Buying & selling · Common questions
Florida closing costs: who pays what
Florida has its own taxes on home sales and mortgages. Here's who usually pays each cost. Most are negotiable in the contract.
| Cost | Usually paid by | Typical amount |
|---|---|---|
| Documentary stamp tax on the deed | Seller | $0.70 per $100 of the price (Miami-Dade differs) |
| Documentary stamp tax on the mortgage | Buyer (with a loan) | $0.35 per $100 borrowed |
| Intangible tax on the mortgage | Buyer (with a loan) | 0.2% of the loan |
| Owner's title insurance | Seller in most Central Florida counties; buyer in some South Florida counties | Set by Florida's promulgated rates |
| Lender's title insurance | Buyer | Varies with the loan |
| Lender fees, appraisal, credit report | Buyer | Varies by lender |
| Prepaid insurance and property tax (escrow) | Buyer | First year's insurance plus a few months of tax |
| Real estate commissions | Agreed in the listing and buyer agreements | Negotiable |
| Recording fees, survey, HOA estoppel | Varies by contract | Usually a few hundred dollars each |
Buyer closing costs calculator Seller: what will I walk away with?
General information, checked October 2026. Florida law and county customs can change; your settlement statement is the final word.
Common questions
Who pays closing costs in Florida?
Both sides pay some. Buyers usually pay their lender's costs, the tax on the mortgage and prepaid items. Sellers usually pay the documentary stamp tax on the deed and their agents' commissions. Many items are negotiable.
Who pays for the owner's title insurance in Florida?
It depends on the county's custom. In most of Central Florida the seller customarily pays for the owner's title policy, while in some South Florida counties the buyer usually does. It can be negotiated in the contract.
What is documentary stamp tax?
A Florida tax on documents. On the deed it is $0.70 per $100 of the price (Miami-Dade has its own rate), usually paid by the seller. On the mortgage note it is $0.35 per $100 borrowed, paid by the buyer, plus intangible tax of 0.2% of the loan.
Want an exact estimate?
Tell us the price and the county, and Bill will estimate your closing costs line by line.
Bill McElhill
- Realtor®, RE/MAX Titanium
- Loan Originator, NEXA Lending · NMLS #2176490
- Call, text or WhatsApp 352-988-4900
- WhatsApp Bill
- Mortgages: BillMc@NEXALending.com
- Real estate & general: Bill@HomesCalculator.com
Educational information only. This page gives general information to help you learn and plan. It is not legal, tax, financial or other professional advice, or an offer to lend. For advice on your situation, talk to a licensed professional. Terms of use