Fifteen percent of home buyers in Florida are from outside the country. That’s according to a survey by the Florida Association on Realtors. 986 realtors from across the state participated in the 2005 Profile of International Home Buyers in Florida – the first survey of its kind. Communications Director for the Florida Association of Realtors, Marla Martin, says the survey data quantifies what realtors have been saying for years – Florida is a top spot.

“So, not only do people want to move here from all across the u.s. but of course people would like to live here or have second homes here or investment homes here from across the world.”

58 percent of those homebuyers are European – led by the UK. Thirteen point seven percent of International buyers purchased homes in the Naples Ft. Myers area. Miami Ft. Lauderdale – is the top destination – attracting 30 percent of international buyers. Martin attributes the attraction to Florida to climate and lifestyle. She says she expects international sales to remain strong.