You might not think about it, but when you buy a house, build a new home, or invest in a property in Florida, things like tariffs can sneak in and cause problems.

So what’s a tariff?
It’s basically a tax on stuff we buy from other countries — like wood, metal, or even kitchen appliances. And when these taxes go up, the prices of those things go up too. That makes building homes and buildings more expensive — and it can even mess up real estate deals.

Let me explain how this works and what you need to watch out for.

1. Builders Are Charging More Than Expected

Because materials cost more (thanks to tariffs), builders are adding “escalation clauses” in their contracts. That’s a fancy way of saying:

“If the cost of building stuff goes up, you might have to pay more — even after you sign the deal.”

So if you thought you were buying a house for $500,000… you might later be told it’ll cost $530,000. Yikes.

2. Things Take Longer to Finish

Sometimes, builders have to wait for materials to be shipped in — and when there are tariffs or shipping problems, things get delayed.

If you were supposed to move into your new place in June, it might not be ready until August. That’s a problem if you already sold your old place or your lease is ending.

3. Loans Can Fall Apart

Most people borrow money (get a loan) to buy a house. But if the price changes, or the property takes too long to finish, the bank might say “nope” and pull the loan.

Now you’re stuck — and maybe even lose your deposit.

So What Can You Do About It?

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Read the fine print in your contract — or better yet, ask a real estate lawyer to check it.

• Ask if there’s an escalation clause — and what it really means.

• Make sure you have a backup plan if your move-in date gets delayed.

• Talk to your lender early and keep them updated on any price changes.

  
  

Why This Matters in Florida

Florida is booming. Tons of people are buying, building, and moving here. But with so much growth, small problems like tariffs can turn into big headaches fast.

Knowing the risks — and how the law works — can save you time, money, and stress.