What Closing Costs Do Sellers Pay in Florida?
Florida home sellers typically pay closing costs totaling roughly 6-10% of the sale price, depending on the transaction. The largest components are the real estate commission (negotiable between seller and agent), Florida documentary stamp tax on the deed ($0.70 per $100 of the sale price, set by statute), and the owner's title insurance policy — which, by longstanding custom in Palm Beach County, the seller provides to the buyer (in Broward County, the custom flips and the buyer typically pays). Knowing these costs before you list is essential because they directly determine your net proceeds, which is the number that actually matters.
The Major Seller Closing Costs in Florida
Documentary stamp tax on the deed
Florida imposes a documentary stamp tax of $0.70 per $100 of the sale price (Florida Statutes Section 201.02). This is a state transfer tax paid at closing, and there are no exemptions for primary residences. On a $700,000 sale — the current median single-family price in Palm Beach County — the doc stamp cost is $4,900. Miami-Dade County has a different rate ($0.60 per $100 plus a surtax), but in Palm Beach County and Broward County the standard $0.70 rate applies.
Owner's title insurance policy
In Palm Beach County, it is customary for the seller to pay for the buyer's owner's title insurance policy. The custom is county-specific, not statewide: in Broward County, it is customary for the buyer to pay for the owner's title insurance policy — so if you are selling in Broward, this line item typically comes off your side of the ledger. Title insurance rates in Florida are set by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation and follow a promulgated rate schedule. On a $700,000 sale the premium is approximately $3,850 — though the exact figure depends on the property's title history and any endorsements. This cost is not negotiable in terms of rate, but the custom of who pays it can be negotiated in the contract.
Real estate commissions
Since the 2024 National Association of REALTORS settlement, commission structures have changed industry-wide. Commissions are fully negotiable between the seller and the listing agent. As a seller, you agree on compensation with your agent in a written listing agreement. Whether the seller also offers compensation to a buyer's agent is a separate, negotiable decision.
PBP Real Estate provides a detailed seller net sheet as part of every listing consultation so you can see exactly what you will walk away with — before you commit to listing. Start with a free home valuation to get the process started.
Prorated property taxes
Florida property taxes are paid in arrears. At closing, the seller is responsible for property taxes from January 1 through the day of closing. If you close in June on a home with a $10,000 annual tax bill, you owe roughly $5,000 as your prorated share. If you have homestead exemption, remember that the new buyer will be reassessed at current market value — but that is the buyer's concern, not a closing cost to you.
HOA/condo estoppel fees
If your home is in a community with a homeowners association or condominium association, the association must issue an estoppel certificate confirming your account status (dues paid, special assessments, violations). Florida law (Section 720.30851 for HOAs, Section 718.116 for condos) caps the fee, but many management companies charge the maximum. Expect $150-500 depending on the association and any rush fees.
Title search and municipal lien search
The title company or closing agent orders a title search to confirm clear ownership and a municipal lien search to check for open permits, code violations, or utility liens against the property. Combined, these typically run $300-600.
Other potential costs
- Survey: Sometimes required by the buyer's lender; who pays is negotiable.
- Outstanding liens or judgments: Any existing mortgages, HELOC balances, or liens are paid from proceeds at closing.
- Repair credits: If the buyer negotiated repair credits during the inspection period, those reduce your net proceeds.
- Wire transfer fee: Closing agents typically charge $25-50 to wire your proceeds.
How to Estimate Your Net Proceeds
The formula is straightforward:
Net proceeds = Sale price - Remaining mortgage balance - Closing costs
But the inputs require current data. Your remaining mortgage balance is a specific number from your lender. Your realistic sale price comes from a comparative market analysis based on actual recent closings in your neighborhood — not automated estimates. And your closing costs depend on the specifics above.
This is exactly why we prepare a seller net sheet for every listing consultation. It accounts for every line item, uses your actual property data, and shows you what you will deposit in your bank account after closing. If you are considering selling your home, this is the document that turns "What will I net?" from a guess into a number.
Florida-Specific Points Sellers Often Miss
Documentary stamps are non-negotiable. Unlike commissions or repair credits, the doc stamp tax is a statutory obligation. Budget for it.
The homestead exemption does not reduce closing costs. Your homestead exemption saves you money on property taxes each year, but it does not affect the transfer tax, title insurance, or any other closing cost. However, if you are buying your next home in Florida, your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit may be portable — which can save you thousands per year on your next property's taxes.
The "seller pays title" custom is exactly that — a custom. It is the dominant practice in South Florida and what most buyers expect, but it is technically negotiable in the purchase contract.
Watch for open permits. Unpermitted work or open building permits surface in the municipal lien search and can delay or derail closing. Resolve these before listing whenever possible.
Ready to Know Your Number?
Request a free home valuation from PBP Real Estate. We will run the comps for your neighborhood using current market data, prepare your seller net sheet, and give you the full picture before you make any decisions. Call Gia or Grant Freer directly at 561-395-8418.
Florida Seller Closing Costs: Questions and Answers
How much are closing costs for sellers in Florida?
Sellers in Florida typically pay 6-10% of the sale price in total closing costs, including real estate commissions, documentary stamp tax ($0.70 per $100 of the sale price), owner's title insurance, prorated property taxes, and miscellaneous fees. The exact amount depends on sale price, commission agreement, and property-specific factors.
Do Florida sellers pay the buyer's title insurance?
It depends on the county. In Palm Beach County, longstanding custom is for the seller to pay for the buyer's owner's title insurance policy. In Broward County, the custom is reversed — the buyer typically pays. In both counties this is a negotiable term in the purchase contract, not a legal requirement.
What is the documentary stamp tax on a Florida home sale?
Florida documentary stamp tax on the deed is $0.70 per $100 of the sale price, as set by Florida Statutes Section 201.02. On a $500,000 sale, the tax is $3,500. This is a state transfer tax that cannot be waived or negotiated.
Can I deduct closing costs on my taxes when I sell?
Some closing costs — such as real estate commissions and transfer taxes — can be added to your cost basis, potentially reducing capital gains. However, the primary residence exclusion ($250,000 single / $500,000 married filing jointly) shelters many sellers from capital gains entirely. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation — this is real estate guidance, not tax advice.
What is a seller net sheet?
A seller net sheet is a document your listing agent prepares showing your estimated net proceeds after subtracting the remaining mortgage balance and all closing costs from the projected sale price. It is the single most important document in your listing decision because it shows you what you actually keep.
This article is published by PBP Real Estate, LLC (Fla. license CQ1064615), Boca Raton, Florida. Legal references are for general informational purposes. This is not legal or tax advice — consult a qualified attorney or tax professional for your specific situation. Portions of our content workflow are AI-assisted and reviewed by our licensed team — see our AI Policy.