Florida, a small paradise for investors

The Sunshine State is one of the most pleasant regions in the United States. With an average annual temperature of 26°C and 1,930 km of coastline (not including the islands), this flat state offers both preserved natural area, such as the Everglades, and major dynamic cities. From Jacksonville to Miami, including Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, many dream of settling down and finding a lovely villa or a seafront apartment in Florida.
 

Tax advantages for buyers

Florida's appeal to foreign buyers lies not only in its climate and landscapes, but also in its taxation, which is particularly favorable to French investors. The tax treaty signed in 1994 between France and the United States eliminates the risk of double taxation as soon as you are considered a tax resident of Florida. You are then only subject to American federal law and Florida state law.

In Florida, there is no income tax, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax. However, residents are still subject to federal income tax.

Many expenses related to property management may be deducted from the rental income tax base: maintenance, repairs, condominium fees, local taxes, or travel expenses related to property oversight.

In case of resale, the U.S. government imposes a 15% capital gains tax (compared to 19% in France). Foreign owners are also subject to the FIRPTA law (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act), which withholds 15% of the sale price upon closing. This amount may be refunded upon filing a U.S. tax return.
 

Buying real estate in Florida is relatively straightforward

You do not need a Green Card, a visa, or a Social Security number to purchase property in the United States. However, becoming a property owner does notentitle you to obtain a Green Card.

Simplified financing
American banks offer mortgage loans to non-residents (Foreign National Loans) with down payments of 30% to 40%.

Centralized listings
The U.S. real estate system uses a centralized database, the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), in which all real estate agents who are members of a local board can publish and access listings. Therefore, you do not need to go through multiple agencies to view the same properties.

Support from professionals
Your buyer’s agent can search the MLS, negotiate the price, and submit the purchase offer. Real estate agent commissions are approximately 6%, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents.

The closing agent, often a lawyer, verifies the legal status of the property (title, zoning, risks), holds the deposit in escrow, prepares the deed, and coordinates closing. Their fees are usually included in the closing costs (1.5% to 3%).

A fast process
Purchasing real estate is relatively quick if the transaction is well managed. The process takes about 10 days for cash purchases and 30 to 50 days with financing. The deed can be signed remotely through Remote Online Notarization.

A strong and attractive property market

Over the last 10 years, property prices in Florida have seen sustained growth. In 2025, the median price of a house in Florida is $430,000, and the median price for buying a property in Miami has risen from $218,000 in 2015 to $530,000 in 2025. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated demand, with an explosion in prices of more than 44% between 2021 and 2023.

On average, in 2025, real estate costs around €3,800 per square meter in Florida. It is approximately €7,000/sqm in Miami, €3,500/sqm in Orlando, and €4,000/sqm in Tampa—figures still well below those in Paris or along the French Riviera.

That said, experts forecast slight price declines this year, largely due to increased supply and higher interest rates. According to Realtor.com, 168,700 single-family homes were listed for sale in Florida in February 2025, up 40% from the previous year.

Property resale can still generate attractive capital gains, and rental yields average between 6% and 8%. Even with a market correction, Florida remains a high-potential destination backed by solid fundamentals.