The main costs Florida sellers pay
1. Real estate commissions
Commissions are negotiable. Since the 2024 national commission settlement, buyer-agent pay is negotiated separately, but many sellers still agree to cover it. When a seller pays both sides, a combined 5% to 6% of the price is still common. On a $350,000 house, that is about $17,500 to $21,000.
2. Documentary stamp tax on the deed
Florida charges a transfer tax on the deed of $0.70 per $100 of the sale price in every county except Miami-Dade. The seller customarily pays it. On a $350,000 sale, that is $2,450.
3. Owner’s title insurance
Who pays the owner’s title policy is a local custom, not a state law, and it can be negotiated in the contract. In Lee and Charlotte counties the seller usually pays. In Sarasota County, which includes North Port, and often in Collier County, the buyer usually pays. Florida sets title insurance premium rates, so on a $350,000 sale the owner’s policy is roughly $1,800 plus related title fees.
4. Property tax proration
Florida property taxes are paid in arrears, usually in November for the whole year. At closing, you credit the buyer for the part of the year you owned the house. Sell in July and you will owe roughly half a year of taxes at closing.
5. Payoffs, liens and association items
- Your mortgage payoff, plus any home equity line
- Liens, code fines or unpaid utility bills found in the municipal lien search
- HOA or condo estoppel letter fees, and any unpaid dues or special assessments
- Settlement or closing fees charged by the title company, if your contract assigns them to you
6. Repairs, credits and carrying costs
These do not show up on a fee sheet, but they are real. Buyers often ask for repairs or credits after an inspection, especially for roofs, electrical panels and AC systems that affect Florida insurance. And every month the house sits, you keep paying the mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA dues.
Example: a $350,000 Southwest Florida sale
| Cost | Listing with an agent |
|---|---|
| Commissions (5% to 6%) | $17,500 to $21,000 |
| Doc stamps on the deed | $2,450 |
| Owner’s title policy (seller-pay counties) | About $1,800 plus title fees |
| Repairs or buyer credits | Often $3,000 to $15,000+ for older homes |
| Carrying costs, 3 to 4 months | Varies with mortgage, taxes, insurance and HOA |
Before your mortgage payoff and tax proration, a seller in a seller-pay county can easily give up 7% to 10% of the price. That is why it pays to compare your net, not just the offer.
How costs work when you sell to us
We buy houses as-is, so there are no repair requests and no showings. There are no fees or commissions when you sell to us. Your payoff and the year’s tax proration still come out at closing, as with any sale, and we close at a title company. When we make an offer, we show you exactly which closing costs we cover so you can compare your net side by side. See our guide on cash offers vs. listing for a full comparison.
Updated October 2026. General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Customs and rules change, so confirm details with your title company or a Florida real estate attorney.
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Common questions
How much are seller closing costs in Florida?
Not counting commissions, Florida sellers often pay about 1% to 2% of the price for doc stamps, title insurance in seller-pay counties, and fees. With commissions, the total commonly reaches 7% to 10% before mortgage payoff and tax proration.
Who pays doc stamps in Florida?
The seller customarily pays the $0.70 per $100 documentary stamp tax on the deed. The buyer usually pays the stamps and intangible tax on a new mortgage.
Who pays title insurance in Lee County?
In Lee County the seller usually pays for the owner’s title policy and chooses the title company. It is a custom, so it can be changed in the contract.
Do I pay commissions if I sell to a cash buyer?
Not when you sell directly to us. There are no fees or commissions.
More guides
Cash Offer vs. Listing With an Agent in Southwest Florida
Which puts more money in your pocket, and which is less hassle? Here is how to compare the two honestly.
How a Cash Offer on Your House Is Calculated
No black box. Here is what goes into a cash offer, and what you should ask any buyer to explain.
Selling an Inherited House in Florida: Probate, Homestead and Timing
A plain-language overview of what it usually takes to sell a house you inherited in Florida, and where to get help.
Selling a House As-Is in Florida: What You Still Have to Disclose
What “as-is” really means in Florida, what sellers must still disclose, and how an as-is cash sale works.
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