Florida Commercial Bridge Loans

Florida's commercial real estate market is among the most diverse and active in the country — spanning coastal hospitality in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, industrial growth along I-4 and I-95, retail serving growing suburban populations, and self-storage meeting the needs of a mobile population. Distressed retail repositioning to industrial, medical, or mixed-use represents a significant opportunity in many Florida markets. Our team funds Florida commercial bridge loans for acquisitions and transitional assets across the state.

Why Florida Commercial Investors Use Bridge Loans

Commercial real estate investors in Florida choose bridge financing when speed and flexibility matter more than rate. When a seller in Miami needs to close in 30 days, when a lease maturity creates time pressure, when a value-add acquisition requires capital before stabilized income makes conventional financing possible — these are bridge lending situations. Our team understands the Florida commercial market and can move at the pace the deal requires.

Interest-Only Commercial Financing — How It Benefits Investors

Commercial bridge loans are almost always interest-only during the loan term. For transitional commercial assets in Florida, this makes sense — principal amortization on a property that isn't yet generating stabilized income would create cash flow pressure that undermines the business plan. Interest-only structure keeps the carrying cost aligned with the property's actual income during the repositioning period. Our team sizes loans so the monthly interest carry is supportable from day one.

Commercial Bridge Loan Underwriting in Florida

Our underwriting process evaluates the property's current condition and market value, the credibility of the business plan, the sponsor's experience, and the viability of the exit. For vacant or partially occupied commercial properties in Florida, the central question is always: is the market strong enough to support the projected stabilized value, and can the sponsor execute the plan that gets the property there? When both answers are yes, we can usually find a way to structure the loan.

Getting a Commercial Bridge Loan in Florida

Submit the property address, the purchase price or current value, a description of the business plan and renovation scope if applicable, and the projected exit. Our team reviews the deal and the market and typically issues a term sheet within 48 to 72 hours of a complete deal submission. From accepted term sheet to closing typically takes three to four weeks on most Florida commercial bridge transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Commercial Bridge Loans

What is a commercial bridge loan in Florida?

A commercial bridge loan is short-term financing secured by a commercial property that is transitioning — whether through renovation, lease-up, change of use, or approaching loan maturity. In Florida, commercial bridge loans are used to acquire or refinance properties that don't yet meet the income documentation standards required for conventional commercial mortgage financing.

What commercial property types qualify for bridge loans in Florida?

Office, retail, industrial, mixed-use, self-storage, and some hospitality properties qualify for commercial bridge loans in Florida. The property must have a credible business plan and viable exit. Vacant buildings, partially leased assets, and properties undergoing renovation are all appropriate bridge lending situations. Properties in strong employment markets with demonstrable tenant demand are underwritten more favorably.

How is a commercial bridge loan sized in Florida?

Commercial bridge loan amounts in Florida are typically capped at 65% to 75% of the current appraised value, or 65% to 70% of the projected after-stabilization value for value-add deals. The borrower must contribute equity to cover the remaining project cost. Renovation reserves, when included, are sized based on an independent contractor estimate.

What is a typical commercial bridge loan term in Florida?

Commercial bridge loan terms in Florida generally range from twelve to thirty-six months, with extension options available on qualifying deals. The term should align with the realistic stabilization timeline — long enough to complete renovation and lease-up but not unnecessarily long. Our team structures terms around the specific business plan.

How do I exit a commercial bridge loan in Florida?

The two most common exits are permanent refinancing once the property is stabilized and generating documented income, or selling the asset. In Florida, permanent refinancing options include conventional CMBS loans, bank permanent mortgages, SBA 504 loans for owner-users, and various agency programs for specific property types. Our team models the exit at the time of origination to ensure the loan structure supports the planned outcome.