Buy Property in Florida as a Foreigner
Buying · Foreign Buyers
Voyance Real Estate LLC · Alex D. Silva, Broker · Lic. BK3153327
To buy property in Florida as a foreigner, you follow the usual offer, inspection, and closing steps, but a 2023 state law limits some buyers tied to seven countries.
Florida broker Alex Silva guides the purchase in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
Who can buy, and Florida’s 2023 limits
The law doesn’t limit most foreign buyers. It covers “foreign principals” tied to China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, and the Maduro regime in Venezuela.
- Who counts. Those governments, companies based there, and people domiciled there who aren’t US citizens or permanent residents. For individuals, domicile matters, not your passport.
- What’s limited. Farmland, and property within 10 miles of certain military bases or critical infrastructure. China-tied buyers may not buy any Florida property, except as below.
- One exception. An individual with a non-tourist US visa or asylum may buy one home of up to 2 acres, in their own name, not within 5 miles of a military base.
- At closing. Every buyer, US citizens included, signs an affidavit under penalty of perjury that the law doesn’t bar the purchase.
The law is in effect, and violations can be crimes. Alex isn’t an attorney; if you’re tied to a listed country, ask a Florida attorney before you make an offer.
Buying from abroad, step by step
- Line up the money.Pay cash, or ask lenders about foreign-national loans; terms vary. Confirm wiring instructions by phone, at a number you already know.
- Choose and make an offer.Video tours narrow the list. Alex’s market analysis helps you set your price.
- Close without flying in.Florida accepts documents acknowledged before a notary abroad with an official seal, or at a US consulate. A power of attorney needs two witnesses and a notary. The title company confirms what it accepts.
Taxes to plan for as an owner
Property tax. The homestead exemption requires Florida to be your permanent residence on January 1; a temporary visa doesn’t qualify.
Rental income. Nonresidents generally face 30% withholding on gross US rent, unless they elect to be taxed on net income and file a US return every year.
When you sell. Under FIRPTA, the buyer generally withholds 15% of the price. How a foreign-owner sale works.
Alex isn’t a CPA. Ask a US CPA and a tax advisor at home.
Have these ready
- Your passport.
- Proof of funds or a lender preapproval.
- How you’ll hold title (ask an attorney and a CPA).
Alex Silva, broker
Voyance Real Estate is led by its broker and owner, Alex D. Silva, who has more than 30 years in real estate and holds Florida broker license BK3153327.
Short-sale negotiation is his specialty: lender approvals, second liens, and valuation disputes.
He works with homes, condos, rentals, and commercial property across Central and South Florida, in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Questions from foreign buyers
Can foreigners buy property in Florida?
Generally, yes. The 2023 law limits only buyers tied to seven countries; Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia aren’t among them.
Do I need an ITIN to buy?
It depends on your taxes. An ITIN is an IRS tax number for people without a Social Security number who must file, such as nonresidents reporting rental income. Ask a CPA.
Can I buy a house in Orlando from abroad?
Often, yes, with video tours and a remote closing. See Brazilian broker and Spanish-speaking broker.
Sources: Florida Statutes 692.203 · Florida Statutes 692.204 · IRS: ITIN · IRS: nonresidents and US real property · Florida Revenue: property tax
General real estate information, not legal, tax, or financial advice.
Buying in Florida from another country?
Tell Alex where you live, what you want to buy, and how you’ll pay.