If you own commercial property in Fort Lauderdale and need to move fast — whether you’re facing a balloon maturity, a pending sale, or a value-add opportunity — a commercial bridge loan can close in as little as 2–4 weeks. RefiLoop connects Fort Lauderdale property owners directly with private bridge lenders who specialize in South Florida CRE.
What Is a Commercial Bridge Loan?
A bridge loan is short-term financing (typically 12–24 months) designed to “bridge” the gap between your current situation and permanent financing. In Fort Lauderdale’s competitive commercial real estate market, bridge loans are commonly used for:
- Balloon maturities where the bank won’t renew
- Acquisitions that need to close before permanent financing is arranged
- Stabilization plays — buying a partially occupied property and leasing it up
- Repositioning or light renovation before a conventional refinance
Fort Lauderdale CRE Market Overview
Broward County’s commercial real estate market remains one of the most active in Florida. Fort Lauderdale’s proximity to Miami, its international airport, and its growing tech and finance sectors have kept office, industrial, and mixed-use demand strong. Retail and multifamily properties along Federal Highway and US-1 corridors are particularly active for repositioning plays.
Bridge lenders active in Fort Lauderdale typically lend on multifamily (5+ units), mixed-use, retail, industrial, and office properties. Loan amounts from $500K to $15M are common; larger transactions are available through institutional bridge lenders.
How Fast Can You Close in Fort Lauderdale?
Unlike bank financing that takes 60–90 days, private bridge lenders can typically close in 2–4 weeks. Key factors that affect speed:
- Clean title: Broward County title searches are generally fast, but prior liens slow things down
- Appraisal: Bridge lenders often use desktop or drive-by appraisals, cutting 2–3 weeks vs. full FIRREA appraisals
- Borrower responsiveness: The biggest variable — lenders need financials and rent rolls quickly
Typical Bridge Loan Terms for Fort Lauderdale Properties
Expect the following ranges for commercial bridge loans in South Florida, though exact terms vary by lender, property type, and borrower profile:
- Loan-to-value: Up to 70–75% as-is value; up to 80% of cost on construction/rehab
- Rates: Typically prime + spread, often ranging from 9–12% depending on risk and LTV
- Term: 12–24 months with extension options
- Recourse: Most private bridge lenders require personal recourse
- Prepayment: Often 6 months minimum interest or step-down
Who Qualifies for a Fort Lauderdale Bridge Loan?
Bridge lenders focus primarily on the asset — not the borrower’s tax returns. That said, they do look at:
- Property location and condition (South Florida locations are generally favorable)
- Current occupancy and rent roll
- Borrower’s real estate experience
- Clear exit strategy (sale, refi, or payoff)
- Adequate equity — typically 25–30% minimum
Credit challenges, recent foreclosures, or low DSCR are workable with the right lender and a credible exit strategy.
How RefiLoop Helps Fort Lauderdale Property Owners
RefiLoop is a commercial mortgage brokerage that specializes in loan scenarios banks won’t touch — balloon maturities, tight timelines, and value-add plays. We work with a network of private bridge lenders, debt funds, and hard money lenders active in Broward County.
When you work with RefiLoop, you get:
- Direct access to bridge lenders, not a middleman chain
- One application, multiple lender quotes
- Guidance on structuring your deal to maximize approval odds
- NMLS-licensed brokers (NMLS #2510864)
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast can a bridge loan close in Fort Lauderdale?
Most private bridge lenders can close in 2–4 weeks once the application is complete. Delays typically come from title issues or slow appraisal turnaround.
What property types qualify for bridge loans in Broward County?
Multifamily (5+ units), retail, office, industrial, mixed-use, and hospitality properties all qualify. Vacant land and special-use properties are harder to place.
Is a bridge loan right if my bank is not renewing my commercial loan?
Yes — this is one of the most common bridge loan use cases. A bridge buys you 12–24 months to stabilize the property, improve DSCR, or find a permanent lender willing to underwrite the deal.
Ready to explore bridge financing for your Fort Lauderdale commercial property? Contact RefiLoop for a no-obligation consultation. We’ll match you with lenders active in South Florida within 24 hours.
Complete guide: Commercial Bridge Loans — The Complete Guide →
About David Greenbaum
David Greenbaum is a commercial mortgage broker and co-founder of RefiLoop. He specializes in helping commercial property owners refinance maturing loans between $200K and $15M across Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, and other priority markets. With hands-on experience in commercial bridge loans, debt fund financing, and conventional CRE refinancing, David helps borrowers find the right capital source for their situation — not just the easiest one.