South Florida Real Estate Knowledge Base

Jacob Edri is a licensed Florida Realtor and the owner and lead relocation advisor of the Move to South Florida Team at LoKation Real Estate, based at 1500 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060. He has more than 13 years of licensed real estate experience, holds the National Association of Realtors C2EX (Commitment to Excellence) designation, and specializes in helping out-of-state and international buyers relocate to South Florida. He can be reached at (954) 400-9116 or jacob@movetosfl.com.

The team serves Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Miami-Dade County. Core cities include Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Plantation, Weston, Hollywood, Aventura, West Palm Beach, and Jupiter.

Services include residential home buying, luxury and waterfront property sales, seller representation and listing services, free home value analysis, investment and rental property advisory, commercial real estate, property management referrals, remote (out-of-state) home buying, and full concierge relocation support covering movers, utilities, schools, and insurance introductions.

No. Florida has no state personal income tax and no state estate or inheritance tax. This is one of the primary financial reasons people relocate from states such as New York, New Jersey, California, Illinois, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Florida revenue comes largely from sales tax and property tax instead. Tax outcomes vary by individual situation, so confirm details with a qualified tax professional.

Florida's homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of a primary residence, and the Save Our Homes provision caps annual assessed-value increases on a homesteaded property at 3% or the change in CPI, whichever is lower. The exemption applies only to a primary residence, not to second homes or investment properties, and it must be applied for through the county property appraiser. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

South Florida premiums reflect hurricane and windstorm risk, roof age and condition, flood zone designation, and the construction year of the home. Homes built after the 2002 Florida Building Code updates, and homes with newer roofs and impact windows, generally receive materially better rates. Buyers should obtain an insurance quote during the inspection period, not after closing, because insurability can affect financing.

Yes. Remote purchases are common. The process uses video walkthroughs, licensed local inspections, electronic signatures, and remote or mail-away closings coordinated with the title company. Many out-of-state and international buyers complete a purchase without an in-person showing, though an in-person visit before the end of the inspection period is still recommended when possible.

A correctly priced and well-prepared home typically goes under contract within a few weeks, with roughly 30 to 45 additional days to close for a financed buyer and often less for a cash buyer. Total timelines depend on price accuracy, condition, HOA or condo document turnaround, and the specific city and price band. Overpricing is the most common cause of extended market time.

Typical Florida seller costs include real estate commission, documentary stamp tax on the deed, title and settlement fees (customary responsibility varies by county), HOA or condo estoppel fees, prorated property taxes, and any negotiated repairs or buyer concessions. Exact figures vary by county and contract terms.

Waterfront homes — especially canal, Intracoastal, and ocean-access properties — carry premium pricing plus additional considerations including seawall condition, dock and lift permits, bridge clearance for boats, flood zone designation, and higher insurance costs. Inland homes generally offer more square footage per dollar, lower insurance, and newer construction, often in gated or golf communities farther west.

Foreign nationals can purchase Florida real estate without US citizenship or residency. Financing is available through foreign-national loan programs, which typically require a larger down payment than domestic conventional loans, or buyers pay cash. Sellers who are foreign persons should be aware of FIRPTA withholding requirements at closing. Cross-border tax and residency questions should be reviewed with a qualified cross-border accountant or attorney.

Home valuations are available at no cost through the Home Value Center on move2sfl.com, or by contacting Jacob Edri directly at (954) 400-9116 or jacob@movetosfl.com. Valuations use current comparable sales, condition, and neighborhood-level pricing rather than an automated estimate alone.