Buying a home in Florida takes ten steps, from the first call with a lender to the day you get the keys. Press play on any step to hear it explained in plain language, or listen to the whole page. The text under each step is what you hear, so you can read, listen, or do both.
Listen to the whole page
Pre-approval and bank documents
Start with a lender, before you look at houses. A pre-approval is the lender's written estimate of how much it will lend you, based on your income, debts, savings and credit. Expect to share recent pay stubs or tax returns, bank statements and a photo ID. If you file taxes with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, ask about ITIN loans: lenders commonly want two years of returns filed with the ITIN and a down payment of 15% to 30% (AD Mortgage, NerdWallet). Living abroad? Foreign national loans exist too. All financing is subject to lender approval. More in the ITIN mortgage guide.
Home search and insurance quotes
With your budget in hand, you tour homes and compare recent sales. Before you make an offer, ask an insurance agent for a quote on that exact address, because Florida insurance can change what a house really costs per month. Also look up the flood zone: a standard homeowners policy doesn't cover flood, and lenders require flood insurance in high-risk zones (Florida CFO).
Offer and contract (FAR/BAR)
Most Florida purchases use the FAR/BAR contract, a standard form from Florida Realtors and the Florida Bar. It sets the price, the deposit, the inspection period, the financing deadline and the closing date, and many of those terms are negotiable. Once the seller accepts, you are under contract, and the dates in your contract are the dates that count. If you are unsure what a clause means, ask a Florida real estate attorney.
Escrow deposit
After the contract is signed, you put a good-faith deposit in escrow, usually with the title company or an attorney. It is not a fee: it counts toward your purchase and is credited to you at closing. The contract says when the deposit is due and when you can get it back, so read those sections closely and keep the receipt.
Inspection period
This is your window to check the house, and to walk away or renegotiate if you find a serious problem. Order a general inspection, plus the two Florida reports insurers often ask for: a 4-point inspection (roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC) and a wind mitigation inspection, which documents hurricane features and can lower your premium. Add a WDO inspection for termites and other wood-destroying organisms. When the reports come back, sort the findings into serious problems, repairs worth asking for, and routine maintenance. Then ask the seller for repairs, a credit or a price change, in writing and before the inspection period ends.
Loan application and underwriting
Now you formally apply for the mortgage on this specific house. Underwriting is the lender's final check of your income, credit, savings and the property. Answer requests for documents quickly, and don't open new credit or move money around, because underwriters look at everything. The lender must give you a Loan Estimate, so compare it with your other quotes.
Appraisal
The lender orders an appraisal to confirm the home is worth the price you agreed on. If it comes in lower, you can usually renegotiate the price, bring more cash, or, depending on your contract, cancel. This is another reason to keep your contract deadlines in front of you.
Condo and HOA approval
Buying a condo or a home in an HOA adds a step: the association reviews you, and you review the association. After the Surfside collapse, Florida's condo laws (SB 4-D in 2022 and HB 913 in 2025) require milestone inspections for buildings of three stories or more, generally at 30 years and then every 10 years, and a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) (Withum). Ask for those reports, the budget, and the history of special assessments before you commit. More in buying a home in Florida.
Title, insurance, closing disclosure and final walkthrough
The title company searches the property's history to confirm the seller can transfer clean ownership, and you buy title insurance. Your lender will also require homeowners insurance to be in place. The lender must give you the Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, so compare it line by line with your Loan Estimate (CFPB). Florida buyers usually pay about 2% to 5% of the price in closing costs (Home Buying Institute). Do a final walkthrough shortly before closing to confirm the condition of the home and that agreed repairs are done.
Closing day, in person or remote
At closing you sign the loan and transfer documents, send your funds, and get the keys once the deal is recorded. Florida allows remote online notarization, so many buyers, including those abroad, can close from home with video and ID checks (Florida Statutes 117.265); ask the title company and your lender what they accept. Wire fraud warning: criminals send fake wiring instructions that look like they come from your title company. Never send money based on an email alone. Call the title company at a phone number you already know, and confirm the instructions by voice before you wire anything.
Ready to start?
Tell Rui where you are in these ten steps and he will tell you what comes next. Learn more in the buyer's guide, the ITIN mortgage guide and the mortgage calculator. Buying a home does not give you a visa or a green card, and for legal or tax questions you should talk to an attorney or CPA.
FAQ
How long does it take to buy a home in Florida?
It depends on the dates you negotiate in the contract and on your loan. The contract sets the inspection, financing and closing deadlines, so ask Rui or your attorney to walk you through yours.
Can I buy a home in Florida without a Social Security number?
Yes. Some lenders offer ITIN mortgages, usually with a larger down payment and a higher rate, subject to lender approval. You can also pay cash. See the ITIN mortgage guide.
Can I close on a Florida home without being there?
Often yes. Florida allows remote online notarization, and some buyers sign with a power of attorney. Your lender and the title company decide what they accept.
How do I avoid wire fraud at closing?
Never trust wiring instructions you received only by email. Call the title company at a number you already know and confirm every detail before you send money.
Does buying a home give me a visa or green card?
No. Buying property does not give you a visa or a green card. Talk to an immigration attorney about your situation.
Talk to Rui
Want someone to walk you through your own timeline? Message Rui and tell him where you are in the process.