Renting now: what owning would really cost

The fair comparison is your rent against the whole monthly cost of owning, not just the mortgage.

Every home here shows an estimate of what it costs a month: the loan, property taxes, insurance and any HOA. Compare that line to your rent.
A home you live in can get Florida's homestead exemption, which takes up to $50,000 off its taxable value, and Save Our Homes then caps how much its assessed value can rise each year (3% or inflation, whichever is less).
Many loans need far less than 20% down: FHA loans start at 3.5%, and some conventional loans for first-time buyers start at 3%. Florida also runs down payment help programs, which change, so check what's current.
Your lease end date is the natural deadline. Starting a few months before it gives you time to get pre-approved and look without rushing.

See homes with their monthly cost Ask your broker what you'd qualify for

Sources: Florida Constitution Art. VII §6 and §4 (homestead, Save Our Homes); HUD (FHA); Florida Housing Finance Corporation (programs change). Programs and rules change; check what's current. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.