Florida Captures 28% of All Foreign Investment in U.S. Commercial Real Estate

Florida has become the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in U.S. commercial real estate, according to a recent CBRE report, capturing 28% of the total volume nationwide.

This figure puts it ahead of traditionally strong markets like Texas (17%) and California (15%), confirming that the Sunshine State is now the epicenter of real estate opportunities for global investors.

What Does This Mean for International Investors?

For those looking to diversify their capital, earn strong returns, and gain access to the U.S. market, this trend opens a clear window of opportunity. This is especially relevant for Latin American and European investors who have long viewed Florida as a natural bridge to the United States.

In this article, we explore:

• Why Florida leads in foreign investment in commercial real estate
  
• The top-performing sectors: multifamily, logistics, and education
  
• How this trend connects to immigration options like the EB-5 Visa
  
• Real-world examples that reflect this global momentum
  
• The cities benefiting the most
  
• Florida’s competitive edge vs. other U.S. markets
  
• And why now is the best time to invest
  

1. Florida Captures 28% of All Foreign Investment in U.S. Commercial Real Estate

According to CBRE’s latest U.S. Capital Markets report (Q1 2025), Florida received more than a quarter of all foreign investment in commercial real estate in the United States, representing billions in capital focused on residential, industrial, and education-related assets.

CBRE U.S. Capital Markets Report – Q1 2025

• Florida: 28% of total foreign CRE investment
  
• Texas: 17%
  
• California: 15%
  
• New York: 12%
  

This leadership is not incidental — it reflects a post-pandemic economic resurgence fueled by business-friendly policies, demographic growth, and a resilient rental market.

2. Multifamily, Logistics, and Student Housing Are Leading the Way

CBRE’s report identifies three booming segments that dominate foreign investment in Florida:

Multifamily Real Estate

Florida’s population growth has driven strong demand for urban and suburban rental properties, especially in cities like Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Gainesville.

• In Miami, average rent increased by 6.2% in 2024
  
• Occupancy rates in mid-size cities like Gainesville exceed 96%
  
• Institutional buyers are acquiring entire buildings for stable cash flow
  

Industrial & Logistics

With top-tier infrastructure and port access, Florida has emerged as a logistics hub for companies distributing products across the U.S. and Latin America.

• Last-mile distribution centers grew 34% YoY
  
• Jacksonville and Lakeland now house large logistics centers backed by Canadian and German capital
  

Student Housing and Educational Real Estate

Thanks to high demand from international and out-of-state students, Florida is one of the most attractive U.S. markets for student housing investment.

• Major universities like UF, FIU, and UM report 95%+ student housing occupancy
  
• Yields for student housing investors range from 6% to 9% annually
  

Case Study: Archer Place – Gainesville, FL
BAI Capital’s flagship project is a mixed-use development with premium student housing and retail space, offering investors a fixed 7% annual return plus up to 15% in profit distribution at exit.

3. EB-5 + Florida = A Strategic Path to U.S. Residency

For foreign investors seeking a U.S. Green Card, Florida offers excellent opportunities through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which grants permanent residency in exchange for a qualified investment of $800,000.

Key reasons why Florida is ideal for EB-5 investors:

• Multiple USCIS-approved projects available
  
• Job creation metrics are more easily met in high-growth sectors
  
• High quality of life, warm climate, and cultural affinity make relocation attractive
  

4. Latin American and European Capital Is Leading the Charge

CBRE also confirms that most FDI in Florida real estate comes from Latin America and Europe:

• Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia lead investment from Latin America
  
• Spain, France, Germany from Europe
  
• 64% of investment comes from institutions; the rest from family offices and private investors
  

This mirrors what we see at BAI Capital: international investors are seeking secure, profitable, and legally sound investment structures in the U.S.

5. Florida’s Rising Real Estate Cities

While Miami remains a key player, new cities are gaining attention due to lower entry costs and stronger returns.

Top growth markets:

• Gainesville – University town ideal for student housing
  
• Tampa / St. Petersburg – Expanding multifamily and logistics hubs
  
• Orlando – Booming tourism and rental demand
  
• Naples / Fort Myers – Luxury housing and retirement investment
  

6. Why Florida Beats Other States for Real Estate Investment

Florida Is the Present and Future of Global Real Estate Investment

Florida’s position as the top destination for foreign real estate investment is more than a trend — it’s a long-term market shift backed by strong fundamentals: population growth, economic diversity, and a regulatory environment that welcomes international capital.

At Archer Place, we offer you the opportunity to own a condo in one of Florida’s fastest-growing university hubs — combining real estate ownership, long-term capital appreciation, and access to a high-demand rental market.

Whether you’re looking to diversify your portfolio or secure a tangible asset in the U.S., now is the time to invest — and Florida is the place.