As a legal immigrant or non-resident alien who has called Central Florida home, owning property in the Sunshine State can be a rewarding investment. But what happens when life changes—whether due to voluntary relocation abroad, involuntary status termination, or shifting career opportunities—prompt you to sell? If you’re asking, “Can I sell my home in Florida if I live outside the US?”, the answer is a resounding yes. Florida real estate laws allow non-residents to buy and sell property without citizenship restrictions, making it accessible for international sellers.
At Realtor Stephens Team, we’ve helped hundreds of legal immigrants in Orlando, Kissimmee, Davenport, Winter Garden, and across Central Florida successfully sell their homes — even while living abroad or after a change in immigration status.
Yes — You Absolutely Can Sell Your Florida Home from Outside the United States
Florida has no restrictions preventing non-resident aliens, former green card holders, or expired visa holders from selling real property they legally own. Ownership of real estate is completely separate from your current immigration status.
Florida is a title-company closing state (not an attorney-closing state in most counties), which actually makes remote closings faster and less expensive for international sellers.
Key Tax & Legal Considerations Every Non-Resident Seller Must Know
1. FIRPTA Withholding (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act)
- The buyer is required to withhold 15% of the gross sales price (not the profit) and send it to the IRS unless an exception applies.
- This is not your final tax — it’s a deposit. You get most or all of it back when you file your U.S. non-resident tax return (Form 1040-NR).
- Common exceptions/reductions:
- Sale price ≤ $300,000 and buyer will use it as primary residence → 0% withholding
- You apply in advance for a Withholding Certificate (Form 8288-B) to reduce it based on your actual gain
2. Federal Capital Gains Tax (Non-Residents)
- Long-term capital gains rate: 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on total income
- Primary residence exclusion: Up to $250,000 (single) or $500,000 (married) still applies if you lived in the home 2 out of the last 5 years — even as a non-resident
- Florida has no state income or capital gains tax
3. Other Closing Costs You’ll Pay as Seller
- Documentary stamp tax: $0.70 per $100 of sales price
- Title insurance, HOA estoppel fees, prorated property taxes, etc.
- Typical total closing costs: 7–10% of sale price (including commission)
Step-by-Step: How to Sell Your Florida Home While Living Abroad
- Get your ITIN (if you don’t already have one) – Required for FIRPTA and tax refunds
- Hire an experienced local Realtor® who understands international sales → Need help now? Contact Realtor Stephens Team at 407-603-1664 or stacyann@realtorstephens.com
- Receive a professional Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and net proceeds estimate
- List the property with professional photos, virtual tour, and global marketing
- Accept an offer and open title with a reputable title company that handles mail-away closings
- Sign documents at a U.S. embassy/consulate or certified notary abroad
- Close remotely — funds wired directly to your international bank account
- File Form 1040-NR the following year to reclaim any over-withheld FIRPTA money
Total timeline: Usually 60–120 days from list to close.
Why So Many Legal Immigrants Trust Realtor Stephens Team
- We speak English, Spanish, and Portuguese
- 15+ years helping visa holders, green card holders, and former residents
- Proven remote closing process — even for clients in Canada, UK, Colombia, Brazil, India, and beyond
- Direct relationships with FIRPTA-specialized CPAs and real estate attorneys
- Free, no-obligation net proceeds calculator tailored for non-resident sellers
Ready to sell your Central Florida home from anywhere in the world? Call or text Realtor Stephens Team today at 407-603-1664, email stacyann@realtorstephens.com, or visit realtorstephens.com for your free remote home valuation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I sell my Florida house if my visa expired or my legal status was terminated? A: Yes — 100%. Property ownership is independent of immigration status.
Q: Will I lose 15% of my money because of FIRPTA? A: No. The 15% is only a deposit. Most sellers get the majority (or all) refunded after filing taxes.
Q: Do I need to fly back to Florida to sign documents? A: No. We coordinate mail-away or embassy notarization closings every month.
Q: How long does it take to get my FIRPTA refund? A: Typically 3–6 months after filing Form 1040-NR (deadline: June 15 of the following year).
Q: Should I sell now or wait? A: Central Florida inventory is still low in 2025 — many areas are seeing multiple offers and rising prices. Contact us for a current market update specific to your neighborhood.
Remember: This guide is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified real estate attorney and tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Need personalized help right now? Realtor Stephens Team | 407-603-1664 | stacyann@realtorstephens.com | realtorstephens.com
We’re here to make your transition smooth, profitable, and stress-free — no matter where in the world you are.
*Important Legal Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Real estate and tax laws are complex and change frequently. Every situation is unique. Always consult a qualified Florida real estate attorney, CPA, or tax professional specializing in international transactions before proceeding with a sale.