International Buyer Services · South Florida
Your Gateway to South Florida — Wherever You're Coming From
The Move to South Florida Team has guided buyers from Argentina to Israel, Venezuela to France, Canada to Brazil. We understand international transactions, FIRPTA, foreign national financing, and the legal considerations that matter most — and we maintain a network of vetted attorneys specializing in immigration, family law, and international real estate.
Why International Buyers Choose Florida
Six Reasons South Florida is the World's Premier International Real Estate Market
No State Income Tax — A Game-Changer
Florida has zero state income tax. For international buyers establishing U.S. residency or spending significant time in Florida, the tax savings compared to other U.S. states — or many home countries — are dramatic. Combined with Florida's Homestead Exemption, long-term residents enjoy some of the most favorable tax treatment of any U.S. jurisdiction.
Strong U.S. Dollar Asset with Appreciation History
South Florida real estate has delivered consistent long-term appreciation and is denominated in U.S. dollars — a globally recognized reserve currency. For buyers from countries with currency volatility, Florida real estate provides a stable, tangible U.S.-dollar-denominated asset with strong rental income potential.
Rule of Law and Property Rights
The United States provides one of the world's strongest legal frameworks for private property ownership. Foreign nationals can own real estate in Florida with the same rights as U.S. citizens in most cases. Transparent title insurance, county recording of deeds, and a mature legal system protect your investment comprehensively.
World-Class International Community
South Florida — particularly Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties — is one of the world's most internationally diverse regions. Spanish, Portuguese, French, Hebrew, and dozens of other languages are spoken daily. International banks, cultural communities, religious institutions, and cuisine from every corner of the world make South Florida genuinely feel like home for buyers from virtually any nation.
Unparalleled Global Connectivity
Miami International Airport is one of the busiest international gateways in the Western Hemisphere. Non-stop flights connect South Florida to major cities in Latin America, Europe, Israel, and beyond. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International and Palm Beach International Airport provide additional options. For international buyers who maintain ties to their home country, no U.S. region offers better flight connectivity.
Lifestyle, Climate and Safety
South Florida's tropical climate, world-class beaches, excellent private schools, and vibrant cultural scene create a quality of life that attracts discerning international buyers at every price point. Gated communities in Weston, Boca Raton, and Aventura offer the security and privacy that many international buyers specifically prioritize. The region's safety in premium areas consistently ranks among the best in the United States.
Legal and Tax Intelligence
What Every International Buyer Needs to Know
Our network of affiliated international real estate attorneys, tax advisors, and CPAs handles every legal and tax dimension of your Florida purchase. We provide referrals — not legal advice — and ensure you have expert representation at every step.
FIRPTA — Understanding the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act
CriticalFIRPTA requires buyers of U.S. property from foreign sellers to withhold 15% of the gross sales price and remit it to the IRS. This affects foreign sellers, not foreign buyers — but understanding FIRPTA is critical for investors who plan to eventually sell. Our network of international real estate attorneys navigates FIRPTA withholding, reduced withholding applications, and tax treaty implications to minimize your tax exposure at disposition.
U.S. Tax Obligations for Foreign Property Owners
ImportantForeign nationals who own U.S. property may have reporting obligations including FBAR (FinCEN 114), Form 8938, and income tax returns if the property generates rental income. Estate tax exposure is a particular concern for non-resident aliens — U.S. estate tax can apply to U.S.-situs assets at rates up to 40%. Our affiliated tax attorneys and CPAs specialize in structuring international real estate ownership to minimize both income and estate tax exposure legally and efficiently.
Entity Structuring for International Buyers
RecommendedMany international buyers choose to purchase through U.S. LLCs, corporations, or foreign entities for privacy, liability protection, and estate tax planning. Each structure has specific tax and legal implications. Our affiliated attorneys include specialists in cross-border entity structuring who regularly advise buyers from Latin America, Europe, and Israel on optimal ownership structures for Florida real estate.
Title Insurance and International Closing Process
Florida's title insurance system protects buyers from title defects, liens, and ownership disputes. For international buyers, the closing process often incorporates remote signing, wire transfers from foreign banks, and translation services. Our affiliated international real estate attorneys and title companies have extensive experience managing international closings — including coordinating across time zones and multiple jurisdictions.
Important Disclaimer: Jacob Edri and the Move to South Florida Team are licensed real estate professionals, not attorneys or tax advisors. The information above is educational. We provide referrals to our network of specialized legal professionals and strongly recommend that every international buyer engage independent legal and tax counsel before purchasing.
Immigration and Visa Assistance
We Know the Attorneys Who Know the Path
Buying property is often just the first step. Our vetted network of immigration attorneys specializes in investor visas, employment-based Green Cards, family reunification, and international family law — giving you a complete team from contract to residency.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
The EB-5 visa grants permanent residency (Green Card) to foreign nationals who invest $800,000+ in a targeted employment area or $1,050,000+ in a standard area, creating at least 10 full-time U.S. jobs. Our affiliated immigration attorneys are EB-5 specialists who guide clients through the investment, I-526 petition, and adjustment of status process.
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa
The E-2 visa allows nationals of treaty countries to enter and work in the U.S. based on a substantial investment in a U.S. business. While not a direct path to permanent residency, E-2 provides renewable status for qualified investors. Many of our Latin American, European, and Israeli clients use E-2 as an entry point. Our attorneys assess treaty country eligibility and optimal investment structures.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
For individuals with extraordinary ability in their field — business, arts, sciences, entertainment, athletics — the O-1 visa provides U.S. work authorization. Our affiliated attorneys identify O-1 eligibility for clients who may not realize they qualify, and manage the petition process from abroad.
National Interest Waiver (NIW) and EB-1
Highly qualified professionals, researchers, and individuals whose work benefits the U.S. may qualify for the National Interest Waiver or EB-1 preference categories — which can provide Green Card pathways without employer sponsorship. Our immigration attorneys evaluate qualification and prepare strong petitions.
Family Reunification Visas (F1–F4)
U.S. citizens and permanent residents can sponsor qualifying family members for immigrant visas. Our affiliated family immigration attorneys manage I-130 petitions, consular processing, and adjustment of status for international buyers who want to bring family members to join them in South Florida.
EB-2 / EB-3 Employment-Based Immigration
For international buyers who also have U.S. employers or wish to self-petition (NIW), the EB-2 and EB-3 categories offer Green Card pathways. Our attorney network includes employment-based immigration specialists who handle petitions from initial PERM labor certification through immigrant visa issuance.
Ready to Explore Your Visa Options?
Jacob Edri will connect you with the right immigration attorney for your situation — investor visa, family reunification, or employment-based pathway — as part of our concierge international buyer service. No referral fees, no pressure, just the right professionals for your needs.
International Family Law
Family Matters Across Borders
Relocating a family internationally is a complex legal event — not just a logistical one. Our affiliated family law attorneys have deep experience with cross-border family issues that affect international buyers in South Florida.
International Family Law and Relocation
Relocating an international family to Florida raises complex legal questions: recognition of foreign marriages and divorces, child custody jurisdiction under the Hague Convention, parental relocation rights, and inter-country adoption. Our affiliated family law attorneys have deep experience with international family matters and provide clear, practical guidance for families making the move.
Pre-Nuptial and Post-Nuptial Agreements
For international buyers with significant assets, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements drafted under Florida law provide crucial protections — particularly when assets span multiple jurisdictions. Our affiliated family attorneys prepare internationally enforceable agreements that protect real estate and financial assets comprehensively.
Estate Planning Across Jurisdictions
International buyers often have assets in multiple countries, making estate planning complex. Our affiliated estate planning attorneys create Florida-based wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that coordinate with existing foreign estate plans — ensuring your South Florida real estate passes to your heirs efficiently and with minimal tax exposure.
Divorce and Asset Division for International Owners
When international couples separate, jurisdiction over Florida real estate and division of U.S.-situs assets requires specialized expertise. Our affiliated family attorneys handle high-net-worth international divorce cases involving Florida real estate, financial accounts, and business interests across multiple countries.
Best Communities for International Buyers
Where International Buyers Are Choosing to Live
Aventura
Most cosmopolitan city in South Florida — 70%+ international residents, Aventura Mall, excellent schools, multilingual services
Languages spoken: Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Hebrew, French
Weston
Florida's most planned city — A+ schools, 100% gated, large Venezuelan and Latin American community, extremely safe
Languages spoken: Spanish (primarily Venezuelan community)
Brickell, Miami
South Florida's Manhattan — walkable, international financial hub, Latin American banking center, luxury condos
Languages spoken: Spanish, Portuguese, French, multilingual
Boca Raton
Top-rated schools, luxury communities, strong international Jewish community, Bocaire and Royal Palm communities
Languages spoken: Hebrew, Spanish, French, English
Coral Springs
Family-first city with A-rated schools, large Venezuelan and Colombian communities, excellent value for international families
Languages spoken: Spanish, multilingual
Sunny Isles Beach
Known as 'Little Moscow' — large Russian and Eastern European community, luxury oceanfront condos on the A1A corridor
Languages spoken: Russian, Ukrainian, Hebrew, Spanish
International Buyer Consultation
Begin Your South Florida Journey
Tell Jacob where you're coming from, what you're looking for, and what questions you have. He'll personally reach out with relevant property options, community recommendations, and the right legal and immigration contacts for your situation.
Our International Buyer Services
- Concierge property search and virtual showings
- Foreign national mortgage specialist referrals
- International real estate attorney referrals
- FIRPTA and U.S. tax advisor introductions
- Immigration attorney referrals (EB-5, E-2, family)
- Family law attorney referrals
- International closing coordination
- Translation support and multilingual network
- Remote buying — 100% purchase from abroad possible
- Post-closing local vendor introductions
Jacob Edri
International Buyer Specialist
Move to South Florida Team · LoKation
"International buyers have unique needs that most realtors simply aren't equipped to handle. I've built relationships with the best attorneys, immigration specialists, and financial advisors in South Florida specifically to serve clients making this journey."
Languages and Countries Served
Common Questions
International Buyer FAQ
Can foreign nationals buy real estate in Florida?
Yes — with very few exceptions, foreign nationals have the same rights to purchase real estate in Florida as U.S. citizens. There are no restrictions on foreigners buying residential property. Some commercial or agricultural properties near sensitive infrastructure may have restrictions under the Agricultural Land Foreign Ownership regulations, but for the vast majority of South Florida residential and commercial real estate, foreign ownership is unrestricted.
Do I need a U.S. visa to buy property in Florida?
No. You do not need a U.S. visa or residence permit to purchase real estate in Florida. However, if you plan to spend significant time in the U.S. at your property (more than 182 days in any calendar year), you may be deemed a U.S. tax resident for that year. Our affiliated immigration attorneys advise clients on 'substantial presence' rules and strategies to maintain non-resident tax status while enjoying their Florida property.
What is FIRPTA and does it affect me as a buyer?
FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act) primarily affects foreign sellers, requiring buyers to withhold 15% of the gross sale price and remit it to the IRS. As a foreign buyer, you need to be aware of FIRPTA because when you eventually sell your Florida property, the buyer will be required to withhold from your proceeds. Proper planning — including using treaty benefits, applying for reduced withholding, and structuring ownership correctly — can minimize FIRPTA impact significantly.
What taxes do foreign property owners pay in Florida?
Foreign owners of Florida real estate may have U.S. federal income tax obligations if the property generates rental income (30% withholding or net basis election), estate tax exposure as a non-resident alien (limited $60,000 estate tax exemption vs. $12M+ for citizens), and annual property taxes assessed by the county. Florida has no state income tax. Our affiliated international tax attorneys and CPAs analyze each client's specific situation and country of residence to develop the most tax-efficient ownership structure.
Should I buy in my name or through an LLC/corporation?
For most international buyers, purchasing through a properly structured U.S. LLC or other entity provides significant advantages: privacy (name doesn't appear on the public deed), estate tax mitigation, and liability protection. However, the optimal structure depends on your country of residence, existing assets, treaty benefits, and long-term goals. Our affiliated international attorneys provide a comprehensive structure analysis before every purchase — this is one of the most important steps international buyers should take.
Can your network help me get a visa to live in Florida?
Yes. The Move to South Florida Team maintains relationships with experienced immigration attorneys who specialize in investor visas (EB-5, E-2), employment-based immigration, family reunification, and extraordinary ability categories. While Jacob Edri is a real estate specialist (not an immigration attorney), we provide warm introductions to trusted legal professionals who have successfully guided dozens of South Florida real estate clients through the U.S. immigration process.
Can I get a mortgage in the U.S. as a foreign national?
Yes — foreign national mortgage programs are available from specialized lenders who underwrite based on assets and income documented from foreign sources. Down payment requirements are typically higher (25–40%) than for U.S. residents, and interest rates may be slightly above conventional programs. Jacob's team includes mortgage specialists with deep experience in foreign national financing who can pre-qualify you before your property search begins.
What countries do most of your international buyers come from?
The Move to South Florida Team serves buyers from across Latin America — particularly Venezuela, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, and Mexico — as well as Israel, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, and other European nations. Jacob Edri has navigated dozens of international transactions and understands the specific concerns, documentation requirements, and community preferences of buyers from these regions.
Your International Team
One Call Connects You to Everything
Real estate, legal, immigration, family law — Jacob Edri coordinates the entire professional team so you don't have to navigate it alone.