Miami Condo Deposit Structure — Explained
How the Miami pre-construction deposit schedule works in 2026 — stage by stage, with escrow, refundability, and assignment rules.
The standard Miami luxury deposit schedule
Most Miami luxury pre-construction projects use a roughly 50% deposit schedule across construction, with the balance due at closing. The percentages and triggers are defined in the developer's offering documents and contract, and are regulated under Florida condominium law (Chapter 718).
| Stage | Typical % | Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Reservation / Contract | ~10% | Signed at price-list reservation and contract. Held in escrow. |
| Groundbreaking | ~10% | Triggered when vertical construction begins. |
| Top-Off | ~10% | Triggered when the building reaches its full structural height. |
| Construction Milestone | ~10% | A defined post-top-off milestone (varies by project). |
| Closing | ~Balance | At delivery and final certificate of occupancy. |
How escrow works
All deposits are held in a Florida-licensed escrow account — not the developer's operating account. The escrow agent releases funds to the developer per the milestone schedule defined in the offering documents. This structure protects buyers from developer insolvency at the deposit stage.
Refundability and rescission
Florida law gives buyers a statutory rescission window after signing the purchase agreement and receiving the full condominium documents. During that window, the deposit is fully refundable. After the rescission period expires and the contract is in force, deposits are generally non-refundable absent developer default.
Assignment and resale before closing
Some Miami contracts allow assignment of the contract before closing; others prohibit it or require developer consent. At the luxury end, developers typically restrict assignment to control branding and the buyer mix at delivery. Read the contract carefully.
Villa Miami specifics
Villa Miami uses a structured milestone-based deposit schedule consistent with the Miami luxury pre-construction standard. The exact percentages, dates, and any line-item premiums are provided privately during the buyer briefing. Request the briefing.
Related reading: pre-construction buyer guide, foreign buyer guide, Villa Miami pricing, floor plans.
Frequently Asked
Where do deposits go?
Deposits are held in a Florida-licensed escrow account, not in the developer's operating account. They are released to the developer according to the schedule defined in the offering documents, which is regulated under Florida condominium law.
What if the project is delayed?
A delay alone does not entitle the buyer to a refund. The contract specifies the developer's delivery window, including permitted extensions for force majeure, supply chain, and permitting issues. If the developer materially breaches the contract's outside completion date, the buyer may have rescission rights — read the contract carefully.
Can I assign my contract before closing?
Some Miami contracts allow assignment, some prohibit it, and some allow it only with developer consent. At the luxury end, developers typically restrict assignment to control branding and buyer profile at delivery.
Is the deposit refundable?
The reservation deposit is typically refundable during the rescission window defined by Florida law. After contract signing and the expiration of the statutory rescission period, deposits are generally non-refundable absent developer default.
Does Villa Miami follow this structure?
Villa Miami uses a structured deposit schedule tied to construction milestones, consistent with the Miami luxury pre-construction standard. The exact percentages and dates are provided privately during the buyer briefing.
Informational only. The controlling document is the developer's purchase agreement and Florida condominium offering documents.
Request current pricing, floor plans and availability.
A confidential consultation with The Villa Miami Private Advisor at Douglas Elliman — Villa Miami's private buyer advisor.