Things to know about owning property in Florida?

I lived in Florida 10 years ago so my knowledge is out of date but first thing to check is what do you want to use the house for because some cities have zoning; vacation rental, residents, commercial, industrial etc. so don't buy a house to live in if it's in a vacation rental zone and don't buy a house you intend to rent out as a vacation home in a residential zone.

I would suggest getting a really good survey done of the property before you purchase for the reasons you mentioned like termites etc. but also air conditioning is very important in Florida and you don't want to find the installed air con unit needs $$$ spending on it AFTER you buy the property. If the property has a landscaped garden get the irrigation checked too because bad irrigation systems can cause loads of problems and can be expensive to put right.

I can't answer all your questions because I haven't lived there for a while but I hope my points help. It's a lovely place I'm slightly envious :-)

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Don't skiimp out on the termite inspection when you buy.

The realtor will remind you.

A mortgage company will require it, but if you are buying for cash, it may be overlooked.

Have a mold inspector (not the regular inspector).

Check the flood stage - the realtor again will help you.

And get flood insurance, even if it's not required !

Ask neighbors if the streets flood - I've done this many times (not in florida).

My parents moved there.

They bought small since property taxes are high.

No state income tax, but they get you everywhere else.

You will love that area! My husband and I have a house there. The property insurance is pretty high, which is to be expected since it is along the coast. Everything else is pretty much the same as they are on my rental property in Orlando.

There are no "special rules" that I know of.

I cannot believe the ignorance of your question, nor the ignorance of many of these answers! If illegals own property they DO have to pay taxes on it, just like everyone else, if not, then they will face forfeiture, they are not immune to any special treatment.