Amid Brazil’s ongoing economic and political instability, a growing trend has caught the attention of analysts and journalists alike: over $65 billion USD have already flowed out of the country this year alone, according to data from the Central Bank. One of the preferred destinations for Brazilians looking to safeguard and dollarize their wealth is the Florida real estate market, which saw a 32% increase in property buyers from Brazil in the past year—especially in areas like Orlando, Miami, and Tampa. In some residential neighborhoods popular with Brazilians, such as Winter Garden, schools and gated communities now report that up to 50% of residents are Brazilian. Beyond steady property appreciation, Florida’s appeal lies in its strong legal protections, economic predictability, and solid rental income potential.
To better understand this movement, we spoke with Maqueli Florida, one of the top names in the industry. A Harvard-certified expert in Real Estate Investment Strategies, Maqueli is a top-producing real estate agent, with over $70 million in sales to Brazilian buyers in recent months. A seasoned investor herself with over 15 years of experience, Maqueli offers a
comprehensive perspective on why Florida has become a magnet for capital and what drives so many Brazilians to invest in U.S. properties.
What’s behind this remarkable surge in Brazilian investment in Florida real estate?
We’re living through a time when many Brazilians are urgently looking to protect and diversify their assets, driven by the political and economic turbulence in Brazil. With the U.S. dollar strong and the real unstable, it makes increasing sense to move capital into a stronger currency. Real estate, being a tangible and resilient asset that generates passive income, has become the natural choice. In fact, during the pandemic, properties in Central Florida appreciated by more than 80% over four years. Rising costs and inflation in Brazil are only accelerating this shift.
Why does Florida stand out compared to other U.S. real estate markets?
Florida offers a rare combination: great weather, high tourism traffic, consistent population growth, and strong property appreciation. Cities like Orlando and Tampa deliver excellent value for money, no state income tax, and infrastructure that’s particularly welcoming to foreign investors. There’s a significant flow of investment into public projects, which directly boosts property values. It’s also a landlord-friendly state, which gives peace of mind to those purchasing for rental income. Combine that with its geographic proximity to Brazil and cultural familiarity, and Florida becomes the ideal market to invest in U.S. real estate.
Is it true that any Brazilian can finance a property in the U.S.? Is the process simple?
Yes, it’s absolutely true. Today, there are banks that specialize in working with foreign nationals—even without requiring U.S.-based income proof. The process is much more accessible than people think. With just a 25% down payment, Brazilian buyers can finance the rest over 30 years using proof of income from Brazil. With a pre-approval letter in hand, they know their investment budget in advance and can act quickly—crucial in a fast-moving market.
What type of property offers the best returns for investors?
It depends on the goal. For mid-term appreciation, off-plan properties or homes in
up-and-coming areas can offer returns of up to 80% in three years. For immediate rental income, move-in-ready homes in high-demand residential zones are best. I always advise against buying oversized homes or those with luxury finishes, as they often don’t translate into proportional returns. The key is to think like an investor, not a future resident.
Do investors need a U.S. legal structure or company to buy property?
Not necessarily, but it’s highly recommended. Many investors opt to create an LLC (Limited Liability Company) to purchase property because of the tax benefits, asset protection, and ease of estate planning. Setting up a company is quick and affordable, and for many, especially those looking to separate personal assets from investment properties, a C-Corp structure is ideal. That said, each case should be reviewed with a specialized accountant.
Is there a risk of a real estate bubble or crisis like the one in 2008?
The market has changed significantly since 2008. After the crash, the U.S. government implemented strict regulations to avoid another similar event. Today’s mortgages are far more controlled, with mandatory down payments and income verification. The housing demand remains high—especially in states like Florida. While downturns may occur, history shows that
U.S. real estate often appreciates even in global crises, and when hit, tends to recover rapidly and continue growing in the long run.
What about rental income? Is it easy to generate returns from a purchased property?
Yes, particularly in the right neighborhoods. There are property management firms and platforms that handle everything—from tenant search and leasing to maintenance and monthly transfers. Lease agreements are usually long-term, and delinquency rates are very low, especially in areas with strong public schools and high employment rates.
What about investment strategies like flips, auctions, and custom builds that are trending lately—are they worth it?
Generally, no. While there are opportunities, they tend to favor professionals who’ve been in the game for years. These models are often marketed to investors looking for quick wins, but here in the U.S., there’s no such thing as easy money. Flipping requires serious expertise—profit margins depend on identifying structurally sound properties that only need cosmetic upgrades. Auctions are the same; you can’t compete with someone who’s been buying at auctions for 30
years and knows every variable. I’ve seen Brazilians fall into these traps. One investor bought a lot for 20% of market value, only to find out it was zoned as unbuildable.
Construction also carries high risks. Developers, contractors, and agents all get their guaranteed margins—only the investor fronts the capital and hopes to profit at the end, when the property is eventually sold. In reality, many investors are stuck. In Ocala, for example, I know people with over ten finished homes sitting on the market for months without a single showing, now hoping just to break even after more than a year.
What sets your work apart, and why are more and more investors reaching out to you?
When I entered this market, I already had over a decade of experience investing in Brazil and the U.S. I quickly noticed two things were missing: premium, personalized service—no assistants, no chatbots, no mass emails—and integrated investment consulting. My clients are highly successful professionals who often don’t have time for lunch, let alone real estate bureaucracy. They don’t want someone to just sell them a house—they want a trusted partner who can deliver a complete solution: strategy, structure, leasing, management, even tax guidance.
Most brokers don’t go deep—either because they lack the knowledge or because they’re focused on quick commissions. I don’t believe in that model. I prefer to empower and guide my clients to build lasting partnerships. One proof of this is that 34% of my clients reinvest within 12 months, buying a second or third property after their first experience.
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