Florida Real Estate Closing Costs (Buyers and Sellers)

Who pays for which expenses at closing?
Closing costs are customarily, but not always, divided between the buyer and seller, as follows:

Florida Home Buyer Closing Costs
•Recording Fees - Record Deed: $6.00 first page, $4.50 each additional page; Record Mortgage: $6.00 first page, $4.50 each additional page
•State Documentary Stamp Tax - $0.35 per $100.00
•Intangible Tax - 2 mils per dollar of exact mortgage amount (approx. $2 per thousand)
•Taxes - Current year's real estate taxes are prorated at closing and the Lender usually requires 6 month in advance.
•Termite Inspection - $45.00 - $125.00
•Survey - $225 - $350
•Lender's Title Insurance Policy - If issued simultaneously with Owner's Policy, $400 to $600 in most cases. (10% of the owner's Policy )
•Endorsements to Lender's Policy - If required by Lender, $35.00 and up depending on type of endorsement - add $50 for condos.
•Express Mail - If applicable, charged to the appropriate party $25 - $50
•Insurance -  This can vary but usually about 6 months in advance is paid at closing. Condos fees that include insurance may not require this to be pre-paid.

Florida Home Seller Closing Costs
•State Documentary Stamp Tax for Deed of Conveyance - $0.70 per $100.00 of sales price or fraction thereof
•Assessment Search - $15.00 - $40.00, depending on City
•Owner's Title Insurance Policy - Based on the sales price  ($5.75 per $1000) up to $100,000 & $5.00 per$1000 after $100,000
•Taxes - Current year's real estate taxes are prorated at closing
•Title Search, Exam and Closing Fee - Approximately $200.00

What items are needed at closing?
You will want to have these items complete or in hand when you come to the closing (please confirm with your escrow officer prior to closing):

Buyer
•Buyer's copy of purchase agreement
•Cashier's check for amount needed to close
•Proof of purchase of insurance for fire, casualty, etc.
•Photo identification (passport, driver's license, or state-issued identification card)

Seller
•Seller's copy of purchase agreement
•Any unrecorded instruments that affect the title
•Proof of satisfaction of any mechanics' liens, chattel mortgages, judgments, or mortgages that were paid prior to the closing
•Photo identification (passport, driver's license, or state-issued identification card)