For Latin American Buyers

Latin American Buyers: Investing in Florida Real Estate

Buyers from across Latin America — Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, and beyond — see Florida as a stable place to invest, vacation, and protect wealth. Here is how to do it right, with a CIPS and Florida attorney guiding the way.

Arthur Simpson — Attorney, Broker & Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS), and a member of the Real Property and International Law Sections of The Florida Bar.

Full ownership rights

Citizens of any country can buy Florida real estate — primary, vacation, rental, or commercial — with the same rights as Americans. No U.S. residency or visa is required. It is one of the most open property markets in the world.

A stable place to invest

Many Latin American buyers value Florida for currency stability, strong rental demand, and asset protection. We help you decide whether to hold in your own name, an LLC, or a trust — a decision with real tax and liability implications.

Financing & identification

Cash is common, but foreign-national loans are available without U.S. credit (around 20–30% down). If you finance or rent, you'll typically need an ITIN — we help line that up.

Taxes & selling

Rental income is U.S.-reportable, and FIRPTA withholding applies when you sell. Your home country may also tax worldwide income, so a cross-border CPA — coordinated with our attorney-broker — keeps everything compliant.

Ready to buy in Florida?

As an attorney, broker, and CIPS — and a member of The Florida Bar's Real Property and International Law Sections — we guide Latin American buyers through every step, remotely and with confidence.

Start Your Florida Purchase →

Frequently asked questions

Can foreigners from Latin America buy property in Florida?

Yes. Citizens of any country can buy Florida real estate with the same ownership rights as U.S. citizens. No residency or visa is required, making Florida a very open market for international investors.

Should I buy in my name, an LLC, or a trust?

It depends on your tax, privacy, and liability goals. Each structure has trade-offs. Because it carries legal and tax consequences, a CIPS attorney-broker and a cross-border CPA should help you choose.

Do I need an ITIN to buy in Florida?

Not always for an all-cash purchase, but you will generally need an ITIN if you finance, rent the property, or file U.S. taxes — including when you later sell under FIRPTA.

What taxes apply when a foreign investor sells?

FIRPTA withholding applies on the sale of U.S. real estate by a foreign person, reconciled on a U.S. tax return. Your home country may also tax the gain, so cross-border tax planning is important.

This page is general information for Latin American buyers and is not legal or tax advice. International purchases involve U.S. and home-country tax and legal questions that should be reviewed with a qualified attorney and a cross-border CPA. Real estate brokerage services are provided by Simpson & Simpson Realty; legal services are provided separately by Cornerstone Wealth & Legacy Law, PLLC.