By Phil Ganz
Edited by Ryan Skerritt
Buying real estate in Florida as a foreign national is not only possible—it remains one of the most accessible and foreign-friendly property markets in the United States.
Whether you’re relocating to Florida on a work visa like H-1B, L-1, or F-1, purchasing a vacation home, or investing from abroad, Florida law allows non-U.S. citizens to buy property with the same ownership rights as U.S. residents.
This 2026 guide explains exactly how foreigners buy property in Florida, including eligibility rules, financing options, visa considerations, taxes, and step-by-step instructions to help you purchase with confidence.
- Can Foreigners Buy Property in Florida?
- Florida Foreign Real Estate Market Snapshot (2026)
- Key Rules for Foreigners Buying Property in Florida
- Documents Foreign Buyers Need to Purchase Property
- How Do Foreigners Buy a House in Florida?
- Financing Options for Foreign Buyers in Florida
- Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Florida?
Yes. Foreign nationals can legally purchase property in Florida with no citizenship or residency restrictions.
Non-U.S. buyers can purchase:
- Primary residences
- Vacation homes
- Rental or investment properties
- Commercial real estate
- Land
Florida does not restrict foreign ownership, making it one of the most popular U.S. states for international real estate buyers.
Florida Foreign Real Estate Market Snapshot (2026)
Florida continues to lead the U.S. in foreign real estate purchases. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
- Foreign buyers spent over $9 billion on Florida real estate in the most recent reporting period
- Florida consistently ranks #1 nationally for international home purchases
- Approximately 60% of foreign buyers are visa holders or recent immigrants living in Florida
- Roughly 40% are non-resident buyers purchasing from abroad
As global travel, visa mobility, and investment demand normalize post-pandemic, analysts expect continued growth through 2026 and beyond, particularly in South Florida, Orlando, Tampa Bay, and Gulf Coast markets.
Key Rules for Foreigners Buying Property in Florida
Foreign buyers enjoy the same property ownership rights as U.S. citizens, but there are practical and financial differences to understand.
- You do not need U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- You must obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have an SSN
- Financing must typically come from a U.S.-based lender
- Most lenders require 20–25% down payment for foreign nationals
- Taxes are generally the same as U.S. citizens, depending on use
There are no restrictions on buying a primary home, second home, or investment property in Florida.
Documents Foreign Buyers Need to Purchase Property
Mortgage lenders and title companies may request some or all of the following:
- Valid foreign passport
- Visa or entry documentation (if applicable)
- ITIN or Social Security Number
- Bank statements (U.S. or foreign)
- Proof of funds and reserves
- Employment or income documentation
- Tax returns (U.S. or foreign, if applicable)
- Credit history (U.S. or international, if available)
Lack of U.S. credit history does not automatically disqualify you from financing.
How Do Foreigners Buy a House in Florida?
Foreigners can buy a house in Florida in six simple steps:
- Choose a location based on lifestyle or investment goals.
- Hire a real estate agent experienced with foreign buyers (seller usually pays).
- Search for homes in person or via virtual tours.
- Understand U.S. taxes, including rental income and resale rules (ITIN required).
- Make an offer and negotiate price and terms.
- Secure financing or pay cash, typically with 20–25% down if using a mortgage.
Foreign buyers face no ownership restrictions in Florida and can complete the entire process remotely.
Financing Options for Foreign Buyers in Florida
Foreign nationals can finance Florida real estate, though mortgage options differ from those available to U.S. residents. Many lenders offer foreign national loan programs that do not require U.S. credit history, Social Security numbers, or permanent residency.
Some foreign buyers choose to pay cash, while others use financing to preserve liquidity, diversify investments, or manage currency exposure.
Loan terms, interest rates, and documentation requirements vary by lender and property type, making it important to compare options before committing.
Foreign National Mortgage vs Cash Purchase
Foreign buyers can choose between cash purchases and specialized mortgage programs designed for non-U.S. residents.
| Feature | Foreign National Mortgage | Cash Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Down Payment | 25%–40% | 100% |
| U.S. Credit Required | No | No |
| Proof of Income | Foreign income & bank statements | Not required |
| Closing Timeline | 30–45 days | 7–21 days |
| Liquidity Impact | Preserves cash | Ties up capital |
| Interest Cost | Yes | No |
| Common Use Case | Long-term ownership or investment | Speed, simplicity, leverage avoidance |
Foreign National Loan Program Comparison
Loan terms vary based on residency, documentation, and property use.
| Loan Type | Down Payment | Max Loan Amount | Property Types | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foreign National Conventional | 25%–30% | Up to $2–3M+ | Primary residence, second home, investment | Buyers with strong assets |
| Foreign National Jumbo | 30%–40% | Above conforming loan limits | Luxury or coastal properties | High-net-worth buyers |
| Portfolio Loans | 30%–40% | Lender-specific | Condos, non-warrantable properties | Unique or complex properties |
| DSCR (Rental Income-Based) | 30%–35% | Based on rental income | Investment properties only | Income-producing rentals |
Loan terms, down payment requirements, and documentation vary by lender, property type, and buyer profile. Foreign national loan programs are subject to change and approval is not guaranteed.
Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA)
The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) applies when a foreign national sells U.S. real estate, including property located in Florida.
Under FIRPTA, buyers are generally required to withhold 15% of the gross sales price and remit it to the IRS as a prepayment toward the seller’s potential U.S. capital gains tax.
FIRPTA does not prevent foreign buyers from purchasing property in Florida, but it is an important consideration for future resale planning.
In some cases, the required withholding amount may be reduced or eliminated through an IRS withholding certificate, particularly if the property will be used as a primary residence or if the expected tax liability is lower than the standard withholding.
Because FIRPTA rules can be complex and fact-specific, foreign buyers often work with U.S. tax professionals early in the process to understand their long-term tax exposure and compliance obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buying property in Florida as a foreign national is simpler than most buyers expect. Below are clear, up-to-date answers to the most common questions international buyers ask before purchasing Florida real estate.
Can foreigners legally buy property in Florida?
Yes. Foreign nationals can legally buy homes, condos, land, and investment properties in Florida with the same ownership rights as U.S. citizens, regardless of visa status or residency.
Do foreign buyers need a U.S. visa to purchase property?
No. You do not need a U.S. visa or residency to buy property in Florida, although some lenders may require visa documentation if you apply for a mortgage.
Can a foreigner get a mortgage in Florida?
Yes. Many U.S. lenders offer mortgages to foreign buyers, including foreign national loans, DSCR loans, ITIN loans, and conventional or FHA loans for buyers with U.S. credit history.
How much down payment do foreign buyers need?
Most foreign buyers need a down payment of 20% to 25% when using a mortgage, though cash purchases are common and allow faster closings.
Do foreign buyers need a U.S. credit score?
No. Some lenders allow foreign buyers to qualify using international credit, bank statements, or asset-based underwriting instead of a U.S. credit score.
What taxes do foreign buyers pay in Florida?
Foreign buyers pay the same property taxes as U.S. citizens. Additional taxes may apply to rental income or when selling the property, including FIRPTA withholding.
Is an ITIN required to buy property in Florida?
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is typically required if you plan to finance the purchase, rent the property, or file U.S. tax returns.
Can foreign buyers purchase investment or rental properties?
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy primary residences, vacation homes, and investment properties in Florida with no restrictions.
How long does it take to buy a home in Florida as a foreigner?
Cash purchases typically close in 30 days, while financed purchases usually take 45–60 days, depending on the lender and documentation.
Do foreign buyers need to be present at closing?
No. Closings can be completed remotely using a power of attorney, making it easy to buy Florida real estate from abroad.
Final Thoughts
Florida remains one of the most accessible U.S. states for foreign property buyers.
You don’t need U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or even U.S. credit to own real estate here—but you do need the right guidance.
With proper planning, financing strategy, and professional support, foreign nationals can confidently purchase homes, vacation properties, or investments throughout Florida in 2026.
Speak with an expert who specializes in helping foreign buyers navigate Florida real estate and mortgage options.
With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.
About Author - Phil Ganz
Phil Ganz has over 20+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over a billion dollars of funded loans, Phil helps homebuyers configure the perfect mortgage plan. Whether it's your first home, a complex multiple-property purchase, or anything in between, Phil has the experience to help you achieve your goals.
About Editor - Ryan Skerritt
Ryan Skerritt has over 10+ years of experience in the residential financing space. With over two hundred and fifty million of funded loan volume, Ryan has the skill set to help any homebuyer configure the perfect mortgage plan.
