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The Global Insight

Do you have to pay capital gains on selling a second home?

Author

James Olson

Updated on March 14, 2026

When selling a second home, you may pay capital gains taxes on any profits, unless you meet certain criteria. Learn more about the intricacies of selling your second home.

What kind of taxes do you pay on selling a house in Florida?

Not All Profits Are Taxable: “Capital Gains Tax Exemption”. When selling your house in Florida, you can exclude a high portion of your profits given specific conditions are met. Typically, can exclude $250,000 from your tax return, and up to $500,000 if filing a joint return.

What do you need to know about selling your home in Florida?

This blog tackles a few tax tips regarding selling your Florida property, including the “Capital Gains Tax Exemption”, reporting issues, the first-time homebuyer credit, and selling cost deductions. For specific questions, of course, consult with a qualified accountant or the state/federal taxing agencies.

When does the second home sale exclusion apply?

The exclusion does not apply to a second home sale that occurs within two years of you using the primary-residence sale exclusion on a different house, subject to limited exceptions.

Can you depreciate a second home on an annual basis?

With an investment property, Weinstein points out that you can deduct depreciation on an annual basis, but you can’t depreciate a second home if it’s only used for personal use. What are capital gains taxes? According to the IRS, there are two main categories of capital gains tax:

What are the rules for selling a second home?

The replacement property must meet the following criteria: 1 You must own the home for at least two years after exercising the 1031 exchange; and 2 You must rent it out for at least 14 days per year; and 3 You cannot use the home for personal enjoyment for more than 10% of the days the home is rented out, or more than 14 days per year.

What is the cost basis for selling a second home?

The cost basis is the amount you spent to buy and improve your second home, including the purchase price, any acquisition fees, and the cost of any capital improvements you made while owning it. For example, if you purchased the home for $300,000 and sold it for $400,000, it would appear that you profited $100,000 from the sale.