Best Florida SBA Lenders & Rates (2026)
2025 FOIA data: top lenders, rates, industries & loan types in Florida
SBA Loans in Florida
Florida businesses received $3.22B in SBA 7(a) loan approvals across 6,302 businesses in 2025, supporting 60,143 jobs. With 199 active SBA lenders competing for business in Florida, comparing offers is essential — rates vary significantly by lender.
The average SBA loan in Florida is $512K at 10.61%, which is 0.29% above the national average of 10.32%. The top lender in Florida is Live Oak Banking Company, with the most-funded industry being Full-Service Restaurants.
SBA Loans in Florida by Business Type
Whether you’re starting a business, buying one, or expanding an existing operation in Florida, here’s how SBA lending breaks down:
Startups represent 17% of Florida SBA loans (871 loans totaling $538.5M). Business acquisitions (change of ownership) account for 24% (626 loans, $770.1M). Existing businesses make up the largest share at 47% (3983 loans). If you’re buying a business in Florida, acquisitions are a well-established use case for SBA 7(a) loans.
Florida vs. National Average
How does Florida’s SBA lending market compare to the national average in 2025?
Florida10.61%
National Avg10.32%
Florida’s avg rate is 0.29% higher than the national average
Florida$512K
National Avg$478K
Florida’s avg loan is 1.1x the national average
A rate higher than the national average of 10.32% is significant context for Florida borrowers. Individual rates depend on your credit profile, deal structure, loan size, and the specific lender you work with — which is why comparing multiple offers from different banks is consistently the best strategy to get the lowest possible rate on your SBA loan.
Top SBA Lenders in Florida (2025 Data)
The table below ranks every SBA 7(a) lender active in Florida in 2025 by total dollar volume approved. This data comes directly from SBA FOIA records and represents actual funded loans — not pre-qualifications or applications received.
| # | Lender | Volume | Loans | Avg Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Live Oak Banking Company | $269.8M | 206 | 9.39% |
| 2 | Newtek Bank, National Association | $252.8M | 631 | 11.15% |
| 3 | First Internet Bank of Indiana | $154.3M | 111 | 10.19% |
| 4 | The Huntington National Bank | $150.4M | 362 | 9.88% |
| 5 | Readycap Lending, LLC | $128.2M | 377 | 12.13% |
| 6 | Northeast Bank | $120.8M | 709 | 11.09% |
| 7 | TD Bank, National Association | $99.4M | 692 | 10.66% |
| 8 | Bank of America, National Association | $91.0M | 171 | 8.12% |
| 9 | United Midwest Savings Bank National Association | $58.3M | 121 | 10.24% |
| 10 | Climate First Bank | $51.5M | 38 | 10.11% |
| 11 | First National Bank of Pennsylvania | $48.7M | 46 | 9.61% |
| 12 | JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association | $46.9M | 215 | 11.76% |
| 13 | First Bank of the Lake | $45.8M | 79 | 10.84% |
| 14 | BayFirst National Bank | $45.6M | 229 | 11.96% |
| 15 | Truist Bank | $44.8M | 34 | 8.57% |
Pay close attention to the “Avg Rate” column — rates vary significantly between lenders operating in the same state. The spread between the lowest and highest rate in this table can represent tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan. The top lenders in Florida have funded the most deals locally, meaning their loan officers understand Florida’s commercial real estate values, industry mix, and economic conditions. This familiarity typically translates into faster underwriting and more competitive terms.
However, don’t limit your search to local banks alone. Many of the top national SBA lenders fund loans across all 50 states and may offer better rates or more experience with your specific industry. An SBA loan broker like GoSBA gives you access to both Florida-based lenders and national lenders with a single application — ensuring you get the most competitive offer available.
Get Matched with the Best SBA Lender in Florida
One 5-minute application. 199 lenders competing for your deal. GoSBA matches you to the best fit — free, no obligation.
Top Industries Funded in Florida
SBA lending in Florida reflects the state’s economic profile and business formation trends. The table below shows which industries received the most SBA 7(a) funding in Florida in 2025, ranked by total dollar volume:
| Industry | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Service Restaurants | 232 | $141.6M |
| All Other Specialty Trade Contractors | 131 | $100.0M |
| Limited-Service Restaurants | 185 | $93.0M |
| Child Day Care Services | 98 | $80.6M |
| Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels | 27 | $78.7M |
| Veterinary Services | 44 | $65.8M |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | 123 | $65.7M |
| Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) | 86 | $64.0M |
| Offices of Dentists | 75 | $62.4M |
| Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers | 131 | $59.5M |
| General Automotive Repair | 80 | $58.4M |
| Insurance Agencies and Brokerages | 101 | $49.2M |
| Landscaping Services | 86 | $41.8M |
| Residential Remodelers | 122 | $38.4M |
| Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars | 82 | $37.5M |
If your business operates in one of Florida’s top-funded industries, you’re in a strong position. Lenders who have funded dozens of similar businesses in your state understand the unit economics, seasonal revenue patterns, and typical margins for your sector. This familiarity translates into faster approvals, less documentation back-and-forth, and more accurate risk pricing — which typically means better terms for the borrower.
Even if your industry isn’t listed above, SBA 7(a) loans are available for nearly every legal business type. An SBA loan broker can identify which lenders have the most experience with your specific industry.
Top Cities for SBA Loans in Florida
SBA lending activity within Florida is concentrated in major metropolitan areas, but businesses in smaller cities and towns also receive significant funding. The table below shows where in Florida the most SBA 7(a) loans were funded in 2025:
| City | Loans | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | 676 | $256.2M |
| Tampa | 289 | $165.2M |
| Orlando | 322 | $161.1M |
| Jacksonville | 203 | $123.2M |
| Sarasota | 132 | $97.6M |
| Fort Myers | 92 | $85.4M |
| West Palm Beach | 113 | $69.5M |
| Fort Lauderdale | 131 | $59.8M |
| Naples | 93 | $53.9M |
| Pompano Beach | 83 | $50.0M |
How to Get an SBA Loan in Florida
Option 1: Apply directly to one of the top Florida lenders above. You’ll get a single quote from one bank.
Option 2: Use an SBA loan broker (recommended). GoSBA Loans submits your application to multiple Florida-active lenders simultaneously, creating competition for your deal. Better rates, faster approvals — at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many SBA loans were funded in Florida in 2025?
What is the average SBA loan interest rate in Florida?
Can I get an SBA loan to start a business in Florida?
Who is the top SBA lender in Florida?
What industries get the most SBA loans in Florida?
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Data sourced from official SBA 7(a) FOIA loan approval records for Calendar Year 2025, published by the U.S. Small Business Administration. For official information, visit sba.gov.
