Quick Read Summary (TLDR) Florida’s Senate Bill 264 (effective July 1, 2023) significantly restricts purchases by foreign real estate buyers from seven “countries of concern,” including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. The law imposes a near-total ban on Chinese nationals buying any real estate, while nationals from the other six countries…
Quick Read Summary TLDR When a person dies owning property in Florida but their primary probate is in another state, the non-Florida court has no legal authority to allow heirs to inherit Florida property. This often forces heirs into a separate legal process called “ancillary administration” in a Florida court to properly transfer the title….
Quick Read Summary (TLDR) A neighbor’s fence encroaching on a property line in Florida does not automatically grant them ownership through adverse possession. To successfully claim land without a written title (the typical fence scenario), the neighbor must meet strict requirements, including openly possessing the land for seven consecutive years. Crucially, the person must also…
Quick Read Summary (TLDR) Any co-owner, regardless of ownership percentage, can file a partition action under Florida Statutes Chapter 64 to force either a physical division of the property or, more commonly, a court-ordered sale of inherited property. Florida’s 2020 Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act added protections requiring a professional appraisal and giving non-selling…
Quick Read Summary (TLDR) While Florida law grants tax deed purchasers immediate ownership and the right to possession, selling the property immediately is rarely practical. The lack of marketable title and the inability to obtain title insurance create significant barriers to resale. Investors must either file a quiet title action, wait four years, or pursue…
Quick Read Summary (TLDR) Getting out of preconstruction real estate contracts in Florida is possible via several legal exits available to buyers if circumstances change. Florida law grants specific rescission rights for condominium and homeowners association purchases, often based on receiving required disclosures. Beyond Florida’s statutes, buyers can cancel preconstruction real estate contracts based on…
Quick Read Summary (TLDR) Florida landlords face intricate legal requirements, primarily outlined in Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes, which touch upon everything from security deposits to property upkeep and evictions. Important duties involve strict regulations for managing security deposits, keeping the property in livable condition, and adhering to precise eviction processes, with do-it-yourself evictions…
Quick-read Summary (TLDR) Buying HOA-foreclosed properties at auctions in Florida can offer opportunities for knowledgeable investors who properly research properties and understand the legal landscape. However, these purchases carry substantial risks that can result in significant financial losses for unprepared buyers. Superior mortgage liens, joint liability for past assessments, hidden fees, additional liens, and title…
Quick Read Summary (TLDR) Real estate agents can benefit from knowing when to recommend a Florida closing attorney to clients. Even though a closing attorney is not legally required in the State, hiring one can protect client interests and demonstrate a real estate agent’s expertise. Attorneys offer comprehensive legal protection beyond title company services, drafting…
Quick-Read Summary (TLDR) Title insurance in Florida is crucial for real estate transactions, safeguarding against ownership disputes and liens. There are two main types: lender’s insurance, which is mandatory for financing, and owner’s insurance, which is optional but highly recommended for buyer protection. Florida regulates title insurance premiums, which are paid as a one-time fee…
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