Guides for foreign investors
Everything you need to know before buying in Florida from abroad — FIRPTA, LLCs, financing, insurance, taxes, and the full buying process.
Legal & structure
FIRPTA: the withholding every foreign seller in the US needs to know
What FIRPTA withholding is, how much a buyer withholds when paying a foreign seller, and the most common exceptions — explained without the jargon.
Should you buy your Florida property through an LLC?
Why many foreign investors buy through an LLC, what it actually protects, and what it does NOT solve — before deciding how to structure your purchase.
ITIN: the number you need even if you're not a US resident
What an ITIN is, what it's actually for, and why most foreign investors need one even if they never plan to live in the US.
Costs
Property insurance in Florida: the investor's #1 hidden cost
Why Florida has the most expensive homeowner's insurance in the US, what drives the cost (year built, roof, FEMA zone), and how to quote it properly.
Florida closing costs: the budget line no one shows you upfront
A real breakdown of closing costs when buying in Florida — title, transfer taxes, fees, inspection — and who typically pays what.
Property tax in Florida: what changes between counties
How property tax is calculated in Florida, why it varies so much between counties, and what 'no homestead exemption' means for a foreign buyer.
Financing
Buying process
Short-term rental in Florida: it's not the same in every city
Why short-term rental legality in Florida depends on the city (and even the building) — and why you should never assume 'it's Florida, it must be allowed'.
How to buy in Florida as a foreigner: the complete process
The complete process from start to finish — from setting a budget to closing — for a foreign buyer who has never bought in the US before.