Free Home Valuation
International · Insights

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Florida?

By Arthur Simpson — Florida Attorney, Broker & CIPS

Yes — and it is more straightforward than most people expect. Foreign nationals can buy Florida real estate with the same ownership rights as U.S. citizens, with no citizenship, green card, or visa required. Here is the complete picture, from a CIPS and attorney-broker.

No citizenship, residency, or visa needed

International buyers can purchase homes, condos, land, rentals, and commercial property in Florida regardless of immigration status — primary homes, vacation homes, or investments. Owning property does not grant a visa or residency, but it also does not require one.

Cash or a foreign-national loan

Many international buyers pay cash, but financing exists: foreign-national mortgage programs typically require 20–30% down and do not need a U.S. credit score or Social Security number. You can often complete the entire purchase remotely from abroad.

The tax & ID pieces

You'll likely need an ITIN if you finance, rent the property, or file U.S. tax returns. And when you eventually sell, FIRPTA withholding rules apply. These are very manageable with the right guidance.

Why work with a CIPS attorney-broker

Our founder is a Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) and a Florida real estate attorney — a rare combination for international buyers. That means contract and title issues, remote closings, and the legal/tax coordination are handled with real expertise. See how we help international buyers →

Curious what your home is worth?

Free, no-obligation, and based on real local sales — not a national guess.

Get My Free Home Valuation →

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner buy a house in Florida?
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy residential and commercial property in Florida with the same ownership rights as U.S. citizens — no citizenship, residency, or visa is required.
Does buying property in Florida give me a visa or green card?
No. Owning Florida real estate does not grant a visa, residency, or a path to citizenship — but it also is not restricted by your immigration status. Visas are a separate immigration matter.
Can I buy a Florida home from another country without visiting?
Often, yes. Many international purchases are completed remotely using digital documents, a power of attorney, and remote online notarization. A CIPS agent and attorney-broker can coordinate the whole process.
Do foreign buyers pay more in property taxes?
No. Foreign owners pay the same property taxes as U.S. citizens. Additional considerations apply to rental income and when selling (FIRPTA), which proper planning handles.

Keep reading: How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in Florida? · Florida Homestead Exemption: How to Lower Your Property Taxes · Buying a Beachside Home in Volusia County: What to Know · All insights →

AS

About the author — Arthur Simpson

Arthur is a Florida attorney, licensed real estate broker, and Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), and a member of the Real Property and International Law Sections of The Florida Bar. He founded Simpson & Simpson Realty to give Volusia & Flagler families — and buyers from around the world — a brokerage with a real estate attorney's eye on every deal. Meet Arthur & the family →