A Complete Guide to Buying Rental Property in Florida

Buying rental properties in Florida is a great way to invest, as the Sunshine State is one of the most popular vacation spots for Americans. With many people wanting to visit the state, rental properties are an excellent way to make money.

For an investor looking for a rental property that gives lucrative income, you couldn’t find a better location. The state has one of the best rental markets in the country that any investor would love to tap into.

To help you in this endeavor, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about buying a rental property in Florida, from understanding local landlord-tenant laws to how to find the best deal on a property.

By the end of this blog post, you’ll be armed with all the information you need to make smart real estate investment choices in your future. So let’s dive in!

Overview Of the Florida Real Estate Market

With the potential for robust rental incomes and low-interest rates, buying an investment property in Florida can be a great option for savvy investors.

The Sunshine State has some of the most attractive real estate property investment options in the country, featuring a mix of historical pastures and bustling cities. Whether you’re looking to purchase an apartment or a single-family home, there’s something to accommodate any budget.

Despite turbulent times due to natural disasters and international events, the rental housing market in Florida has remained stable, with high turnover rates, making it an attractive investment opportunity.

Some key facts:

1) It has actually fared much better than other parts of the country and is a lucrative option for investors. According to the Waller, Weeks, and Johnson Rental Index, Florida is one of the top 4 most lucrative rental markets in the country.

2) In some parts of the State, like Miami, renters pay 21.98% more than the rental trend. This is the highest premium in the entire country and hugely betters the national average, which was 9.33% as of September 2022.

3) As of 2023, it is Cape Coral-Fort Myers in Florida State that is leading the country with renters paying 18.05% above the long-term leasing trend. While the national average has fallen to 7.40%. Florida is home to nine of the 25 most overvalued rental markets nationwide. This includes Cape Coral, Miami, North Port, Tampa, Orlando, Deltona, Palm Bay, Jacksonville, and Lakeland.

4) The State is also America’s fastest-growing state. The Sunshine State saw an increase of nearly 400,000 residents between July 2021 and July 2022, according to current census data. Increasing by 1.9%, the population as a whole reached 22,244,823. This means the opportunity for finding renters and competition for homes is all set to only increase in the coming time.

With careful research into state regulations and buyer preferences, anyone can approach this process well-informed to ensure success down the road.

“Finance your rental property in Florida.“

What Are the Best Places In Florida To Buy a Rental Property In?

Investing in real estate in Florida can be a lucrative opportunity, but knowing where to put your money is key to success. Here are the best Florida cities and areas for different types of investment properties and investors:

1) Miami

Ideal for both short-term and long-term rentals, Miami is known for its thriving housing market, high demand for rental properties, and relaxed rental laws. Miami has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in the luxury real estate market. The city has a diverse economy, cultural attractions, and a growing tech industry which are driving demand for housing.

Key factors to consider:

• Median home values per square foot: $412 (as of December 2022) (Realtor.com)
• Median home prices: $562,992 (Zillow)
• Average rental revenue: $3,600 (Zillow)
• Appreciation over the last year: 23.7%

2) Orlando

The Orlando Metro area is a great option for traditional investors, as it offers low to high-value properties. The Orlando submarkets are ideal for Fix and Flip Investors. The city has low average home values and are a hub for entertainment (like Disney World), making it a great place for fix and flip investments. Orlando also has a strong job market.

Key factors to consider:

• Median home values per square foot: $232 (as of December 2022) (Realtor.com)
• Median home prices: $385,910 (Zillow)
• Average rental revenue: $2,183 (Zillow)
• Appreciation over the last year: 18.3%

3) Clearwater

Clearwater is a highly sought-after real estate investment market, with job growth, population growth, and affordability as key factors. Its stable economy, growing technology industry, large metropolitan population, and affordable housing market make it a popular choice for investors. The city also has a desirable location for tourists, attracting 5 million visitors annually.

Key factors to consider:

• Median home values per square foot: $269 (as of December 2022) (Realtor.com)
• Median home prices: $364,779 (Zillow)
• Average rental revenue: $2,355 (Zillow)
• Appreciation over the last year: 20.1%

Get a future rental income-based mortgage for your property.

4) Fort Lauderdale

A top choice for investors seeking appreciation, Fort Lauderdale is attractive to millennials and is a thriving market for rental properties in Florida. It has seen decades of rapid growth in its metropolitan area, attracting families from across the southern US. 

Key factors to consider:

• Median home values per square foot: $449 (as of December 2022) (Realtor.com)
• Median home prices: $528,353 (Zillow)
• Average rental revenue: $2,355 (Zillow)
• Appreciation over the last year: 22.5%

Get a mortgage for your investment property in Florida without providing any financial proof or having a good credit score. You can get a loan based on the projected income of the rental property you are buying. So, your property’s potential to generate income and cover the mortgage will be the only qualifying factor for the loan. Connect with a cash-flow mortgage lender that can provide you with this loan to start your investment journey today.

5) Jacksonville

Ideal for budget-conscious investors, Jacksonville has a lower entry price and the potential for solid rental returns. It is a top city for rental property investment in Florida due to its high average rental yield, which is among the highest in the US. It also has a strong job market and a world-class healthcare system with over 20 hospitals and a growing bioscience community. The city is also growing, with a 10% increase in population in the past decade.

Key factors to consider:

• Median home values per square foot: $190 (as of December 2022) (Realtor.com)
• Median home prices: $312,639 (Zillow)
• Average rental revenue: $1,668 (Zillow)
• Appreciation over the last year: 17.1%

6) Tampa

Best for First-time Investors. Tampa Bay is known for its high growth, making it a lucrative location for tourists and those looking to move. The Tampa Region is also great for Multifamily Investors. I is a prime location for multifamily investments, with employment growth, rental growth, low vacancy rates, and new construction.

Key factors to consider:

• Median home values per square foot: $265 (as of December 2022) (Realtor.com)
• Median home prices: $416,722 (Zillow)
• Average rental revenue: $2,250 (Zillow)
• Appreciation over the last year: 17.5%

7) West Palm Beach

Interested in rental properties along the beach? Invest in West Palm Beach real estate. The area offers strong job and population growth, affordability, and an attractive location for rental properties. West Palm Beach offers a dynamic housing market and a wise investment strategy for cash flow and appreciation.

Key factors to consider:

• Median home values per square foot: $290 (as of December 2022) (Realtor.com)
• Median home prices: $441,948 (Zillow)
• Average rental revenue: $2,695 (Zillow)
• Appreciation over the last year: 26.6%

8) Cape Coral

When it comes to buying a vacation rental property in Florida, Cape Coral is the place you come to. Best for vacation rentals, the thriving real estate market of Cape Coral is known for attracting millennial renters due to its proximity to employment, retail, and recreational hubs. Cape Coral offers affordability, return on investment, positive cash flow, and appreciation for real estate investors. It is a place attractive to both local and international tourists.

Key factors to consider:

• Median home values per square foot: $260 (as of December 2022) (Realtor.com)
• Median home prices: $418,922 (Zillow)
• Average rental revenue: $2,545 (Zillow)
• Appreciation over the last year: 19.7%

9) Key West

Key West is a popular location for those looking to invest in short-term vacation homes. It has a stable economy, a growing technology sector, a large metro population, and an affordable housing market. This popular tourist destination in Florida and across the US provides high occupancy rates and rental income, making it a wise investment choice for real estate investors looking for positive cash flow.

Key factors to consider:

• Median home values per square foot: $976 (as of December 2022) (Realtor.com)
• Median home prices: $1,115,989 (Zillow)
• Average rental revenue: $6,000 (Zillow)
• Appreciation over the last year: 22.4%

Get no credit check investment property loan.

10) Gainesville

Tap into the Airbnb market by investing in Gainesville, a rapidly growing metro area with a strong monthly cash flow and potential for equity growth. Known for its affordability, this lively college town in Florida offers a dynamic blend of cultural attractions, nightlife, and natural beauty. High occupancy rates on Airbnb rentals and a growing population of young, educated millennials make Gainesville a wise investment choice with increasing returns.

Key factors to consider:

• Median home values per square foot: $187 (as of December 2022) (Realtor.com)
• Median home prices: $291,229 (Zillow)
• Average rental revenue: $1,750 (Zillow)
• Appreciation over the last year: 15.8%

Florida has a great collection of booming rental markets with their own unique investment potential to explore! You needn’t think twice before putting your money in the Sunshine State.

Get no credit check investment property loan.

How To Buy a Rental Property in Florida?

Before investing in rental properties in Florida, it’s important to understand the housing market and what it means to become a landlord. To make the buying process smooth, follow these key steps:

1. Select Your Property

Choose from homes for sale by owners, realtors, or turnkey investment companies. Opting for a turnkey company that offers online property viewing and details can streamline the acquisition process.

2. Conduct a Property Search

Florida has 67 counties, each with a website offering property research tools. Use these tools to gather information about the current owner, property tax history, and value assessment.

3. Finalize Budget

Based on the property you selected in step one, finalize your budget by determining the purchase price and the amount needed or partners needed to match your budget.

4. View Property Details

If investing out of state, view the interior and exterior of the property using online videos, pictures, and visual aids provided by the seller.

5. Choose a Closing Agent

Select a closing agent, whether through a realtor with closing expenses or a turnkey company with a policy for quick closing under 30 days. Properties listed by turnkey companies are immediately available, and the process is simple for first-time or experienced investors.

When should I get a mortgage?

You might be wondering during which stage you take a mortgage loan. If you need a mortgage, you can get it before finalizing a property or after it as well.

If you do it before, then you can target the properties within your budget. If you choose to do it later, then you’re well aware of how much money you’ll need, and you can pick the loan program accordingly.

It all depends on what is best suitable for your needs.

“Get a rental-income-based mortgage.“

What Are the Different Types Of Mortgage Programs Available For Buying Rental Properties in Florida?

This is a carefully curated list of the various mortgage programs available for buying rental property in Florida, including:

• DSCR loans: Loans based on the Debt Service Coverage Ratio, a metric used to identify a borrower’s ability to repay a loan on the basis of their property’s cash flow instead of the borrower’s credit history, income proofs, and other related criteria. You can also check out our guide on how to get a DSCR loan in Florida.

• Cash-Flow Mortgage: A Cash-Flow Mortgage is a kind of loan that is given on the borrower’s ability to generate enough income from the property to fulfill the mortgage payments instead of the value of the property kept as security. So, the qualifying factor for this loan is the future rental income of the property you are getting a loan for.

• FHA loans: In comparison to traditional loans, these loans have softer credit score and down payment criteria because they are insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

• Rental property loans: These are a type of financing specifically designed for individuals or companies looking to purchase a property for the purpose of generating rental income. These often have higher interest rates and down payment requirements.

• VA loans: The Department of Veterans Affairs backs VA loans, which are offered to qualified veterans, active-duty service members, and some types of surviving married partners.

• USDA loans: The United States Department of Agriculture backs USDA loans, which are accessible to borrowers in rural areas with low and moderate incomes.

• Balloon Mortgages: These are loans with a shorter term and a large payment due at the end of the term.

• Conventional loans: A conventional loan isn’t backed by the government and generally has stricter credit and down payment requirements.

• Jumbo loans: A jumbo loan’s a mortgage loan program that surpasses the conforming loan limit set by Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae and usually requires a higher credit score as well as a down payment.

• Foreign national loans: Foreign national loans are loan programs extended to non-citizens or non-permanent resident aliens with zero US credit for property purchases.

• Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI): Private financial institutions that have received government approval to lend money to low- and moderate-income communities are the ones who disburse these loans.

For real estate investors looking to invest in a variety of properties, particularly rentals, programs like DSCR loan programs and Cash-Flow Mortgages are best. To understand these programs better, it’s essential that you seek guidance from an expert mortgage professional. HomeAbroad can connect you with mortgage lenders to finance your rental property.

Is a Rental Property in Florida a Good Investment?

Investing in a rental property in Florida can be a great way to diversify your portfolio, build wealth, and generate additional passive income. There are a few major reasons why you should swoop in and invest in Florida real estate:

1) Strong Population and Job Market: Florida’s population growth, especially in cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, drives demand for housing and makes it a favorable location for real estate investment.

The diverse and growing job market attracts new residents and supports the housing market. Florida’s unemployment rate as of December 2022 is 2.5% which hugely betters the national unemployment rate of 3.5%.

2) Tourist Destination: Florida is a thriving real estate market due to its popularity as a tourist destination. With millions of tourists visiting annually, areas like Miami and Orlando have a high demand for vacation rental properties, which offer more space, privacy, and amenities than hotels.

Vacation rentals are more reliable and profitable investments, as tourists are willing to pay a premium for comfort. The consistent demand for vacation rentals, even during economic downturns, makes it a resilient and profitable option for real estate investors.

3) Lucrative Rental Yields: Florida leads the country when it comes to overvaluation in the rental market. The State also saw a 36 percent increase in rental prices from the first month of 2020 to the last month of 2022.

Especially in metropolitan areas like Miami, Tampa, and Fort Myers, rent has drastically increased since 2020.

4) Affordable Property Prices: Compared to states like California, property prices in Florida are relatively affordable, making it an attractive option for real estate investors seeking strong returns on investment.

However, prices can vary depending on location and property type, with some areas having higher prices due to their close proximity to tourist-friendly or beachfront areas.

5) Diverse Economy: Florida’s economy is diverse, with a mix of industries, including agriculture, tourism, aerospace, and technology, which helps protect it from economic downturns. This can be a benefit for real estate investors.

Researching different markets, understanding real estate laws, being familiar with taxation specifics, and exploring financing options are all crucial points to consider when looking at investment properties in Florida. Ultimately, having a rental property in Florida can prove to be a very rewarding experience if done correctly.

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What Taxes Do I have to Pay As a Renter Or Landlord?

In Florida, renters and landlords are subject to various federal and state taxes. Some of the taxes include:

• Federal Income Tax: Renters and landlords must pay federal income tax on their rental income. The tax rate depends on the individual’s income tax bracket and the amount of rental income they receive.

• State Sales Tax: In Florida, there is a 6% state sales tax on most purchases, including rent. This tax is added to the rent and paid by the tenant at the time of payment. Landlords are responsible for collecting and remitting the sales tax to the state.

• Property Tax: Landlords must pay property tax on the rental property. The property tax rate in Florida varies by county and is based on the assessed value of the property. Property taxes are due annually and are typically paid by the landlord as part of their mortgage payment.

• Business Tax: If the rental property is being used as a business, the landlord may be required to pay a business tax. The business tax rate varies depending on the type of business and the location of the rental property.

• Tourist Development Tax: If the rental property is used for short-term rentals (such as vacation rentals), the landlord may be required to pay a tourist development tax. This tax is levied by the county and is used to promote tourism and improve tourist-related infrastructure. The rate of the tourist development tax varies by county, but it is typically around 5-6% of the rental price.

• Lodging Tax: The short-term rental lodging tax is a portion of the cost of your guests’ stay that is added to the bill. Although the guests pay the tax, it is the responsibility of the landlord or property owner to collect and remit it to the relevant tax authorities.

Note: Tax laws and regulations can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional for the most up-to-date information.

What Permits Or Licenses Are Required To Operate a Florida Vacation Rental Property?

To operate a vacation rental property in Florida, you need all or some of the following permits and licenses:

1) Business Tax Receipt (BTR): Also known as an “occupational license,” this is required for all businesses operating within the state of Florida, including vacation rentals.

2) Sales Tax Permit: If you are collecting sales tax on the rental income, you must have a sales tax permit.

3) Zoning Permit: Depending on the location of your property, you may need a permit to operate a vacation rental. This can be obtained from the local government.

4) Short-Term Rental License: Some cities in Florida require a license for short-term rentals, so it is important to check with your local government to determine if one is necessary.

It is also important to note that these requirements may vary by location, so it is best to take the help of a real estate agent to determine the specific requirements for your property.

How Is the Airbnb Market in Florida?

The Airbnb market in Florida has seen significant growth in recent years. Florida is a popular vacation destination, with its sunny and beautiful beaches, warm weather, and numerous tourist attractions, which make for an attractive market for short-term rentals. As a result, there has been a surge in the number of properties listed on Airbnb in the state.

Popular tourist destinations include Miami, Orlando, and the Florida Keys. Miami Beach, in particular, has a high concentration of short-term rentals, with a large number of properties listed on Airbnb.

Additionally, the short-term rental market in Florida has been positively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as many people are looking for alternative vacation options outside of traditional hotels. This has led to increased demand for Airbnb properties in the state, particularly in rural and coastal areas.

Overall, the Airbnb market in Florida offers significant opportunities for property owners looking to buy a short-term rental property in Florida to generate rental income, especially in popular tourist destinations. However, it is important to keep in mind the regulations and licensing requirements for operating a vacation rental in the state.

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Tips For Better Real Estate Investment in Florida

Investing in rental properties can be a great way to build long-term wealth, which is here are some tips for to help you make better decisions as real estate investors:

1) Know your target market

The kind of property you pick will have different types of renters and require different types of oversight. In Florida, there are different types of rental properties available for purchase, such as single-family homes, townhouses, apartments, condominiums, and vacation rentals.

2) Amenities are important

Inspect the amenities like the clubhouse, fitness center, pool, and outdoor spaces to ensure they’re well-maintained and will appeal to vacationers. The layout is also an important consideration.

3) Location Matters as Much as the Property

While property in good condition is a crucial consideration, the location should not be overlooked. Florida has many different communities and resorts, each offering its own unique benefits. Choosing the right location will impact your long-term financial success.

4) Property Maintenance and Management

When investing in Florida properties, you need to consider property maintenance and management. You can either handle this yourself or hire an outside company, depending on whether you live in Florida or not.

If you plan on renting out your investment property, you will be responsible for answering tenants’ questions and ensuring the property is well-maintained, especially for properties with private or communal pool areas.

5) Types of Contracts

Like any property investment, you will encounter contracts. There are two types of contracts in Florida property purchases – the standard contract and the “As-Is” contract.

The standard contract requires the seller to address any issues found within the property, while the “As-Is” contract allows the buyer more flexibility to exit the agreement if issues are found during the due diligence process. 

The contract usually includes the following details:

• Purchase price
• Deposit
• Closing date
• Due diligence time frame
• Financing contingency
• Inventory of items included in the purchase

It is essential to understand the contracts thoroughly, especially if you are a first-time buyer, before signing any paperwork.

6) Work with an Expert

It’s important to work with an agent who knows the Florida market to ensure your investment lives up to its rental potential.

Note: Consider the time of year and the local market conditions when buying a property. Property prices tend to drop in the summer and that’s a good time to buy. Check local regulations and taxes regarding your property.

Find a Real Estate Agent Who Specializes in Rentals

When you’re ready to start looking for a rental property in Florida, it’s important to find a qualified real estate agent who specializes in rentals. A good agent can save you time and money by helping you evaluate rental properties, prepare rental contracts, and manage other aspects of your purchase.

HomeAbroad can help you connect with the best investment property mortgage lenders to facilitate your investment journey. Ultimately, finding an agent who has specialized knowledge of purchasing rentals can foster a successful experience.

Conclusion

Now that you know more about the process of buying a rental property in Florida, as well as what to consider before making such an investment, you may feel better equipped to decide if this is the right move for you.

If you’re ready to take the next steps, remember to find a mortgage lender who specializes in rental-income-based loans and get started on your search for the perfect property. With careful planning and execution, a rental property in Florida can be a great way to achieve your financial goals.

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