Because Guild retains some loans in-house rather than selling all of them to the secondary market, their underwriting can be more flexible on specialty products than a lender that exclusively sells to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. That flexibility can extend to IO structures for the right borrower profile.
If you prefer working with a loan officer face-to-face rather than navigating a digital platform, Guild’s branch network supports that model. The combination of a broad product menu and relationship-driven service makes Guild a reasonable option for borrowers who want a single point of contact and are not primarily focused on comparing rates across multiple sources.
Key Features
Portfolio Lending Capability: In-house loan retention enables more flexible underwriting for IO and other specialty products not available on the conforming secondary market.
Branch-Based Relationship Model: In-person loan officer access for borrowers who prefer guided, face-to-face consultation.
Broad Product Menu: Conventional, government, and portfolio loan options available alongside specialty structures.
IO Availability Subject to Current Portfolio Menu: Confirm directly with a Guild loan officer that IO products are currently available in your market and for your loan scenario.
Best For
Borrowers who value in-person guidance and want access to portfolio lending flexibility. Well-suited to move-up buyers and high-net-worth purchasers who want a relationship-driven experience and are purchasing in a market where Guild has a branch presence.
Pricing
Varies by product and borrower profile. Contact a Guild loan officer directly for current IO program terms and rate structures.
4. Movement Mortgage
Best for: Borrowers prioritizing fast underwriting timelines with access to specialty and non-QM products
Movement Mortgage is a mission-driven retail lender known for rapid underwriting timelines, with portfolio and non-QM products that can include interest-only structures for qualified borrowers.
Where This Tool Shines
Movement’s known differentiator is speed. Their upfront underwriting model is designed to compress the time between application and clear-to-close, which matters in competitive Florida purchase markets where sellers favor buyers with strong commitment letters and fast timelines. For an IO borrower working on a time-sensitive purchase, that processing speed is a real advantage worth weighing.
Movement’s portfolio and non-QM product offerings have included IO structures, making them a viable option for borrowers who do not fit standard conforming guidelines. Their community-focused brand identity and strong purchase market presence mean loan officers are typically experienced with complex buyer scenarios, including those where IO is part of a broader financial strategy.
Key Features
Fast Underwriting and Processing: Movement’s upfront underwriting model is designed to accelerate the path from application to clear-to-close.
Portfolio and Non-QM Product Access: Specialty products that can accommodate IO structures for qualified borrowers outside conforming guidelines.
Purchase Market Experience: Strong presence in competitive purchase markets with loan officers experienced in complex buyer scenarios.
IO Availability Subject to Current Product Menu: Confirm IO availability and current terms directly with a Movement loan officer before proceeding.
Best For
Borrowers in active purchase situations who need fast underwriting and want access to specialty or non-QM IO products. Particularly relevant in competitive Florida markets where processing speed affects offer strength.
Pricing
Varies by product and borrower profile. Contact Movement directly for current IO program availability and applicable rate premiums.
5. CrossCountry Mortgage
Best for: Self-employed borrowers and real estate investors seeking non-QM interest-only options
CrossCountry Mortgage is a retail lender with one of the broader non-QM product shelves among national lenders, including bank statement loans, asset-based loans, and interest-only options suited to self-employed and investor borrowers.
Where This Tool Shines
CrossCountry’s non-QM depth is the primary reason it belongs on this list. Self-employed borrowers often cannot document income through W-2s and tax returns in a way that satisfies conforming underwriting guidelines. CrossCountry’s bank statement and asset-based loan products address that gap, and their non-QM menu has included interest-only options within those structures. For a real estate investor managing cash flow across multiple properties, or a business owner with strong assets but variable documented income, CrossCountry’s product range is worth a direct conversation.
Their national footprint includes loan officers in many Florida markets, which means you can often work with someone who understands Florida-specific factors including no-state-income-tax DTI framing and the carrying cost implications of flood insurance in coastal markets. Florida’s income tax advantage is particularly meaningful for self-employed borrowers, whose DTI calculations benefit from the absence of state tax withholding on gross income.
Key Features
Strong Non-QM Product Menu: Bank statement, asset-based, and other non-QM structures that can include IO options for qualified borrowers.
Self-Employed and Investor Focus: Underwriting experience with non-traditional income documentation common among business owners and real estate investors.
Interest-Only Within Non-QM Line: IO options available within CrossCountry’s non-QM product offerings; current availability and terms should be confirmed directly.
Florida Market Presence: Local loan officers in many Florida markets with purchase and refinance experience.
Best For
Self-employed borrowers, real estate investors, and high-net-worth buyers who need non-QM income documentation alongside an interest-only structure. Also well-suited to borrowers managing multiple investment properties who need flexible cash flow management through the IO period.
Pricing
Non-QM products typically carry rate premiums compared to conforming loans. Rates vary by product, credit profile, and loan-to-value ratio. Contact CrossCountry directly for current IO program terms and applicable pricing.
Which Company Fits Your Situation
Interest-only mortgages are not a one-size-fits-all product, and neither are the companies that offer them. Here is a practical breakdown by borrower profile.
Self-employed borrower or real estate investor: Start with Florida Mortgage Maestro for a broker comparison across multiple non-QM and portfolio IO options simultaneously, or contact CrossCountry Mortgage directly for their non-QM IO product line. Both have the product depth to serve non-traditional income scenarios.
Digital-first borrower purchasing a jumbo property: Rocket Mortgage is the most polished digital experience among the options listed, with IO availability on select jumbo products. Confirm current program terms directly before applying.
Relationship-driven borrower who wants in-person guidance: Guild Mortgage’s branch network and portfolio lending flexibility make it a strong fit. Movement Mortgage is the better choice if processing speed is a priority alongside specialty product access.
Florida statewide borrower who wants to compare options before any credit impact: Florida Mortgage Maestro is the clear starting point. The no-credit-hit mortgage pre approval process using Vantage Score 4.0 means you can see real IO options across hundreds of wholesale lenders before a single hard inquiry touches your report. Florida’s no-state-income-tax advantage is built into the DTI analysis from the first conversation, and factors like Florida Statute 196.031 Homestead Exemption and FEMA flood zone carrying costs are part of the consultation, not afterthoughts.
One practical note regardless of which company you contact: ask specifically whether their IO product is ARM-based or fixed-rate, what the recast terms are after the IO period ends, and how the payment increase is calculated. The illustrative math above, roughly a $906 monthly increase on a $500,000 loan after a 10-year IO period, is the kind of number you need to model for your specific scenario before committing.
Your dream home in Florida is closer than you think. Get your credit-safe consultation today and discover the IO loan options that fit your financial picture, with Duane Buziak, NMLS #1110647, shopping hundreds of lenders simultaneously so you see real options before any hard inquiry touches your credit.