SecureFlorida FAQs

What is the definition of a foreign principal?

Per Section 692.201, Florida Statutes “Foreign principal” means:

“ The government or any official of the government of a foreign country of concern; (b) A political party or member of a political party or any subdivision of a political party in a foreign country of concern; (c) A partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons organized under the laws of or having its principal place of business in a foreign country of concern, or a subsidiary of such entity; or (d) Any person who is domiciled in a foreign country of concern and is not a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States. (e) Any person, entity, or collection of persons or entities, described in paragraphs (a) through (d) having a controlling interest in a partnership, association, corporation, organization, trust, or any other legal entity or subsidiary formed for the purpose of owning real property in this state.”

What does it mean if I am required to register?

Section 692.203, Florida Statutes, requires foreign principals who own or have an interest in real property that is on or within 10 miles of any military installation or critical infrastructure facility in this state to register their property with FloridaCommerce. 

The SecureFlorida portal provides a property search tool, as well as a form submission portal to assist individuals in registering their property and/or business entity.

How do I register an apartment or condo?

To register an apartment or condo, enter your unit number in the address field following your street address.

What do I do if my address cannot be verified through the Property Search?

If your address cannot be found, you can still register your property by selecting “Register Property”.

How often do I have to register my property?

You only need to register a property once, but you may be required to update your registration depending on your circumstance.

What should I do if I sell my property?

If you sell your property, update your registration in the portal using the “Update Registration” button.

Can I register multiple properties?

Yes. You may enter multiple addresses in a single registration on the portal.

How do I register both business and residential properties?

You can register both a business property and a residential property on the portal by completing two separate registrations on your account. To complete a second registration, complete your first registration and then select “Register Property”.

What should I do if the property I need to register has multiple owners?

To register a property with multiple associated foreign principals, use one of the following methods.

1. Complete one registration: One representative may register the property and create a foreign principal record for each foreign principal within one registration submission. To add multiple foreign principals, select “Add Another Foreign Principal Record” on the Foreign Principal Information screen.
2. Complete separate registrations: Each foreign principal may create a separate account to register the property, creating one foreign principal record for themselves.

What if I made a mistake in the information I entered?

Once you have registered a property, the information you entered cannot be altered. If you entered incorrect information, please complete a new registration with the corrected information.

Where can I find my Parcel ID?

Your parcel ID is located on your annual property tax bill. For further assistance, contact your local tax collector’s office.

Who determines that I have to register?

The Department doesn't decide who has to register. Requirements for registration are listed in section 692.203 of the Florida Statutes, which went into effect on July 1, 2023.

How do I know where I am domiciled?

The term “domicile” is defined in Rule 73C-60.001.

The rules says that “Domicile” means the place where the individual is physically present and intends to remain permanently or indefinitely.

The rule can be found here.

Can I ask someone to help me navigate the SecureFlorida Portal?

If you need help using the SecureFlorida Portal, we recommend you ask a family member or trusted friend to help you with your registration. Also, we encourage you to watch our instructional webinar by clicking here.

I am a natural person (i.e., I am not a corporation, partnership, association, etc.). Am I required to register if I have an interest in real property on or within 10 miles of any military installation or critical infrastructure facility in Florida?

• In accordance with the definition of “foreign principal” found in section 692.201,(4), Florida Statutes, you are required to register qualifying interests in real property located within 10 miles of any military installation or critical infrastructure facility in Florida pursuant to section 692.203, Florida Statutes, if you meet one or more of the following:

1. You are an official of the government of a foreign country of concern (the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Republic of Cuba, the Venezuelan regime of Nicolas Maduro, or the Syrian Arab Republic, including any agency of or any other entity of significant control of such foreign country of concern);
2. You are a member of a political party or any subdivision of a political party in a foreign country of concern;
3. You are domiciled in a foreign country of concern and are not a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States; or
4. You are a person described in (1), (2), or (3) and have a controlling interest in a partnership, association, corporation, organization, trust, or any other legal entity or subsidiary formed for the purpose of owning real property in this state.

• Note that, under section 692.204, Florida Statutes, you must register qualifying interests in real property located anywhere in Florida if you are a natural person who is (1) an official or member of the People’s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party; (2) a member of a political party or a subdivision of a political party in the People’s Republic of China; (3) a person who is domiciled in the People’s Republic of China and is not a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States; or (4) a person described in (1), (2), or (3) who has a controlling interest in a partnership, association, corporation, organization, trust, or any other legal entity or subsidiary formed for the purpose of owning real property in Florida. You may register your qualifying interest by using the SecureFlorida Portal.

I helped someone register on the SecureFlorida Portal. How should we complete the certification form?

Make sure that the details you entered are correct and have been approved by the person you're helping. The registering individual is responsible for certifying their information is accurate.

Do I need to register my real property if I am a citizen of a foreign country of concern and a citizen of the United States?

• A natural person who is a citizen of both a foreign country of concern and the United States is not required to register property under section 692.203 or 692.204, Florida Statutes, unless he or she is (1) an official of the government of a foreign country of concern; (2) a member of a political party or any subdivision of a political party in a foreign country of concern; or (3) a person described in (1) or (2) who has a controlling interest in a partnership, association, corporation, organization, trust, or any other legal entity or subsidiary formed for the purpose of owning real property in Florida.

What should I enter for property acreage if I live in an apartment or condo?

If you live in an apartment or condo, enter 0.00 for property acreage.

How do I format the acreage of my property?

If you live in an apartment or condo, enter 0.00 for property acreage.

•  Use single digits for whole numbers.
  • 1. For example: 1
• Use a period to separate the numbers containing decimals.
  • 1. For example: 1.2
• Use only two numbers after the decimal point.
  • 1. For Example:
    • 1.23