Relocating to Tampa Bay or Florida? Your Mortgage Guide for Out-of-State Buyers
By Josh Richardson (NMLS 2448184) and Anna Richardson (NMLS 2045806) | Updated November 2026
You can line up your Florida mortgage before you move. Get pre-approved from your current state, price in Florida insurance and taxes up front, and you’ll know exactly what you can buy before your house-hunting trip.
I’m Josh Richardson, a Tampa Bay mortgage broker (NMLS #2448184) and CFP®. We help buyers moving to Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, Dunedin, Safety Harbor and the rest of Florida, and we compare options across more than 140 lenders.
The out-of-state buyer checklist
- Get pre-approved before you visit. We work by phone and Zoom from anywhere.
- Get insurance quotes early. Wind, flood and homeowners coverage vary by area and by the age of the roof.
- Check the flood zone before you fall in love with a house.
- Plan your current home. Sell first, buy first, or keep it as a rental. Each changes how you qualify.
- Budget for closing costs. Florida closing costs include title, taxes and prepaid insurance.
- File for homestead by March 1 after you move in.
Florida-specific things to know
- No state income tax on personal income.
- Homestead exemption lowers your taxable value and limits yearly increases in assessed value.
- Condos need extra review because of Florida’s building safety and reserve rules. We check the building early.
- Insurance is usually the biggest surprise in the monthly payment.
Military moves
PCSing to MacDill AFB or retiring to Florida? See our military relocation guide.
Related guides
See our relocating to Tampa Bay FAQ, first-time buyer programs, condo financing and jumbo loans.
Call (727) 888-6650 or email josh@yourhomeloanteam.com. We can start your pre-approval from anywhere, by phone or Zoom.
Relocation FAQ
Can I get pre-approved before I move to Florida?
Yes. You can get pre-approved from any state. Doing it before your house-hunting trip tells you your real price range, including Florida insurance and taxes.
Can I buy with a job offer before I start work?
Often, yes. Many loan programs can use a signed, non-contingent offer letter, sometimes with extra savings in reserve. Your lender confirms the details.
What surprises out-of-state buyers in Florida?
Insurance. Homeowners insurance, wind coverage and flood insurance can add a lot to your monthly payment, so get quotes before you write an offer.
How does Florida’s homestead exemption work?
If the home is your permanent residence on January 1, you can file for the homestead exemption by March 1. It lowers your taxable value and caps yearly increases in your assessed value.
Do I have to sell my current home first?
Not always. Depending on your income and equity, you may be able to buy in Florida first and sell afterward.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Program rules and exemptions change; confirm details with your county property appraiser and a tax professional. Not all applicants will qualify. Your Home Loan Team, powered by GoRascal, NMLS #2072896. Josh Richardson, NMLS #2448184. Equal Housing Opportunity.
