Common Florida Real Estate Contract Contingencies Explained

When you make an offer on a Florida home, the contract includes contingencies—built-in protections that allow you to back out under certain conditions.

Here are the most common buyer contingencies in Florida real estate.

1. Inspection Contingency

Also called the due diligence period, this gives you time to:

• Hire a licensed inspector
• Review the home’s condition
• Negotiate repairs or credits
• Cancel the contract if major issues are found

Most Florida contracts allow 7–15 days for inspections.

2. Financing Contingency

This protects you if your mortgage approval falls through.

It typically includes:

• A loan application deadline
• A financing approval deadline
• Conditions to cancel if your rate or terms change significantly

Be sure to meet all deadlines—or the contingency may expire.

3. Appraisal Contingency

In Florida, this can be part of the financing clause or separate.

If the home appraises below the contract price, you can:

• Walk away and keep your deposit
• Renegotiate with the seller
• Pay the difference in cash

Without this clause, a low appraisal could still bind you to buy.

4. Title Review Contingency

You have the right to:

• Review the title commitment
• Ensure clear title and no legal claims
• Object within a certain window if issues arise

This protects you from hidden liens, easements, or boundary disputes.

5. Condo or HOA Document Review

If you’re buying in a condo or HOA community, Florida law gives you 3 days to review the rules (CC&Rs) after receipt.

You can cancel without penalty during this window if the documents raise red flags.

6. Sale of Buyer’s Current Home

Optional, but useful if you need to sell your current home first.

This contingency allows you to:

• Tie your purchase to the successful sale of your property
• Cancel if your home doesn’t sell in time

Sellers may be hesitant, but it’s a useful tool in the right situation.

Final Thought

Contingencies give Florida buyers time to do their homework, secure financing, and walk away if needed.

📞 Call Michael Renick at 941.400.8735 for expert help structuring your offer with the right protections in place.

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