Buying Property in Florida From the UK
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.
But buying property in another country is very different from buying at home in the UK.
This guide explains the key things British buyers should understand before purchasing property in Florida in 2026.
Can a British citizen buy property in Florida?
Yes.
British citizens can generally purchase residential real estate in Florida. You do not have to be a US citizen or permanent resident to own property.
You can buy a condominium, townhouse, single-family home or investment property.
However, owning property in Florida does not give you the automatic right to live in the United States permanently.
Your immigration status and your property ownership are separate matters, so UK buyers should obtain appropriate US immigration and tax advice if they intend to spend significant periods of time in America.
Why do British buyers continue to choose Florida?
Florida offers a combination that is difficult to match.
For UK buyers, some of the biggest attractions include:
• Warm weather throughout much of the year
• Beautiful beaches
• Golf and boating
• International restaurants and shopping
• Excellent airports and direct flights to the UK
• No Florida state personal income tax
• A large established British community
• A wide choice of property
• Strong tourism and rental markets in many areas
• The ability to use the property as a second home
Florida is also a very large and diverse property market.
Miami Beach is completely different from Palm Beach. Palm Beach is different from Boca Raton, and Boca Raton is different from Naples or Sarasota.
Choosing the right location is therefore one of the most important decisions a British buyer will make.
What are the best areas of Florida for British buyers?
There is no single "best" location. It depends on what you want from your property.
Miami Beach
Miami Beach is ideal for buyers looking for an international lifestyle, beaches, restaurants, nightlife, culture and proximity to Miami.
It is particularly attractive to buyers who want a sophisticated second-home destination and easy access to the international community.
Palm Beach
Palm Beach offers a very different lifestyle.
It is known for luxury, beautiful architecture, beaches, restaurants, shopping and an established high-end residential market.
For buyers looking for prestige and a quieter luxury lifestyle, Palm Beach deserves serious consideration.
Boca Raton
Boca Raton is particularly attractive to buyers looking for a combination of lifestyle, residential communities, restaurants, golf, beaches and a strong sense of community.
It can also appeal to buyers who want something more residential than Miami Beach.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale offers beaches, boating, restaurants and an international atmosphere, while providing a different property market from Miami.
It can be an excellent choice for buyers looking for waterfront living.
Naples and Sarasota
For buyers looking for a more relaxed lifestyle, Naples and Sarasota can be extremely attractive.
Both offer beaches, golf, restaurants and a strong appeal to retirees and second-home buyers.
Orlando
Orlando is very different again.
Its enormous tourism industry makes it particularly interesting to investors looking at vacation rental property, although rental rules and local regulations need to be carefully investigated before purchasing.
## How much money do you need to buy property in Florida?
The answer depends enormously on the location and type of property.
A buyer can find properties at very different price points throughout Florida, while luxury properties in Miami, Palm Beach and other desirable locations can run into the millions of dollars.
British buyers should not look only at the purchase price.
You should also budget for:
• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• Condo or homeowners association fees
• Maintenance
• Utilities
• Closing costs
• Property management if required
• Potential rental-management costs
The true cost of owning a Florida property is therefore more than the price shown on the listing.
Can British citizens get a mortgage in Florida?
Yes, some UK buyers can obtain financing in the United States.
However, the process can be different from obtaining a mortgage in Britain.
International buyers may be asked for additional documentation, including evidence of income, assets, bank statements and identification.
Some buyers also choose to purchase with cash.
According to Florida Realtors' 2025 international-buyer research, a substantial majority of UK buyers in Florida purchased with cash, while others used US mortgage financing.
The right approach depends on your financial circumstances and should be discussed with an experienced lender who works with international buyers.
How much deposit will you need?
There is no single deposit requirement for every international buyer.
The amount can depend on:
• The lender
• The property
• Your financial circumstances
• Your income
• Your assets
• Your credit history
• Whether the property is a primary residence, second home or investment
This is why it is sensible to establish your financing position before you start seriously looking at properties.
Florida property taxes
Property taxes are an important consideration for every buyer.
Florida property taxes are determined locally, and the amount can vary considerably depending on the property and its location.
Buyers should never assume that the tax bill on a property will remain exactly the same after purchase.
Your Realtor and closing professionals should help you understand the property's current tax position and any relevant exemptions or reassessments.
Homeowners insurance
Insurance has become one of the most important issues for Florida property owners.
Depending on where you buy, insurance costs can be significant.
Factors can include:
• Location
• Age of the building
• Construction type
• Roof age
• Hurricane exposure
• Flood risk
• Previous claims
• Coverage required by a lender
Before purchasing, I recommend obtaining an insurance quotation rather than simply estimating the cost.
A property that looks inexpensive to buy may have substantially higher ongoing ownership costs.
What are the closing costs?
Florida property purchases involve a number of costs beyond the purchase price.
Depending on the transaction, these can include title-related expenses, recording fees, lender costs, inspections, insurance and other closing expenses.
The exact allocation of costs can also depend on the contract and local practice.
Your Florida Realtor, title company and attorney or other appropriate professionals can explain the specific costs associated with your purchase.
Should you buy a condo or a house?
This is another important decision.
Condominiums
A condo can provide:
• Easier maintenance
• Amenities
• Security
• Pools and fitness facilities
• Prime locations
• Lock-and-leave convenience
However, buyers must carefully investigate condominium association fees, reserves, building condition, assessments, insurance and rental restrictions.
Single-family homes
A house can provide:
• More privacy
• Outdoor space
• A pool
• More control over the property
• Potentially greater flexibility
But maintenance, landscaping, insurance and other ownership responsibilities can be higher.
The right choice depends on how you intend to use the property.
Can you rent out your Florida property?
Potentially, yes—but this is an area where buyers need to do their homework.
Florida has many different local markets and rental regulations.
Some condominiums and communities have strict rental restrictions, while certain areas permit different types of vacation or long-term rentals.
Never purchase a property based solely on an expected rental income figure.
Check the local rules, condominium or homeowners association documents, taxes, insurance, management costs and realistic rental demand before making your decision.
What is FIRPTA?
FIRPTA is the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act.
It is particularly important for international property owners because special tax withholding rules can apply when a foreign seller disposes of US real estate.
This is one of the reasons I strongly recommend that UK buyers work with qualified US tax professionals who understand international property ownership.
Tax advice should always be based on your individual circumstances.
Does buying property give you a US visa?
No.
This is a very important point.
Buying a property in Florida does not automatically give a British citizen the right to live in America.
If you want to spend extended periods in the United States, you should obtain professional immigration advice regarding the visa or status that may apply to your circumstances.
Should you buy through a company?
Some international buyers consider purchasing Florida property through a company or other legal structure.
There can be legitimate reasons for doing this, but there can also be tax, reporting, financing and estate-planning consequences.
There is no universal answer.
Before purchasing through a company, speak with a qualified US attorney and international tax adviser who understands both US and UK considerations.
The Florida buying process
For a UK buyer, the process generally looks something like this:
1. Establish your budget
Understand how much you want to spend and how much cash you want to keep available after the purchase.
2. Decide how you intend to use the property
Is it a holiday home, retirement property, investment, or combination?
3. Choose your location
Miami Beach, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Sarasota and Orlando all offer very different lifestyles and property opportunities.
4. Establish financing
If you require a mortgage, speak with an experienced international lender before making offers.
5. Find the right Realtor
Work with someone who understands both the Florida market and the needs of international buyers.
6. View properties
If you are buying remotely, technology makes it easier than ever to view properties virtually.
7. Make an offer
Your Realtor can help you understand market value and structure the offer.
8. Conduct inspections and due diligence
This is especially important with condos, older homes and properties with significant maintenance requirements.
9. Complete the closing process
Your title company and other professionals will coordinate the legal and financial aspects of the transaction.
10. Take ownership
Once the transaction closes, you become the owner of your Florida property.
The biggest mistakes British buyers make
After helping international buyers navigate the Florida market, I believe some of the biggest mistakes are surprisingly simple.
Buying in the wrong location
A beautiful property in the wrong location can become an expensive mistake.
Looking only at the purchase price
Taxes, insurance, HOA fees and maintenance can significantly affect the cost of ownership.
Assuming every property can be rented
Rental restrictions can vary dramatically.
Not checking the building carefully
This is particularly important when purchasing a condominium.
Buying without understanding the tax implications
International property ownership can involve US and UK tax considerations.
Using the wrong Realtor
A buyer needs more than someone who can open doors.
You want someone who understands the local market, negotiations, international buyers and the practical issues involved in purchasing from overseas.
Why work with an experienced Florida Realtor?
Buying a property in another country should be exciting—not confusing.
My role is to help British and international buyers understand the Florida market, identify suitable properties, negotiate effectively and connect them with the appropriate professionals throughout the transaction.
Having lived and worked around the Florida property market for many years, I understand that international buyers often need a different level of guidance.
My goal is simple:
To make buying your Florida property as straightforward, enjoyable and successful as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a British citizen own a home in Florida?
Yes. British citizens can generally purchase property in Florida.
Do I need to live in America to buy?
No. You can purchase property while living in the UK.
Can I get a Florida mortgage as a UK citizen?
Potentially, yes. Specialist lenders work with international buyers.
Can I rent my Florida property?
Potentially, but rental rules vary by location, municipality and condominium or homeowners association.
Does owning a Florida property give me residency?
No. Property ownership and immigration status are separate.
Is Florida still a good place for British buyers?
Florida continues to offer a broad range of lifestyles and property opportunities, but the right location and property depend on your individual objectives.
Thinking About Buying in Florida?
If you are considering buying a home, condominium or investment property in Florida from the UK, I would be delighted to help.
Whether you are looking for Miami Beach, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Naples, Sarasota, Orlando or another Florida location, I can help you understand the market and identify opportunities that fit your requirements.
Michael Dodd
International Sales Director
Compass Florida
Helping UK and international buyers find their perfect Florida property.
Contact Michael Dodd to discuss your Florida property requirements.