Florida law firm warns of possible FinCEN real estate reporting rule

By AI, Created 8:05 AM UTC, May 26, 2026, /AGP/ – The Law Office of Gary M. Landau says a proposed federal anti-money-laundering rule could add new paperwork and liability to certain Florida real estate closings, especially all-cash deals involving trusts or other legal entities. The rule is on hold while lawsuits continue, but the firm says it could affect buyers, sellers and probate cases if it takes effect.

Why it matters: - The FinCEN rule could extend federal anti-money-laundering reporting into more U.S. residential real estate transactions. - Florida buyers, sellers and closing professionals could face added paperwork if courts allow the rule to take effect. - Probate matters could also be affected, especially when heirs sell inherited property to a trust.

What happened: - The Law Office of Gary M. Landau, P.A. in Coral Springs is advising clients on the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s new residential real estate reporting rule. - The rule was supposed to take effect on March 1, 2026, but implementation is currently on hold while lawsuits move through the courts. - The regulation is formally known as the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers, or RRE. - The firm said the rule would require certain professionals involved in residential closings to file a specific form with FinCEN.

The details: - The mandate generally applies to all-cash, no-mortgage purchases where the buyer of record is a trust or other legal entity rather than a person. - The rule was designed to increase transparency in real estate transactions and help federal authorities identify possible money laundering activity. - The firm said very few real estate transactions have previously been subject to federal anti-money-laundering rules. - Gary M. Landau, founder and lead attorney, said the rule would be an over-correction even though combating money laundering is important. - Landau said Florida buyers and sellers are already burdened by paperwork and that the new rule would add to it without much benefit. - The firm said the rule could create new responsibilities and potential liability for people involved in these closings. - The Law Office of Gary M. Landau says it has more than 25 years of experience in real estate and probate matters. - The firm says it offers practical guidance and legal support throughout real estate transactions and the probate process. - The firm offers free consultations by phone, online form, in person or on Zoom. - More information is available on the firm’s website.

Between the lines: - The timing matters because the rule is national, but its impact would be felt locally in markets with heavy cash activity and frequent trust-based ownership structures. - The probate reference suggests the rule could reach beyond standard home sales into inherited-property transactions. - The firm is positioning itself as a guide for clients if the court pause is lifted and the rule advances.

What’s next: - The rule will stay on hold unless courts allow it to move forward. - If that happens, Florida closings involving qualifying buyers could face new reporting steps. - The Law Office of Gary M. Landau says it will continue helping clients navigate real estate and probate requirements if the regulation is implemented.

The bottom line: - A delayed federal reporting rule could still reshape some Florida real estate closings by adding new disclosure duties and legal risk.