Can Foreign Nationals Buy Property in Boca Raton, Florida?

Yes. Florida imposes no citizenship or residency requirement for buying real estate, and foreign nationals generally buy property with the same rights as U.S. citizens. One exception: Florida's SB 264 (effective July 1, 2023) restricts nationals of certain countries of concern, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria, from acquiring certain types of Florida property, so buyers from those countries should get legal review early.

Not strictly to close, but it is strongly recommended. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is the IRS number for people not eligible for a Social Security number, applied for with Form W-7. You need one to file a U.S. tax return, to request reduced FIRPTA withholding, and many lenders and title companies expect it.

FIRPTA mainly affects foreign sellers rather than buyers: when a foreign person sells U.S. real estate, the buyer must withhold 15% of the sale proceeds and send it to the IRS. If you buy from a foreign seller, your closing agent handles it. If you later sell as a non-resident, plan for that 15% withholding and the refund path.

Yes, through foreign-national loan programs. They do not require a U.S. Social Security number or U.S. credit history. Lenders typically want a valid passport, proof of foreign income (often 12-24 months of bank statements), and a larger down payment, often 25-30%.

Only if you are a national of one of the countries of concern, or buying agricultural land or property near certain military facilities. For everyone else it does not apply. If it does apply, work with a Florida real estate attorney early in the process.

Florida has no state income tax, but plan for U.S. federal exposure: annual property taxes, and for non-residents, U.S. estate tax on U.S. property above a $60,000 exemption, at a top rate of 40%. Ownership structure (LLC, trust) and tax treaties can change this, so get professional advice on how you hold title.

Florida does not require an attorney at closing, but for an international buyer it is strongly recommended to have an attorney review the contract and title. Title insurance protects your ownership, and an attorney or title agent clears title before you close.

The steps mirror a domestic purchase: get financing pre-qualified, obtain an ITIN if needed, make an offer through a licensed Florida agent, sign the purchase contract, complete title work, and close. Much can be done remotely with a power of attorney or remote closing. As a multilingual agent, I have guided buyers through this in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.