International investors
Buying in Florida from abroad? Plan the taxes before you sign.
Structure, ITIN, rental income and your exit plan, for resale and new construction.
20 years · IRS Certified Acceptance Agent · ADP Certified Partner · AFSP
US$45.3B
in existing-home purchases by foreign buyers in the U.S. (Apr 2025 – Mar 2026)
20%
of international home purchases in the U.S. were in Florida
US$934K
median price paid by Mexican buyers in South Florida (2025)
Sources: National Association of REALTORS® 2026 International Transactions report; MIAMI Association of REALTORS® 2025 International Home Buyers report. Informational data, not a promise of returns.
Stage by stage
Your investment, from contract to sale.
| Stage | What LVC handles |
|---|---|
| Before you sign | Ownership structure, EIN, ITIN, source-of-funds records |
| Pre-construction years | Company and bank ready before closing; deposit records kept as cost basis |
| Owning and renting | Gross vs. net rental tax election, yearly non-resident return, short-term rental taxes |
| Selling | FIRPTA plan, withholding certificate, return to recover the excess |
Start here
30-minute Investor Review
We look at the property, how you plan to own it and what you want to do with it. You leave with the next steps for structure, ITIN and taxes. Real estate questions are covered with our REALTOR® partner.
Financing
If you want to explore financing for an investment property, LVC can connect you with lenders and mortgage professionals who work with international buyers. They evaluate your application directly.
LVC facilitates the connection. The lender evaluates.
FAQ
Questions investors ask
Can I claim homestead as a foreign owner?
Homestead is for people who make the home their permanent residence in Florida. Most owners who live abroad don’t qualify. We review your case and your options.
What is the 30% withholding on rent?
By default, 30% of the gross rent paid to a foreign owner is withheld. You can instead choose to be taxed on net rental income (after expenses) by giving Form W-8ECI to the tenant or manager and filing a yearly non-resident return.
What does Amendment 3 change for me?
It is on the Florida ballot on November 3, 2026 and needs 60% to pass. For rental and other non-homestead property, it would lower the cap on yearly increases in assessed value from 10% to 5% (school taxes excluded).
How much is held back when I sell?
Under FIRPTA the buyer generally withholds 15% of the sale price. Lower rates can apply when the buyer will live in the home. You can apply for a withholding certificate (Form 8288-B) to reduce it to the estimated tax; start about 90 days before closing.
IRS forms for investors: W-8BEN, W-8ECI, 1040-NR, Schedule E, 8288-B, 706-NA.
Buying, renting or selling soon? Let’s plan it first.
General information, not personalized tax advice.