YEAR-ROUND sunshine, a huge choice of flights and a strong pound compared to the dollar have combined to make Florida an attractive destination for many people in this country and increasing numbers are choosing to buy homes there as well.

If you're in the market for a property in Florida, here are some top tips to help get you started on your dream place in the sun.

There are no estate agent fees for buyers. But there's no obligation on the part of a seller's agent to give you full details of the property. You may want to hire a buyer's agent to act on your behalf, searching out properties to visit. Payment to that agent is made by splitting sales commission between the seller's and buyer's agent.

In Florida, lawyers are not generally used for property transactions. The legalities are taken care of by 'title companies'. However, you may feel a lawyer is necessary.

Title insurance is necessary when buying a property in Florida as it protects you from financial loss if problems develop regarding the rights to ownership of your property. It also pays the cost of defending any claim against you. It costs about 1% of the property's price, although this may vary.

There are no sales taxes on either purchase or sale, but there are closing costs. If you're buying a property with a mortgage, then you'll pay the State of Florida Documentary Stamps and an Intangible Tax on the mortgage amount. However, if you're paying cash for the property, you don't pay these taxes.

You'll also pay property taxes to the county where your property is located.

In Orlando, for example, it would either be Orange, Osceola, Lake or Polk County. This tax is paid annually on the assessed value of your property.

The amount of taxes depends on facilities and schools in that area, but an average amount for property taxes on a $150,000 house would be somewhere around $2,000.

Capital gains tax on sale of a property is also rare.

In Florida, capital gains is due on profits in excess of $250,000 from purchase to sale per owner.

Deposit

Generally, overseas buyers are expected to out down a deposit of at least 20%, but this can go up to 35%.

However, as a general rule the higher the deposit the lower the mortgage interest rate.

In Florida, inheritance tax is known as 'Estate Tax', or 'pick-up tax'. You are exempt from having to file with the federal authority if your total assets do not exceed $1,500,000.

Anyone considering a move to Florida should first take a week to tour the entire state by car. It's important to understand the very real differences between Florida's east and west coasts, the difference between North Florida and South Florida, and the differences between coastal and inland Florida.

Coastal waterfront property used to be affordable here. However, this is no longer the case. Coastal real estate prices have jumped significantly. Making matters worse is the high cost of home insurance for those who do live on the water. Be prepared to pay dearly to live close to coastal waters.

In reality, Florida weather and lifestyles vary quite significantly.

Where you choose to live will directly impact how happy you are here.