In depth · Property
Buying property in Naples, Florida: how it works
A practical guide to how buying a home in Naples works, from the offer to the closing table, and the costs and rules that are particular to Florida and the Gulf coast. It is general information, not legal or financial advice.
Updated October 2026
From offer to closing
Most purchases follow a standard written contract. After your offer is accepted, you place a deposit in escrow and have a period for inspections, the appraisal and financing. At closing, a title company or a real estate attorney checks the title, arranges title insurance and transfers the funds and the deed. Florida charges a documentary stamp tax on deeds and mortgages; who pays which costs is set out in the contract.
Homestead exemption and property taxes
If the property becomes your permanent residence, you can apply for Florida’s homestead exemption with the Collier County Property Appraiser; the deadline is 1 March for that tax year. Homestead property also benefits from the Save Our Homes cap, which limits annual increases in its assessed value. Property taxes are billed in November by the Collier County Tax Collector, with discounts for paying early.
Flood zones, insurance and hurricane codes
Much of coastal Naples lies in FEMA flood zones. Check the flood zone, elevation and claims history of any property, and get insurance quotes for wind and flood before you commit: flood insurance is separate from ordinary home insurance and can be bought through the National Flood Insurance Program or private insurers. Newer buildings must meet the Florida Building Code’s wind and flood standards; after Hurricane Ian, building and elevation rules in vulnerable areas are a key question for any purchase.
Buying from abroad
Foreign nationals can buy property in Florida. When a foreign owner later sells, US tax rules (FIRPTA) generally require part of the sale price to be withheld for tax. Take advice from a Florida-licensed attorney and a tax adviser in both countries before you buy.
Where people buy
Buyers look at Old Naples, Port Royal and Aqualane Shores for the historic city and the water, Coquina Sands, the Moorings and Park Shore for the beaches, Pelican Bay for its planned community, Vanderbilt Beach for the northern beaches, and the private golf communities inland. See our neighbourhood pages for each area; we do not publish price estimates.
Questions and answers
Can foreigners buy property in Naples, Florida?
Yes. Take advice from a Florida-licensed attorney and a tax adviser, especially on FIRPTA withholding when you sell.
What is the homestead exemption?
A Florida property-tax exemption for permanent residents, applied for with the county property appraiser by 1 March.
Do I need flood insurance in Naples?
Lenders require it in high-risk flood zones, and it is worth considering everywhere near the coast; check the property’s FEMA flood zone.
General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Check with the Collier County Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector, FEMA and a Florida-licensed professional.