Explore Florida.
Local expertise. Real results. Connect with trusted agents and discover homes across the state.
About Florida real estate
Florida divides cleanly along geography. The Panhandle runs on military and beach. The Gulf Coast runs on retirees and vacation rentals. Central Florida runs on Disney and corporate relocation. South Florida runs on international buyers and luxury.
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The Atlantic Coast splits between commuter towns and beach communities. Hurricane risk pricing varies by zip code, not by region.
Expert take: Our Florida REALTORS® know which condos are 40-year-recert ready, which neighborhoods flood in king tide weeks (not just hurricanes), which Tampa zip codes are insurable today and which aren't, and which Naples builders are using better impact windows than code requires.
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Why buy in Florida?
- No state income tax
- Homestead exemption (Save Our Homes 3% cap)
- Year-round rental market in vacation zones
- Foreign buyer-friendly title rules
Spring 2026 market snapshot
Market data is updated periodically and deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Florida through experienced eyes
What makes Florida different.
Move to Florida from a coastal state and the first thing you'll feel. Before the climate, before the culture. Is more money in your paycheck.
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No state income tax does that. Inside Florida the action concentrates around Miami, Tampa, Orlando, with Tampa Bay (still growing post-correction) as the metro most worth watching in 2026. The climate runs subtropical to tropical, which shapes the housing stock. hurricane and storm hardening shapes building codes and insurance premiums; concrete-block construction is standard. Property tax does the work that income tax doesn't. Effective rates vary by county. Verify the rate for the specific property before you offer.
Current conditions.
Florida reads differently by region. Median listing price statewide is $426,000, with a median 74 days on market and 159,000+ active listings. Miami runs hotter than that average.
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Smaller metros and rural areas run slower.
The single biggest trend.
Out-of-state buyers continue to find Florida for the tax structure. The wave is steadier than 2022-2023 but hasn't stopped.
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The biggest 2026 trend: equity-rich relocators competing with younger in-state first-time buyers for the same lower-priced inventory.
Where to look in Florida
Hand-picked by Find a Home Network partners on the ground.
Miami
Miami is the primary metro. Most inventory, most competition, fastest movement. This draft summary will upgrade once a Florida REALTOR® partner contributes their voice.
Tampa
Tampa is secondary metro with established economy and steadier pricing. This draft summary will upgrade once a Florida REALTOR® partner contributes their voice.
Orlando
Orlando is growing metro with relative affordability vs. the top two. This draft summary will upgrade once a Florida REALTOR® partner contributes their voice.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is regional center with strong fundamentals and lower entry prices. This draft summary will upgrade once a Florida REALTOR® partner contributes their voice.
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is smaller market. Value plays and longer days on market. This draft summary will upgrade once a Florida REALTOR® partner contributes their voice.
Schools & Education
Ratings from GreatSchools. Local context from Find a Home Network partners.
Florida school district detail coming with local partner
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School-by-school context for Florida requires a local REALTOR® partner's eyes on the ground. Network-level summary: research the specific district's funding stability, leadership tenure, and feeder pattern for any school zone you're considering.
Things to Know
Local quirks that change how you should buy or sell in Florida.
For buyers from out of state
Buyers relocating to Florida from high-tax states underestimate how much of the savings get absorbed by property taxes. Verify the effective property tax rate for the specific county and property before you offer.
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The state-level number on a tax-foundation chart is not what you'll pay.
For sellers
Sellers in Florida should know the Florida contract default expectations. Earnest money timelines, inspection windows, financing contingencies. State-specific contract customs surprise sellers moving from out of state. Work with an agent who knows the specific MLS rules.
Taxes & cost of living
Florida has no state income tax. Property tax does the work. Effective rates vary widely by county, with some local areas running among the highest in the country. Sales tax in Florida adds another layer.
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Total tax burden often nets out close to mid-tax states once property and sales tax are factored in.
Climate & weather
Florida climate runs subtropical to tropical. Hurricane season is real. Insurance has gotten complicated since 2020. Climate is a major selection criterion, not a backdrop.
Local closing customs
Florida closing customs vary by region. Title and escrow practices differ between metro and rural counties. Florida MLS rules (Stellar MLS, MIAMI MLS, MFR) govern how listings are displayed and shared.
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Work with an agent who knows the specific local customs.
Questions buyers and sellers ask us most
How much do I need for a down payment in Florida?
For conventional loans, 20% down on the Florida median of $426,000 would be $85,200. Most Florida buyers close with 3-5% down via conventional, FHA (3.5% down), or VA (0% for eligible service members). State-level first-time buyer programs may apply. Check with a local lender.
What's the average property tax in Florida?
Property tax in Florida varies by county. Without a state income tax to offset, property tax does the work of state funding. Verify the specific rate for the property you're considering.
What's the best time of year to buy a home in Florida?
Late summer through early fall (August-October) is historically the most favorable window across most US markets, and Florida follows this pattern. Spring has the most inventory but most competition. Winter has the least competition but the least inventory.
Can I buy a home in Florida without seeing it in person?
Yes, and many out-of-state buyers do. A local REALTOR® running video walkthroughs, paired with a thorough inspection contingency, makes remote purchase manageable. Most Florida agents are comfortable with this workflow now.
How long does it take to close on a home in Florida?
30-45 days is typical for a financed purchase. 14-21 days is achievable for cash. The bottleneck is usually appraisal and lender underwriting, not title work. Florida title and escrow companies are competent and move at standard pace.
What MLS systems cover Florida?
Florida is served by Stellar MLS, MIAMI MLS, MFR. Listings from these MLSs feed the IDX systems consumers see on real estate sites. Coverage varies by city and county.
Guidance That Moves You Forward
Get in touch with a REALTOR® who lives in Florida.
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