The 2024 Guide to Buying a House in Florida

If you are considering relocating to Florida — or you already live there and want to purchase a new home — there are a few steps that can make the process a little easier. We have created this guide with key information about the best cities, schools, and colleges in Florida, plus some advice on important things to consider if you are considering buying a house. 

How to Buy a House in Florida: Checklist

This checklist will help you find the area in Florida that will provide the best living environment and lifestyle for you and your family.

1. Commute Time

If your business or job requires you to commute to a specific location, decide which areas are an acceptable commute away. It’s also advisable to check what public transportation is available, as you never know when you might need it! 

2. Property Prices

Request mortgage quotes to determine the maximum amount you can borrow and the properties available in your price range. Different areas of Florida will have different styles of property, and prices can vary greatly from area to area.

3. Schools and Colleges

Check out schools and colleges with the Florida Department of Education. And don’t forget to check public transport options if you don’t want to drive your children to school!

4. Local Amenities 

Are there any amenities, such as parks, restaurants, or shops, you want near to your home? You might find a property with all the amenities you need, but make sure they apply to you. Parks and restaurants in high-crime areas may not be family-friendly, and shops in rural areas may not sell the food or products you need.  

5. Crime Rates

Crime rates in Florida are generally lower than the national average, but that doesn’t mean all areas of Florida have the same crime rates. The Florida Incident-Based Reporting System (FIBRS) is a database used by law enforcement agencies to record and track crime in Florida. It separates violent crime, property crime, and other crimes and has handy map showing crime rates for every Florida county. 

6. Flood Risks

According to the nonprofit Natural Resources Defence Council, sellers are exempt from disclosing information about whether their property has flooded in the past, is in an area at risk of flooding, or needs to have flood insurance, so do your research!  

One helpful tool is the Risk Factor online search tool from the nonprofit First Street Foundation. This tool provides information on risk factors, such as whether a National Flood Insurance Programme (NFIP) is necessary and how much it might cost. 

Related reading: A First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to a Mortgage

At DSLD, our expert team will support you with personalized advice, understanding, and guidance, enabling you to manage the mortgage process confidently and easily. 

Book a free home loan consultation and begin your journey to becoming a homeowner today.

Buying a House in Florida: How to Find the Area Best for You

One of the key benefits of buying a house in Florida is that residents are exempt from state income tax. There are many other reasons why you might want to live in Florida and numerous lists of the best places to live, but ultimately, the area best for you will depend on your circumstances and preferences.

Below are the 14 cities in Florida featured in the US News & World Report 2023-2204 150 best places to live, plus links to the GreatSchools Ratings best schools.

1. Sarasota 

Renowned for its white beaches and the Gulf of Mexico right outside its door, Sarasota is home to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Sarasota Opera House. In addition to its thriving art scene, Sarasota has a growing museum scene.

Best Schools in Sarasota

2. Naples

Numerous celebrities, including Judge Judy, Larry Bird, and Jane Seymour, live in this beautiful coastal community on Florida’s Gulf of Mexico coast. Famous for art galleries, championship golf courses, and miles of immaculate beaches, Naples was also named one of the top ten cities in Florida by US News.

Best Schools in Naples

3. Melbourne

Melbourne is a laid-back city with plenty of small-town charm. Jim Morrison was from Melbourne, which sits along the Indian River Lagoon. Melbourne is a family-friendly city boasting numerous parks and beaches.

Best Schools in Melbourne

4. Jacksonville

The St. Johns River runs through Jacksonville on Florida’s northeast coast. With 22 miles of beaches and a top-notch arts and culture scene, Ashley Green and Alicia Fox are two well-known celebrities who own properties here.

Best Schools in Jacksonville

5. Tampa 

Tom Brady, Stephen King, and The Rock have all lived in the area. Tampa’s water parks and high-profile theme parks are a draw for families, but there’s more to the area than just roller coasters and water slides here; there’s also a thriving cultural and art scene.

Best Schools in Tampa

6. Pensacola 

Pensacola boasts a thriving metropolis, a wealth of historical sites, and over 50 miles of coastline, including the emerald-green seas of the Gulf of Mexico and pristine bay areas. The Pensacola Bay area is also home to the famous Blue Angels US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron.

Best Schools in Pensacola

7. Daytona Beach 

Daytona Beach is well-known for the Daytona International Speedway, and there’s always an opportunity to see a play at the beachside Daytona Beach Bandshell Amphitheater. The Peabody Auditorium also hosts live music and theater shows. 

Best Schools in Daytona Beach

8. Orlando

The Orlando area, known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and cultural landmarks like the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Orlando Museum of Art. Downtown Orlando also has a vibrant nightlife, with bars and clubs.

Best Schools in Orlando

9. Tallahassee

Tallahassee, Florida’s capital, is rich with history and full of Southern charm. This city is also home to the renowned Florida State Capitol building, Florida State University, and Florida A&M University.

Best Schools in Tallahassee

10. Port St. Lucie 

Port St. Lucie has been considered the state’s safest large city for over a decade. This family-friendly neighborhood has lots of parks and stunning scenery. Situated next to the St. Lucie River, the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens spans 20 acres and is an absolute wonder. 

Best Schools in Port St. Lucie

11. Ocala 

Ocala, known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” is home to hundreds of horse farms. Near the Ocala National Forest, it boasts a multitude of parks and is encircled by picturesque scenery, including lush hills, beautiful forests, pristine lakes, and crystal clear springs.

Best Schools in Ocala

12. Fort Myers

Fort Myers is ideal for families, offering something for everyone, including untamed waterways, exquisite nature preserves, and artistic and cultural activities. Sugar-sand Fort Myers Beach is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, and Lakes Park offers vast hiking trails.

Best Schools in Fort Myers

13. Lakeland

Lakeland, the largest city in Polk County, Florida, is home to the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture worldwide. With its numerous state parks, most famously Bonnet Springs Park, which has massive oak trees, the area provides abundant hiking and outdoor experiences.

Best Schools in Lakeland

14. Miami 

Miami is a cosmopolitan coastal city with a thriving arts scene, various museums, and one of the biggest tropical botanical gardens. Million-dollar yachts line the harbors, while high-rise hotels border the lengthy sandy beaches. Don Johnson, Gloria Estefan, and Sean Combs are among the many famous people who call Palm and Hibiscus, east of the Venetian Islands, home. 

Best Schools in Miami

Colleges and Universities in Florida

There are numerous colleges and universities in the State of Florida. According to the US News & World Report 2024 Best Colleges in Florida rankings, the top ten are:

1. University of Florida in Gainesville
2. Florida State University in Tallahassee
3. University of Miami in Coral Gables, Miami
4. University of South Florida in Tampa
5. Florida International University in Miami
6. University of Central Florida  in Orlando
7. Florida A&M University in Tallahassee
8. Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton
9. Nova Southeastern University in Lauderdale
10. University of North Florida in Jacksonville,

Safest and Best Places to Retire in Florida 

Using the percentage of persons 65 and older in each Florida city, house values, and data from the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer, GOBankingRates has created the top ten safest places to retire in Florida.

1. Ponce Inlet
2. Satellite Beach
3. Indian Harbour Beach
4. Melbourne Beach
5. Marco Island
6. Neptune Beach
7. Flagler Beach
8. Bonifay
9. Parker
10. Atlantic Beach.

How to Find the Best Real Estate Agents in Florida

Once you’ve narrowed down where to live, finding a real estate agent with local knowledge can make it much easier to find the house you want. Here are some of the ways to find the best real estate agents: 

• Reviews: Look for reviews on platforms such as TrustPilot, Yelp, and Google. It’s also worth checking out an agent’s social media profiles to see what previous clients have said. 
• Marketing: The best agents will have a good marketing strategy and either a professional website or will be listed on a site such as Realtor.
• Communication: Agents should listen to what you say, and a competent agent will want to learn as much as possible about you and what you are looking for. Make sure you can contact the agent in a way that suits you. After speaking to an agent, it’s a good idea to email a question to find out how quickly they respond.
• Licensing: Once you’ve located an agent, make sure they have a license with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). 

Related reading: Choosing a Real Estate Agent: Red Flags, Green Flags, and Everything in Between

How to Find the Best Mortgage

Before buying a house in Florida, you should get pre-qualified for a home loan. The type of home loan you choose will depend on your financial situation and other factors. 

Working with an experienced mortgage broker can simplify buying a home in Florida. Not only will they help to ensure you get the best mortgage rates and terms, but you can typically get a pre-qualification for a mortgage within 24 hours of applying. This is non-binding and is a good way to get an idea of how much you can borrow and what loan type is best for you. 

It’s essential to choose a broker that specializes in all of the four main mortgage types. Below is a brief explanation of the eligibility criteria and down payment requirements for each loan type:

1. VA Loan

• Eligibility: Veterans, active-duty military personnel (with a minimum of 90 days of service), and spouses of veterans who died while on active duty are eligible for VA loans. There is no minimum credit score, but most lenders require a minimum of 620.
• Down payment: No down payment is required, but a 1.5% funding fee is generally applied. However, certain exceptions may apply.

2. FHA Loan 

• Eligibility: Available to everyone, with a minimum credit score of 620 and a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 43% or lower, normally required. 
• Down payment: The minimum down payment is 3.5%.

3. USDA Loan

• Eligibility: Maximum income limits apply, depending on the area and size of the household. Only properties located in a USDA-designated area are eligible. The eligibility map on the USDA site can help you find areas in Florida that are eligible for a USDA Loan. 
• Down payment: No down payment is needed for a USDA Loan.

4. Conventional Loan

• Eligibility: Available to anyone, with a minimum credit score of 620 typically required.
• Down payment: A down payment of 3% is required.

At DSLD, our expert team will provide you with personalized advice, understanding, and guidance, enabling you to manage the mortgage process confidently and easily. 

Seal the Deal with DSLD: Save Big, Lock Low Rates, and Close Fast

Next Steps for Buying a House in Florida

Our team at DSLD Mortgage provides a collaboration in addition to mortgage options. We are fully committed to every step of the process because we recognize that every homebuyer’s experience is different.

Our team of experts is here to offer personalized assistance, respond to your inquiries, and support you in making the best choices according to your specific financial circumstances and goals. Together, we can make the ambition of owning a home a happy and secure financial reality.

Book Your Free Consultation Today

References

1. Florida Department of Education — Home page last accessed May 6, 2024
2. US Department of Veterans Affairs —VA funding fee and loan closing costs last accessed May 6, 2024
3. US Department of Veterans Affairs — Eligibility for VA home loan programs  last accessed May 6, 2024
4. Florida Department of Law Enforcement — UCR Incident-Based Reports last accessed May 6, 2024
5. US News & World — Best Places to Live in the US in 2023-2024, last accessed May 6, 2024
6. GreatSchools — About GreatSchools.org’s ratings last accessed May 6, 2024
7. US News & World Report — 2024 Best Colleges in Florida last accessed May 6, 2024
8. State of Florida — Colleges & Universities last accessed May 6, 2024
9. Go Banking Rates — Florida’s Retirees Are Staying: 20 Florida Cities With the  Largest Retirement Populations in 2023 November 9, 2023
10. Yahoo Finance  — 25 Safest and Cheapest Cities To Retire in Florida March 8, 2024
11. National Association of REALTORS® — Home page last accessed May 6, 2024
12. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) — Licensee Search Options last accessed May 6, 2024
13. United States Department of Agriculture — Property Eligibility last accessed May 6, 2024