GUIDES · LUMEN TITLE

Florida closing costs: who pays what

Closing costs are the fees and taxes due when a property changes hands. Here is how they usually split between buyer and seller in Florida.

Updated 2026-10-10

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01Costs buyers usually pay

On a financed purchase, the buyer typically pays:

Lender fees: origination, underwriting, appraisal and credit report.
The lender’s title insurance policy.
Recording fees for the deed and mortgage.
Florida documentary stamp tax on the mortgage note, currently $0.35 per $100 of the loan.
Florida intangible tax on the mortgage, currently 0.2% of the loan amount.
Prepaid items and escrow deposits: homeowner’s insurance, property taxes and, where it applies, HOA dues.
Inspection, survey and, for condominiums or HOAs, any buyer-side association fees.

Cash buyers skip the lender and mortgage-related items.

02Costs sellers usually pay

Real estate commission, as agreed in the listing agreement.
Florida documentary stamp tax on the deed: $0.70 per $100 of the sales price in most counties (Miami-Dade County uses different rates).
Payoff of any mortgage, liens or judgments, plus prorated property taxes and association dues up to the closing date.
HOA or condominium estoppel (payoff) letter fees.
In many Florida counties, the owner’s title insurance policy. This is custom, not law, and it is negotiable.

03How much does title insurance cost?

Title insurance premiums in Florida are regulated by the state. The rate for a given policy amount is the same no matter which licensed agency issues it, so the real difference between title companies is service, accuracy and communication, not price.

04Fees that vary

Some items depend on the property and the contract: closing or settlement fees, municipal lien searches, survey, courier and recording of extra documents. Ask for an itemized estimate early so nothing surprises you at the table.

05Get an estimate

Use our free closing cost calculator for an itemized estimate, or contact us and we will prepare one for your exact transaction.

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Fees, customs and rules vary by county and by contract. Call Lumen Title at (813) 331-5212 for a quote on your transaction.