Factor 01
No Residency Required
Foreign nationals can purchase Florida real estate without U.S. citizenship, residency, Social Security number, or green card. There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership in Florida.
MRG Intelligence / International Buyers
Foreign National Buyer Guide Florida 2026
Foreign nationals can purchase Florida real estate without U.S. citizenship, residency, or credit history. International buyers from Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Europe acquire South Florida properties through cash purchases or foreign national mortgage programs requiring 25-35% down payment. Miami Real Group specializes in guiding high-net-worth international investors through every stage of the Florida acquisition process.
Buying Florida Real Estate as a Foreign National
Factor 02
Cash Purchase
The simplest path for international buyers. No U.S. credit history required. Closes in 21-30 days. Most South Florida luxury and pre-construction purchases by foreign nationals are all-cash.
Factor 03
Foreign National Mortgage
Several U.S. lenders offer foreign national loans requiring 25% down for single-family homes and 35% for condos. Lenders require 6-12 months PITI reserves seasoned in a U.S. FDIC-insured bank for 30-60 days.
Factor 04
ITIN Requirement
Foreign national buyers who finance must obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. MRG coordinates with licensed CPAs to obtain ITINs as part of the acquisition process.
Factor 05
Title Insurance
Title insurance is mandatory for all Florida real estate purchases. In Miami-Dade County, the buyer customarily pays for title insurance. In Broward and Palm Beach, the seller customarily pays.
Factor 06
FIRPTA at Sale
When a foreign national sells Florida real estate, 15% of the gross sale price is withheld by the buyer for the IRS under FIRPTA rules. MRG advises on FIRPTA withholding reduction strategies at acquisition planning stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign nationals buy real estate in Florida?
Yes. Foreign nationals from any country can purchase Florida real estate without U.S. citizenship, residency, or credit history. There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership in Florida. International buyers from Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Europe regularly acquire South Florida properties. Miami Real Group specializes in foreign national acquisitions across 27 Florida counties.
What is the minimum down payment for a foreign national buying in Florida?
Foreign nationals financing a Florida property purchase require a minimum 25% down payment for single-family homes and 35% for condominiums in 2026. Lenders also require 6-12 months of PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) reserves held in a U.S. FDIC-insured bank account for 30-60 days prior to closing. Cash purchases have no down payment requirements.
Do I need a U.S. bank account to buy Florida real estate as a foreign national?
A U.S. bank account is not required for cash purchases of Florida real estate. For foreign national mortgage financing, lenders require reserves to be seasoned in a U.S. FDIC-insured bank for 30-60 days. Miami Real Group coordinates with U.S. banking partners to assist international clients in establishing the necessary accounts.
What taxes do foreign nationals pay when buying Florida real estate?
Foreign national buyers in Florida pay documentary stamp tax on the deed (ranging from $0.70 to $1.05 per $100 of purchase price depending on county), intangible tax on any mortgage (0.20% of loan amount), and annual property taxes. Florida has no state income tax. When selling, foreign nationals are subject to FIRPTA withholding of 15% of the gross sale price. Source: Florida Statutes 201.02, 201.08, 199.133.
Which Florida cities are most popular with international buyers in 2026?
The most popular Florida cities for international buyers in 2026 are Brickell, Edgewater, Downtown Miami, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. Latin American buyers from Colombia, Argentina, Venezuela, Brazil, and Mexico concentrate in Miami-Dade County. Canadian buyers favor Palm Beach County and Sarasota. Miami Real Group advises international buyers across all 27 Florida counties.