Buying a House in Florida: An Overview for Foreign Nationals

Florida has been the top U.S. destination for international real estate buyers for many years, and the momentum isn’t slowing down. From Miami to Orlando to Tampa, the state attracts investors from around the world.

For foreign nationals, Florida offers more than just sunshine and palm trees. Its tax-friendly environment, cultural connections, and strong rental demand make it one of the most accessible U.S. markets for building a property portfolio. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to the essential requirements you should know when purchasing real estate in Florida.

Key takeaways

• Florida leads the U.S. in foreign real estate purchases due to tax benefits, a warm climate, and cultural familiarity.
  
  
• Latin American, Canadian, and Israeli investors are especially active in Florida markets like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
  
  
• Waltz helps foreign buyers invest in Florida rental properties through DSCR)loans, LLC creation, and remote closings, with no U.S. credit or income required.

Why people invest in Florida

At 21% of international transactions, Florida continues to outpace every other state as the preferred market for foreign investors. Florida’s appeal to foreign real estate investors is about more than beaches and weather, it’s about fundamentals that support demand.

1. Population growth and job creation

Florida consistently ranks among the fastest-growing U.S. states. People are moving in for its quality of life, lower taxes than other parts of the country, and an expanding job market. Sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and tech are creating steady employment, which in turn drives housing demand.

Explore more: Find Emerging Real Estate Markets in 2025 with the U-Haul Growth States Report

2. Tax incentives

Florida’s lack of personal income tax is already a major draw for international buyers, allowing investors to preserve more of their rental income compared to many other U.S. states. On top of that, certain parts of Florida fall within federally designated Opportunity Zones, which can provide tax advantages for qualifying investments. Adding to the appeal, Governor DeSantis has floated the idea of eliminating property taxes altogether. While that proposal has not yet become law, it signals a continued push toward making Florida one of the most tax-friendly real estate markets in the U.S.

3. Booming vacation and rental markets

Florida’s rental market offers a wide range of opportunities for investors. Buyers can tailor their strategy to suit seasonal visitors, year-round tenants, or short-term vacation rentals, depending on the property type and location. Popular cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa consistently see strong demand, supporting both long-term leases and short-term rental options, making Florida an appealing market for investors looking to diversify their income streams.

Read more: A Closer Look at Foreign Buyers Purchasing U.S. Real Estate

Who’s investing in Florida?

Florida has held the top spot for international home purchases in the U.S. for nearly 15 years. According to the National Association of Realtors, the state accounted for 21% of all U.S. residential real estate bought by foreign nationals from April 2024 to March 2025.

• Latin America:  Buyers from Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina are active in markets like Miami and Orlando. Many are drawn by cultural familiarity, existing family or business ties, and the stability of owning property in U.S. dollars.
  
  
• Canada: Canadian buyers, from Ontario to Vancouver and everywhere in between, favor Florida for its warm climate, ease of travel, and seasonal rental potential during the winter months.
  
  
• Israel: Israeli investors are increasingly targeting South Florida for long-term rentals and multi-property portfolios, often using DSCR loans to scale quickly.

Learn more: Waltz success stories

Understanding investor motivations

The decision to invest in Florida real estate often stems from more than market conditions alone. A closer look at buyer motivations reveals the deeper drivers behind this global demand.

• Inflation hedge: Many foreign investors look to U.S. real estate as a way to shield their wealth from inflation and currency swings at home. By purchasing property in Florida, they’re effectively anchoring part of their portfolio in U.S. dollars, which are considered more stable than many local currencies. This not only preserves purchasing power but also provides peace of mind, especially for buyers coming from regions with high inflation or political uncertainty.
  
  
• Fixed interest rates: Unlike many countries where mortgage rates reset every few years, U.S. lenders often offer fixed rates for the entire length of the loan. This long-term stability gives foreign buyers predictable payments and protection against future rate hikes. And while some Americans view today’s rates as high, many international investors come from markets with double-digit borrowing costs, making U.S. financing look comparatively attractive.
  
  
• Lifestyle and accessibility: For many foreign nationals, investing in Florida feels less like entering an unfamiliar market and more like extending a familiar one. Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the U.S., and cities like Miami have long served as cultural and financial gateways to Latin America. Beyond Latin America, Florida also has thriving Brazilian, European, and Caribbean communities, giving international buyers a sense of belonging and trust. Add in warm weather, direct flights from global hubs, and established ethnic communities, and it becomes clear why Florida is such an accessible and comfortable entry point for global investors.

Read more: Latin America is doubling down on U.S. real estate

Why Florida works for foreign nationals (with Waltz)

Florida’s rental demand and tax advantages make it attractive, but financing is often the real hurdle for foreign buyers. Waltz removes those barriers with a model built for international investors.

Find cash flowing properties, get a loan

Unlike traditional mortgages that focus on your personal income or U.S. credit score, DSCR (Debt-service-coverage-ratio) loans look at the property itself. Approval is based on whether the property can generate enough rental income to cover its own expenses.

The calculation is straightforward:

DSCR = Rent ÷ Total Monthly Debt Service

Here, “Total Monthly Debt Service” includes the mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, insurance, and any HOA fees. If the ratio is 1.0 or higher, the property may qualify for financing because it means that the rental income meets or exceeds these costs.This makes DSCR loans a popular option for investors, especially those purchasing property from abroad.

Flexible terms for foreign investors

Waltz provides financing designed to adapt to your needs, giving you the flexibility to structure deals in a way that works best for you. These options make it easier to approach U.S. real estate investment with confidence, no matter your strategy.

• New purchase and refinance options: You can finance both new property purchases and refinance existing U.S. real estate. Having both options gives you flexibility to expand your portfolio or free up equity for additional investments.
  
  
• Up to 70% LTV: Loans can cover up to 70% of the property’s value, meaning you only need a 30% down payment. This high leverage lets you maximize your buying power while keeping more cash available for other opportunities.
  
  
• No U.S. credit score or income verification required: Approval is based on the property and its income potential, not your U.S. credit history. This makes it much easier for foreign investors to secure financing without jumping through hoops or providing extensive documentation.
  
  
• Flexible loans¹: Each loan can range from $100,000 up to $1 million per property, with no limit to how many loans you can take. This flexibility allows you to scale your portfolio across multiple properties at your own pace.
  
  
• Property types: Finance a wide range of residential properties, including single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and 2–4 unit multi-family buildings. Having multiple property types available lets you tailor your investments to your strategy, whether it’s short-term rentals, long-term leases, or a mix.

Remote closings and faster timelines

With Waltz, every step of the property purchase and financing process can be completed remotely, so you can secure your investment without traveling to Florida. The digital platform centralizes all documents, approvals, and communications, reducing back-and-forth and keeping the process moving smoothly. This streamlined approach shortens timelines, helping you close faster whenever possible.

Everything needed to start investing all in one place

Investing in U.S. real estate from abroad can feel overwhelming. From forming a legal entity to opening a U.S. bank account without a local address, there are multiple steps that can slow down or even block your plans. The Waltz Investor Kit simplifies the entire process by bundling everything you need into one streamlined solution.

With the Investor Kit add-on, you get:

• Florida LLC formation: Set up a Limited Liability Company in the state where you plan to invest, giving you liability protection and a business structure recognized by lenders.
  
  
• EIN issuance: Receive your Employer Identification Number automatically, which is required to open a U.S. bank account, apply for financing, and handle taxes.
  
  
• U.S. bank account²: Open a business checking account through Regent Bank without visiting the U.S., allowing you to collect rent, pay expenses, and manage cash flow with confidence.
  
  
• Integrated foreign exchange capabilities³: Move money across borders efficiently, convert currency securely, and avoid costly hidden fees.

This all-in-one setup not only streamlines the property purchase process but also makes ongoing property management and income collection in U.S. dollars far easier. 

Learn more: Investor Kit

Waltz your way into Florida real estate

Florida real estate is open to international investors, and with the right structure, you can enter it without the usual roadblocks. Waltz brings financing, entity setup, and banking together in one remote-friendly platform designed for foreign buyers. Start your Florida property search with financing built for foreign investors.

Get started with Waltz

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