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For UK Buyers

UK Buyers’ Guide to Florida Real Estate

British buyers are drawn to Florida for the sunshine, the rental potential, and the lifestyle. Buying from the UK is very doable — here is the complete picture from a CIPS and Florida real estate attorney.

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

Yes, you can own it

UK citizens can buy Florida property — homes, condos, vacation rentals, and investments — with the same rights as Americans. No U.S. visa or residency is needed. Owning property does not, however, grant a visa or extend visitor stays.

Buying from across the Atlantic

You don't need to fly over to close. With digital documents, a power of attorney, and remote notarization, we can guide your entire purchase from the UK. How remote buying works →

Financing & currency

Pay cash or use a foreign-national mortgage (around 20–30% down, no U.S. credit score required). The GBP/USD rate matters — many buyers plan their currency transfer to protect their budget.

Taxes & reporting

You'll likely need an ITIN if you finance or rent; rental income is U.S.-reportable; FIRPTA applies at sale; and the UK–U.S. tax treaty helps avoid double taxation. A cross-border accountant keeps it clean.

Vacation-rental income — done right

Many UK buyers offset costs by renting the home when they're not using it. Returns can be attractive, but short-term-rental rules and HOA restrictions vary sharply by location — so confirm what's allowed before you buy. We target areas where holiday letting is actually permitted.

Don't overlook U.S. estate-tax exposure

This catches many UK buyers off guard: U.S. real estate held by a non-U.S. person can face U.S. estate tax with a far lower exemption than U.S. citizens get. The right ownership structure can mitigate it — exactly where an attorney-broker and cross-border CPA earn their keep.

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 British buyers through every step, remotely and with confidence.

Start Your Florida Purchase →

Frequently asked questions

Can someone from the UK buy property in Florida?
Yes. UK citizens can buy Florida real estate with the same ownership rights as Americans — no visa or residency is required. It is a popular choice for vacation homes and rental investments.
Can UK buyers rent out their Florida home?
Often yes, but short-term/holiday-let rules and HOA restrictions vary a lot by city and building. Confirm what's permitted before buying. We help you target areas where vacation rental is actually allowed.
Can I buy a Florida home from the UK without travelling?
Often yes. Many UK purchases are completed remotely using digital documents, a power of attorney, and remote online notarization, coordinated by a CIPS agent and attorney-broker.
Do UK buyers need a U.S. mortgage or cash?
Either works. Foreign-national mortgages are available (typically 20–30% down, no U.S. credit required), and many UK buyers pay cash and time their GBP/USD currency transfer.
What taxes do UK buyers face on Florida property?
Property taxes match U.S. owners. Rental income is U.S.-reportable (an ITIN is usually needed), FIRPTA applies at sale, and the UK–U.S. tax treaty helps prevent double taxation. Consult a cross-border CPA.

This page is general information for British 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.