What international buyers should know before buying a home in South Florida: who can buy, Florida's restrictions on some foreign buyers, paying for the home, taxes and selling later.
In most cases, yes. Non-U.S. citizens can buy and own homes in Florida, either in their own name or through a company or trust. Owning a home here does not by itself give you a visa or the right to live in the United States.
Since July 1, 2023, Florida law restricts purchases by "foreign principals" from countries the law names as countries of concern: China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, the Maduro regime of Venezuela and Syria. Foreign principals include those governments and their officials, companies organized or based there, and people domiciled there who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
| Who | Restriction |
|---|---|
| Foreign principals from any listed country | May not buy agricultural land, or property on or within 10 miles of a military installation or critical infrastructure facility. One exception lets a person with a qualifying U.S. visa or asylum documentation buy one home on up to 2 acres that is not within 5 miles of a military installation. |
| Persons and entities connected to China, as the law defines | May not buy any Florida real estate, except one home on up to 2 acres, not within 5 miles of a military installation, by a person with a current U.S. visa that is not limited to tourism (or asylum documentation), bought in that person's name. |
| All buyers | Buyers sign an affidavit at closing stating whether they are a foreign principal. Some purchases must be registered with the state within 30 days. |
The law has been challenged in federal court, and parts of it could change. If any of this may apply to you, speak with a Florida attorney before you sign a contract.
Rates and rules as of November 7, 2026. They can change when Florida or federal law changes; check with your closing agent before you rely on them. Sources: Florida Statutes, Chapter 692, Part III
Many international buyers in South Florida pay cash. Some lenders offer loans to foreign nationals, usually with a larger down payment and more documents. Plan time to move funds and expect the title company to verify where the money comes from.
You pay Florida property taxes like any owner. The homestead exemption is only for a home that is your permanent residence, so a vacation home does not qualify. If you rent the home to others, U.S. and Florida tax rules apply to that income; speak with a tax professional.
When a foreign person sells U.S. real estate, the buyer generally must withhold 15% of the price and send it to the IRS. No withholding is required when the price is $300,000 or less and an individual buyer will live in the home, and 10% applies up to $1 million under the same test. You may recover some or all of it when you file a U.S. tax return. See our seller closing costs guide for an estimate.
Much of a purchase can be handled remotely: video tours, electronic signatures and remote or mail-away closings. Some documents need a notary or an apostille, so ask your closing agent early what will be required.
Rates and rules as of November 7, 2026. They can change when Florida or federal law changes; check with your closing agent before you rely on them. Sources: Florida Department of Revenue, Homestead Exemption (PT-113); IRS, FIRPTA withholding
Yes, in most cases. Florida restricts purchases by some buyers connected to China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, the Maduro regime of Venezuela and Syria. Speak with a Florida attorney if that may apply to you.
No. Owning property does not by itself give you a visa or residency.
Only if the home is your permanent residence and you meet the property appraiser's requirements. A vacation home does not qualify.
A federal rule that generally requires a buyer to withhold 15% of the price when buying U.S. real estate from a foreign person, with lower rates for some homes bought as residences.
Often, yes. Video tours, electronic signatures and remote closings are common. Some documents may need a notary or an apostille.
Exodus Realty helps buyers from around the world find and buy homes in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties, with video tours and remote closings.
Paul Christle, Licensed Real Estate Broker · Exodus Realty. Information is believed reliable but not guaranteed. Verify association rules, fees, flood zones, schools and taxes independently.
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