Open Houses in Florida

The decision to rent or buy depends on your finances, plans, location, and the Florida housing market. In many parts of the state, buying is better in the long run.

Florida's median home price is $385,000, and median rent is $1,989/month. With 20% down on a 30-year loan, monthly mortgage payments are higher than a month's rent in most markets, and that's without property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees. However, you build equity over time. If you're unsure about settling down, renting offers more flexibility.

According to Houzeo's latest data, homes for sale in Florida have a median list price of $385,000. However, that's not the final amount you have to pay. Closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, flood insurance, and HOA fees together increase your upfront and monthly costs. Further, these added expenses differ depending on your location and property type.

If you decide to buy a condo in Florida, check the association's HOA fees, milestone inspection report, current budget, and pending or recent special assessments.

Under Florida law, condominium buildings that are at least three livable stories high must undergo milestone structural inspections, generally when they reach 30 years of age.

Yes. If your home is in a FEMA-designated high-risk flood zone (labeled AE or VE on flood maps), your lender will ask you for a flood insurance policy. Flood insurance isn't the same as a standard homeowners insurance policy, and you'll have to buy it through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood carrier.

The median household income in Florida is $69,876, but it varies by location. For example, due to the high cost of living, places like Miami-Dade have a median income of around $71,000. On the other hand, the Panhandle and areas in North Florida have a median income of about $50,000 - $60,000.

Florida charges a documentary stamp tax on every home sale, usually around $0.70 per $100 of the sale price. But that's not so in Miami-Dade, where the tax is $0.60 per $100. There's also an additional surtax on all properties other than single-family homes.

While title insurance isn't unique to the Sunshine State, the state law doesn't stipulate who has to pay it. Depending on the county, either the seller or the buyer can pay for title insurance, as negotiated. Confirm what's usually followed in your county with a title company or closing agent before you set your budget.

HOA fees in Florida typically range from $150 to $600 per month, but they can vary based on the property type, location, and available amenities. For single-family homes, you would have to pay around $300 per month. Condos and townhomes usually cost between $400 and $600 per month, while luxury communities may exceed $1,000 per month.

Gated or waterfront areas in cities like Miami and Tampa have higher HOA fees. This increase is mostly due to Florida's SB 4-D, implemented after the 2021 Surfside condo collapse. Condo associations must now complete structural inspections and fully fund reserves. These fees also cover landscaping, building insurance, security, and maintenance of shared spaces.

Yes, a foreigner can buy a house in Florida. However, Florida Senate Bill 264 (2023) doesn't allow potential buyers from China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Cuba, Syria, and Venezuela to buy land near military bases or other important infrastructure. If they hold a valid visa, they can still buy a home on a property of less than 2 acres, but it must be at least 5 miles from military bases.

Moving to Florida offers a warm climate with no state income tax. However, here are some key drawbacks you should know before making a move:

• High insurance costs: Florida's home insurance rates are among the highest in the country, over $6,000 per year. This makes housing less affordable.
• Hurricane risk: Florida is prone to regular hurricanes and tropical storms, driving up repair costs and insurance premiums.
• Hot and humid weather: Long, humid summers require air conditioning, increasing energy bills.
• Traffic and overcrowding: Rapid development in cities like Miami and Orlando has increased congestion, affecting commute times.
• Tourist crowds: Popular destinations get packed during peak seasons, raising prices and reducing access to public spaces.