One of the great advantages of living in South Florida is that the Caribbean is right on your doorstep.

For Miami and Palm Beach residents, a tropical island escape doesn't necessarily require a long-haul journey.

The Bahamas is made up of 16 major island destinations, with the Abacos and Exumas offering two very different experiences for people looking to escape to turquoise water, white-sand beaches and a slower pace of life.

And with direct air connections from Miami to destinations including Marsh Harbour in the Abacos and George Town in Exuma, these islands are surprisingly accessible from South Florida.

There are very few places in the world where you can be minutes from one of America’s most vibrant cities while feeling as though you have escaped to your own private island.

Fisher Island is one of those places.

Located just off the southern tip of Miami Beach, Fisher Island is a private residential island known for its privacy, beautiful surroundings and exceptional amenities.

Accessible only by private ferry or yacht, the island offers a very different experience from mainland Miami.

Palm Beach is synonymous with sunshine, beautiful architecture and a sophisticated coastal lifestyle.

But beyond the beaches and waterfront properties, Palm Beach and the surrounding Palm Beaches offer an impressive variety of shopping experiences.

From elegant boutiques on Worth Avenue to major luxury shopping centres in Palm Beach Gardens and Boca Raton, there is something for almost every type of shopper.

Buying a property thousands of miles from home can feel daunting.

You may be familiar with the UK property market, but Florida has its own terminology, procedures, communities and considerations.

That is where having a knowledgeable local property advisor can make a meaningful difference.

Finding your dream Florida property is exciting.

But before making an offer, UK buyers should look beyond the purchase price and consider the wider financial picture.

Understanding the potential ongoing and transaction-related costs can help you plan more effectively and avoid surprises.

Miami is famous for its beaches, sunshine and vibrant lifestyle, but for many visitors and residents, shopping is another major attraction.

From luxury designer boutiques to huge shopping centres where you can easily spend an entire day, Miami offers a retail experience to suit almost every taste.

For UK buyers considering a property in South Florida, knowing where to shop can also be part of understanding what everyday life in Miami has to offer.

When UK buyers begin searching for property in South Florida, one of the first questions is often: "Where should I buy?"

There is no single answer.

Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach, Boca Raton and Palm Beach each offer their own character and lifestyle. The best choice depends on what you want your Florida property to provide.

For many UK buyers, owning a property in Florida is more than an investment. It can mean having a place to escape to, somewhere for family holidays, a future retirement home, or a property that can generate rental income.

For British buyers looking for a Florida home, two destinations repeatedly appear at the top of the list:

Miami Beach and Palm Beach.

Both offer sunshine, beaches, luxury homes and an exceptional lifestyle.

But they are very different.

Choosing between them is ultimately about what kind of Florida life you want.

For British buyers considering a home, second home or investment property in Florida, 2026 presents an interesting opportunity.

The Florida property market is not simply a case of prices going up or down. Different parts of the market are behaving very differently.

Luxury property, waterfront homes and exceptional Miami real estate continue to attract strong interest, while buyers in other parts of the market can sometimes find more negotiating opportunities.

The Complete 2026 Guide for British Buyers

By Michael Dodd – International Sales Director, Compass Florida

For generations, British buyers have been attracted to Florida for its sunshine, lifestyle, beaches, golf, boating, excellent restaurants and, importantly, the opportunity to own a home in one of America’s most desirable states.

Whether you are looking for a holiday home, a retirement property, an investment, or simply a place to spend part of the year, buying property in Florida can be an excellent opportunity for UK buyers.

What David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Jeff Bezos, Lionel Messi and Other High-Profile Buyers See in Florida

Apart from extraordinary careers and considerable wealth, they have all chosen South Florida for their homes or property investments.

And that raises an interesting question for British buyers:

Why Florida?
The answer is not simply sunshine.

For many British buyers considering purchasing a home in Florida, one of the first questions they ask is, "How do property taxes work?" Understanding property taxes is an important part of planning your purchase and ongoing ownership costs.

While every property is different, having a basic understanding of the system can help you make informed decisions when buying a holiday home, retirement property, or investment property.

Florida has long been one of the world's most popular retirement destinations, and it's easy to understand why. With its warm climate, beautiful coastline, excellent healthcare, world-class golf courses, vibrant communities, and no state income tax, Florida continues to attract retirees from across the United States and around the world, including many buyers from the United Kingdom.

Florida is home to some of the world's most desirable real estate, and two of its most recognised destinations are Miami Beach and Palm Beach. While both offer sunshine, beautiful beaches, luxury homes, and an exceptional quality of life, they each provide a very different lifestyle.

Everything You Need to Know

One of the most common questions I receive from clients in the United Kingdom is, "Can I get a mortgage to buy property in Florida?"

The good news is that many UK citizens are able to obtain mortgage financing for residential property in Florida, although the options, lending criteria, and terms can differ from those available to U.S. residents.

For decades, Florida has been one of the most popular overseas property markets for British buyers. Whether purchasing a holiday home, a retirement residence, or an investment property, many people from the UK continue to see Florida as offering an exceptional combination of lifestyle, convenience, and long-term appeal.

Buying real estate in the US as a UK resident has never been easier! UK native and 20-year Miami Beach resident Michael Dodd, Realtor Associate International Sales for the Dan & Marci Group Compass Florida LLC can help you find the perfect oceanside getaway.

Florida has long been one of the most popular destinations for British buyers seeking a holiday home, retirement property, or investment opportunity. With its warm climate, world-class beaches, international airports, excellent shopping and dining, and vibrant lifestyle, Florida offers an attractive combination of quality of life and long-term investment potential.

South Florida has become one of the world’s most desirable destinations for British property buyers. With its year-round sunshine, international lifestyle, excellent flight connections from London, and no state income tax in Florida, it’s easy to understand why more UK families, investors, and retirees are purchasing homes across Miami Beach, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and the Florida Keys.