What Florida Home Sellers Need to Know About Closing Costs

When you sell your Florida home, it’s easy to focus on the sale price—but what really matters is what you keep after closing. That’s where closing costs come in.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what Florida home sellers can expect to pay—and how to avoid surprises.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the fees and expenses associated with finalizing the sale of your home. Most of these are deducted from your proceeds at settlement, so you won’t need to write a separate check—but you do need to plan for them.

Typical Seller Closing Costs in Florida

While every transaction is unique, here are the most common costs for sellers in Florida:

• 1. Real Estate Commission
  Typically 5–6% of the final sale price, split between the listing and buyer’s agents. This is usually the largest expense.
• 2. Title Search and Title Insurance
  Florida customarily requires the seller to pay for the buyer’s title insurance in many counties (including Sarasota and Manatee).
  Cost Range: $1,000–$2,500 depending on price and title company
• 3. Documentary Stamp Tax on the Deed
  This is Florida’s version of a transfer tax.
  Rate: $0.70 per $100 of the sale price (or $0.60 in Miami-Dade)
  Example: $350,000 home = $2,450 in doc stamps
• 4. HOA/Condo Estoppel Fees
  If your home is in a community with a homeowners association or condo board, you’ll need to request an estoppel certificate.
  Cost: $150–$500
  Confirms dues are current and no violations exist
• 5. Property Taxes (Prorated)
  You’ll owe taxes for the portion of the year you owned the home. These are prorated to the closing date.
• 6. Repairs or Buyer Concessions
  If negotiated in your contract, you may also pay:
  • Agreed repair credits
  • Closing cost assistance
  • Home warranty costs

Total Estimated Closing Costs for Sellers

On average, Florida sellers spend about 7–8% of the sale price on closing costs, including commissions. That’s why a net sheet is so important before you list.

What Sellers Don’t Usually Pay

In Florida, sellers typically don’t pay for:

• Buyer’s appraisal
• Buyer’s lender fees
• Home inspection (unless agreed)
• Buyer’s title policy in certain counties (check your local norm)

How to Plan Ahead

Michael Renick and Team Renick – Mangrove Realty Associates Inc. provide a custom seller net sheet at the start of every listing. It shows:

• Estimated proceeds
• Deductions for all standard closing costs
• Mortgage payoff
• Bottom-line return

This way, you list with full financial clarity—not guesswork.

📣 Let’s Talk Strategy

Want a clear breakdown of your numbers and a smarter way to sell? Let’s connect.

• 📞 Call Mike: 941.400.8735
• 📍 Explore our blog series: The Florida Life
• 🌐 Learn how we operate and why it matters: TeamRenick.com
• 🔎 Start your property search: Search.TeamRenick.com