Investing in Florida

Florida boasts of some of the most beautiful beaches, golf courses, luxury and residential properties, as well shopping and tourist attractions in the world - don't forget the desirable weather too.

According to The 2011 NAR Profile of International Home Buying Activity by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida keeps its spot as the top location for foreign investors in real estate. The study cited the desirability of U.S. property, its security and profitability as an investment, and changes in the U.S. dollar value as among the reasons for an increase in interest from international buyers.

The best way to meet your needs and wants as a foreign investor in Florida is to work with a local real estate professional who knows the procedures for foreign persons and knows the local market well.

U.S. Tax Rules

There are tax rules that apply to foreign investors in U.S. real estate. For instance, a foreign national who receives investment income (like passive rental income) is subject to a flat tax rate of 30% on gross income. And according to the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA), the buyer of a real property interest from a foreign investor must withhold 10% of the amount realized in the sale. The FIRPTA withholding is also subject to several exceptions.

EB-5 Visa Immigrant Investor Program

The EB-5 Visa Immigrant Investor program was created to stimulate the U.S. economy by providing green cards (permanent residence) to foreign investors in exchange for capital investment in a commercial enterprise which creates jobs for U.S. workers.

According to the The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that administers the program, EB-5 investors must invest $1 million, or at least $500,000 in a targeted employment area (high unemployment or rural area) which creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. residents.

The EB-5 process is the fastest way to receive a green card for foreign investors and their families (spouses and unmarried children under 21). The United States government may authorize up to 10,000 visas per fiscal year under the EB-5 Visa Immigrant Investor program.


Now is a good time to invest in Florida real estate. There are many varieties of properties to choose from and prices are affordable.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or are thinking of investing in Boca Raton, Parkland, Coral Springs or the surrounding areas here in South Florida.

Sincerely,

Pierre J. Denis, REALTOR®
pierre@parklandrealtygroup.com
+1-954-592-4251 | +1-561-245-1710

Parkland Realty Group
11555 Heron Bay Blvd. Suite 200
Coral Springs, FL 33076 USA