FinCEN Real Estate Reporting Rule (Florida)
New federal reporting requirements begin March 1, 2026
Shield Title & Escrow is an attorney-owned Florida title company proactively preparing clients for new federal anti-money laundering reporting requirements impacting residential real estate transactions.
Important Compliance Update
Starting March 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will implement new anti-money laundering reporting requirements for certain residential real estate transfers.
What Is Changing?
Starting March 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will implement new anti-money laundering reporting requirements for certain residential real estate transfers.
This rule will impact many Florida closings involving cash purchases and entity buyers.
What Transactions Are Covered?
The FinCEN rule applies when:
The property is a residential home located in any Florida county
The transaction is a cash purchase or transfer (no institutional lender involved)
At least one buyer/transferee is a legal entity or trust, such as:
- LLC
- Corporation
- Partnership
- Trust
- Other non-natural persons
There is no minimum purchase price for the rule to apply.
Does This Apply to You?
You may be affected if:
You are purchasing property in Florida without lender financing
You are buying through an LLC or trust
You are structuring an investor or international purchase
You are transferring property into or out of an entity
If unsure, we recommend confirming before closing to avoid delays.
What Will Be Required?
If your transaction falls under the rule, a FinCEN Real Estate Report must be filed.
To complete the report, the Closing Agent will request required information from the parties, including:
Full legal names
Dates of birth
Residential street addresses
IRS taxpayer identification numbers
Beneficial ownership details (as defined by FinCEN)
All documentation must be provided no later than the day prior to closing to avoid delays.
Who Pays for the Report?
Updated Florida contract language is expected to include an obligation that the Buyer will pay costs and fees charged to prepare and file the FinCEN Real Estate Report.
How Shield Title Helps
Shield Title & Escrow is preparing now to ensure our clients remain compliant and protected under the new March 2026 reporting environment.
If your closing involves:
Cash purchases
LLC or trust buyers
Investor or international structuring
Florida residential property
Our attorney-led team will guide you through the process smoothly.
FinCEN-Ready Closing Support
If your transaction involves cash funds, entity buyers, or trust structures, early compliance review is recommended.