No U.S. Residency Required.
You Can Buy a Home in Florida.
Whether you’re in Canada, the UK, Latin America, Europe, or anywhere else in the world — Florida real estate is open to you. I’m a licensed Florida Realtor and Mortgage Broker who has been helping international buyers since 2002. One call. One agent. One lender.
Yes — and here is exactly how it works.
The United States allows foreign nationals to purchase real property in Florida with no requirement for a visa, green card, or Social Security number. Here’s what you actually need to know before you start searching.
No Residency Required
Foreign nationals — including non-resident aliens — can legally purchase residential and investment property in Florida. You do not need to live in the U.S. or hold a visa to close on a property.
No SSN? No Problem.
An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is accepted for mortgage qualifying. If you don’t have a U.S. credit history, lenders use alternative documentation — foreign bank statements, international credit reports, or asset-based approval.
Financing Is Available
Foreign national mortgage programs exist specifically for buyers without U.S. credit. Down payments typically start at 25–30%. Loan-to-value ratios, rates, and documentation requirements vary by program — I’ll match you to the right one.
FIRPTA Applies at Closing
When a foreign national sells U.S. property, FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act) requires withholding of a percentage of the sales price for potential U.S. tax liability. I’ll connect you with a FIRPTA-experienced closing attorney from day one.
Investors: DSCR Loans Exist for You
Buying a rental property? A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan qualifies on the rental income the property generates — not your personal income. No tax returns. No U.S. employment. The property pays for itself on paper.
Country Restrictions Apply (SB 264)
Florida’s SB 264 restricts property purchases by citizens of certain countries within 10 miles of military installations. This affects nationals of China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, North Korea, and Syria. Your situation may still have a legal pathway — ask me.
The right loan for how you buy.
Every international buyer’s situation is different. Here are the most common financing paths — and I can broker all of them through Jhenesis Mortgage, so your real estate and your loan move on the same timeline.
Foreign National Mortgage
Designed specifically for non-resident buyers. Uses foreign income documentation, international bank statements, and alternative credit verification. No U.S. credit history required.
Non-QM 25–30% Down Primary or InvestmentLearn more at JhenesisMortgage.com →
ITIN Loan
If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number but no Social Security number, this program is built for you. Available for buyers who live and work abroad or reside in the U.S. on a visa.
ITIN Accepted Alternative Credit Primary ResidenceLearn more at JhenesisMortgage.com →
DSCR Loan (Investor)
Qualify based on the rental income the property produces, not your personal income or tax returns. The gold standard for international real estate investors building a Florida portfolio.
No Tax Returns Rental Income Qualifier Short-Term Rental OKLearn more at JhenesisMortgage.com →
Bank Statement Loan
Self-employed internationally? We use 12–24 months of personal or business bank statements to verify income — no W-2s, no U.S. tax returns required.
Self-Employed 12–24 Months Statements Foreign Accounts OKStart at JhenesisMortgage.com →
From first message to closing day.
I manage both sides — the home search through Keller Williams and the financing through Jhenesis Mortgage — so you’re never chasing two different people for updates.
Connect with Me
Message me on WhatsApp, email, or book a call. Tell me your country, budget, and goals.
Loan Pre-Qualification
We’ll determine which loan program fits your documentation, income, and purchase type.
Home Search
I send you curated listings via MLS. We tour virtually or in person when you’re ready to travel.
Offer & Contract
I negotiate on your behalf. International buyers can often compete — you just need the right agent.
Close & Own
Remote closing is available. You can own Florida property without ever flying in for the signing.
I came here from Jamaica. I know what it means to navigate a foreign system.
I immigrated to the United States, built my life here, and eventually built my career helping others do the same. I became a Realtor and a Mortgage Broker because I watched too many international buyers get caught between an agent who didn’t understand financing and a lender who didn’t understand real estate. That gap is expensive — and it’s unnecessary.
With me, you get one trusted point of contact for both your home purchase and your mortgage. I hold a Florida Real Estate Broker license through Keller Williams Realty Winter Park and a Mortgage Broker license through Jhenesis Mortgage. I have worked with buyers from Canada, the UK, Brazil, Colombia, Jamaica, Germany, and dozens of other countries.
- 24 years of Florida real estate experience
- Dual-licensed: Realtor + Mortgage Broker
- MBA in Project Management
- Former IRS Enrolled Agent — tax implications of international ownership are my specialty
- Fluent in navigating FIRPTA, ITIN, and foreign national documentation
Answers for international buyers.
These are the questions I get every week from buyers in Canada, the UK, Latin America, and beyond. If yours isn’t here — message me.
Can a foreign national buy property in Florida?
Yes. Foreign nationals can legally purchase residential, investment, and commercial real estate in Florida without U.S. residency, a Social Security number, or a visa. The process requires specific documentation and the right lender — but the path is well-established.
Do I need a U.S. bank account to buy property in Florida?
Not necessarily. Many lenders accept foreign bank statements for income and asset verification. However, having a U.S. bank account simplifies the wiring of funds for the down payment and closing costs. I’ll walk you through the setup if needed.
What is FIRPTA and does it affect me as a buyer?
FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act) is a U.S. tax withholding rule that affects you when you sell the property, not when you buy it. At closing, a percentage of the sales price is withheld to cover potential U.S. capital gains tax. A FIRPTA-experienced closing attorney will handle this — and I’ll refer you to one.
How much down payment is required for a foreign national mortgage?
Most foreign national loan programs require 25–30% down. Some asset-based or DSCR programs may require 30–35% for investment properties. The exact amount depends on the property type, loan program, and your documentation profile.
Can I buy Florida real estate remotely without visiting?
Yes. I regularly assist buyers who close entirely remotely. Virtual tours, video walkthroughs, and remote notarization make it possible to close on a Florida property without traveling to the U.S. Many of my international clients fly in for a final walkthrough, but it is not required.
Can I get a mortgage as a foreign national with no U.S. credit history?
Yes. Foreign national loan programs use alternative credit verification — international credit reports, a history of on-time rent or utility payments, or a letter of reference from your home country bank. A strong asset position and larger down payment also strengthen approval odds.
What is a DSCR loan and is it right for foreign investors?
A DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan qualifies you based on the property’s rental income — not your personal income or tax returns. If the projected rent covers the mortgage payment (typically a ratio of 1.0 or greater), you can qualify. This is ideal for foreign nationals buying investment or vacation rental properties in Florida.
Can Canadian buyers purchase property in Florida in 2026?
Yes. Canadian citizens are among the most active foreign buyers in Florida. There are no SB 264 restrictions for Canadian nationals. Financing is available with 25–30% down, and remote closing is common. I work with Canadian buyers regularly and understand the cross-border tax considerations.
What does SB 264 mean for foreign national buyers in Florida?
Florida SB 264 restricts property purchases within 10 miles of military installations by citizens of China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, North Korea, and Syria. Nationals of other countries are generally not affected. If you are from one of these countries, consult a Florida real estate attorney to explore your legal options.
Start Searching Florida Homes Today
Access the full MLS — condos, single-family, waterfront, short-term rental investment, vacation homes, and more. Filter by price, school zone, HOA, and rental projections.
- Full Central Florida MLS access
- Virtual tours available
- Listings curated for your budget and goals
Stacy Ann Stephens · REALTOR® · Keller Williams Realty Winter Park
147 W Lyman Ave, Winter Park FL 32789 · 407-603-1664
No U.S. Credit History? We Have a Program for You.
Jhenesis Mortgage brokers foreign national, ITIN, DSCR, and bank statement loans. Get a no-obligation consultation on which program fits your situation.
- ITIN and foreign national programs
- DSCR for rental investors
- No U.S. tax returns required
Stacy Ann Stephens · Mortgage Broker · NMLS #1933745 · Jhenesis Mortgage NMLS #2532705