Skip to main content

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that you can't seem to find the answer to? Check out some frequently asked questions and their answers below. If you still can't find an answer to your question, click here to contact us!

1. Who is eligible to borrow?

Our mission is to serve farmers and agribusinesses, but also those who appreciate living in rural areas. No background or tie to agriculture is required if you are wanting to finance your land or home purchase with Farm Credit of Central Florida.

However it is recommended to speak with a loan officer about your particular situation. They will be able to tell you if your request is eligible.

2. Do you offer loans for land only? Is there minimum acreage?

Yes, we do offer loans for land only. Farm Credit finances in Farms, Homes and Land. However, if the land is not for farm/production purposes it must meet our rural zoning requirement to be eligible for financing through Farm Credit of Central Florida. Please refer to the USDA site to check if your zip code is zoned rural. 

Here are additional resources to help you get started:

Land Loans

Three Questions to ask before buying land to farm

Four things to consider before building a home on your land

3. What counties do you offer loans in?

We offer loans in Brevard, Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia Counties.

4. How do I apply for a land loan?

You can apply by following this link. Ready to apply for a loan

5. Do you offer construction to permanent loans?

Yes, we do offer construction to permanent loans. Our construction to perm loans offer fixed rates and up to 30 years after completed construction. No additional costs or fees. At Farm Credit of Central Florida, we know the ins and outs of building your dream home. Please reach out to one of our loan officers or visit one of our branch locations for more information.

6. Can I make my loan payment online?

Yes! Log in to Digital Banking to make your payment online. Digital Banking is available 24/7 and along with making payments you can view your account information. If you have a line of credit, you can also request disbursements through Digital Banking. Farm Credit provides this free service to make accessing your account simple and convenient.

7. Do you offer loans for Barndominiums?

Yes, we offer financing for Barndominiums. However, the requirements are slightly different from a regular home loan. Please speak with a loan officer about your plans.

Check out this valuable Barndo Blog: https://farmcreditcfl.com/resources/article/barndominium-home-basics

8. Are hobby farmers eligible to apply for a loan?

Yes! At Farm Credit of Central Florida we work with borrowers of all levels of experience and size of operation to help make their rural lifestyle dream become a reality.

9. I am a beginning farmer looking for information to get a loan?

Farm Credit is committed to the future of agriculture. Therefore, we are very responsive to the needs of young, beginning and small (YBS) farmers and have a dedicated program for them. Our YBS program provides alternate financing for those who may not qualify under normal lending requirements. Check our YBS page for more information on eligibility. Please reach out to a loan officer at your local branch for more information.

10. Do you offer equipment financing?

Yes! We can help you finance new or used equipment, as well as title equipment for your operation. If you are heading to the dealership, ask for Farm Credit Express or visit www.farmcreditexpress.com page for more information.

11. Do you offer crop insurance?

Yes! We can help you tailor a policy to fit your own specific needs.

Visit our crop insurance page for more information

12. What is your down payment requirement?

For agriculture real estate purchases, 20% down is the typical requirement. For lot loans, Farm Credit of Central Florida can lend up to 75% of the purchase price or the appraised value, whichever is less.

13. What is a patronage refund?

A patronage refund is a way of distributing the association's net income to its member-stockholders. A member's refund is based on the proportion of interest earned on his or her loan to the total interest earned by the association. A patronage refund may be paid in cash, allocated surplus, stock, or any combination of these items.

Check out the Benefits of Membership for more information.

14. What is the current rate?

Interest rates vary depending on what is happening in the marketplace, credit risk and the financing options you choose, such as term or Amortization. Call our office for a rate quote!