Sending Money from Florida to India
How NRIs in Florida can send USD to INR. Bank options, fees, limits, regulatory notes, and the easiest way to transfer with Root.
Indian-Americans living in Florida are part of a growing NRI community relying on secure, cost-effective ways to send USD to INR for family and investments in India. This guide is tailored for NRIs in Florida navigating the USD to INR remittance corridor using Root. We cover transfer steps, compliance, exchange rates, and regulatory factors like TCS and FEMA. Whether you're in Orlando, Miami, or Tampa, this guide helps you send money home smarter.
Florida has become a preferred destination for Indian-American professionals, particularly in tech and healthcare. With major hubs in Orlando, Tampa, and South Florida, and employers like Citrus County’s biotech firms and Miami-based fintech startups, many NRIs in the state work in high-income sectors requiring reliable remittance solutions.
Quick Facts
Transfer Fee
$0 — Root charges zero fees
Exchange Rate
CHECK_LIVE (interbank rate)
Transfer Time
1-4 business days
State Regulation
Root is licensed as a Money Transmitter in Florida
How to Send — Step by Step
Download Root and verify your identity
Sign up on the Root app or website. As a Florida resident, you’ll verify your identity using your U.S. passport, green card, or employment-based visa and provide your Florida address.
Pro tip: Ensure your ID is current—verification usually takes under 24 hours.
Add recipient details in India
Enter your recipient’s full name, Indian bank name, account number, and correct IFSC code. Root supports NRO and regular savings accounts; NRE support coming soon.
Pro tip: Double-check the IFSC code using your bank’s official website or the RBI portal to avoid failed transfers.
Enter transfer amount in USD
Choose how many USD you’d like to send. Root displays the live INR equivalent using the interbank rate. You’ll see the total sent and estimated delivery time.
Pro tip: For amounts exceeding $8,400 annually, remember that 5% TCS may apply on the INR equivalent above ₹7 lakh.
Review compliance details
Confirm the purpose of remittance (family support, savings, property purchase, etc.). Gifts or investments over ₹7 lakh trigger TCS in India—Root will guide you through required declarations.
Pro tip: Avoid listing prohibited purposes like gambling or cryptocurrency purchases, which violate FEMA rules.
Confirm and send from your U.S. bank
Link your U.S. bank account via ACH or wire. First-time users may need 1–2 days for bank verification. Then, confirm the transfer within the app.
Pro tip: ACH transfers are free and recommended for lower amounts; wires are faster but may incur bank fees.
Rules & Regulations
TCS on High-Value Remittances
Effective October 2023, 5% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) applies in India on remittances exceeding ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400) in a financial year under LRS. While this is collected by Indian banks or intermediaries on the recipient side, senders should inform their families to ensure proper PAN linkage and documentation to avoid higher TCS rates.
FEMA and Permitted Purposes
Under FEMA, remittances must be for valid purposes—such as family maintenance, education, or investment in property. Speculative activities like gambling, lottery, or forex trading in India are prohibited. Root complies with all U.S. and Indian regulations to ensure your transfers remain compliant.
US Excise Tax Update
A proposed 1% US excise tax on international transfers was not enacted as of early 2026. However, federal or state-level changes could occur. Root will notify users of any new levies; currently, no such tax applies to Florida residents using the service.
Send Money from Florida to India with Root
Zero fees, interbank rate, and fast delivery. Built for NRIs in Florida.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay extra taxes in Florida when sending money to India?
No, Florida does not impose state income or remittance taxes. However, if your total annual remittances exceed ₹7,00,000 (~$8,400), 5% TCS applies in India on the excess amount. This is collected by the Indian bank or authorized dealer, not in Florida.
Can I send money from my Florida-based bank account to an NRE account in India via Root?
Currently, Root supports transfers to NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. Support for NRE accounts is under development. Florida NRIs with NRE accounts can use NRO fallbacks for now and switch once full support launches.
How long does it take for money to reach India from Florida using Root?
Transfers from Florida typically arrive in 1–4 business days. Miami or Tampa-based users may see faster processing due to proximity to financial processing hubs, but delivery depends on Indian bank clearing times and IFSC accuracy.
What IFSC code do I need for a bank in Mumbai or Delhi?
The IFSC code is an 11-character identifier — for example, SBIN0002499 for State Bank of India, Mumbai Fort. Always confirm the code with your recipient’s bank branch directly. Errors in IFSC codes from Florida users are a top cause of failed transfers.
Is my money safe when sending from Root in Florida?
Yes. Root is licensed as a Money Transmitter in Florida and adheres to strict U.S. and Indian financial regulations. Funds are held in safeguarded accounts, and all transfers comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and KYC standards.