Closing Costs

What it really costs to close in Florida.

No surprises at the closing table. Here's what buyers and sellers commonly pay in Northeast Florida, and which items you can negotiate.

By Dawn Spencer · Last updated November 3, 2026

Cost	What it is	Typically paid by
Doc stamps on the deed	$0.70 per $100 of the sale price	Seller (by custom)
Doc stamps on the note	$0.35 per $100 of the loan amount	Buyer
Intangible tax	0.2% of the loan amount	Buyer
Owner's title insurance	Protects the owner against title defects	Often the seller in Northeast Florida; negotiable
Lender's title insurance	Required by the lender	Buyer
Lender fees	Origination, underwriting, appraisal, credit report	Buyer
Prepaids & escrows	Homeowners insurance, property taxes, prepaid interest	Buyer
Recording fees	County fees to record the deed and mortgage	Buyer (deed and mortgage)
Prorated property taxes	Florida taxes are paid in arrears; the seller credits the buyer for the months owned	Seller (credit)
HOA estoppel & fees	HOA account status letter and transfer fees	Varies by contract
Real estate commissions	Set by your listing and buyer agreements	Negotiated

Customs vary by county and every item is ultimately set by your contract. Your lender's Loan Estimate and the title company's closing statement show your actual figures.

Closing cost questions

How much are documentary stamp taxes on a Florida home sale?

Florida's documentary stamp tax on a deed is $0.70 per $100 of the sale price in most counties, including Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau. On a mortgage, the note is taxed at $0.35 per $100 of the loan amount.

What is Florida's intangible tax?

A tax of 0.2% of the loan amount, paid when a new mortgage is recorded.

Are closing costs negotiable?

Many are. Who pays for title insurance, repairs, and some fees can be negotiated in the contract, and sellers sometimes contribute toward a buyer's closing costs.

See also: Buyer's Guide · Seller's Guide · Mortgage Guide

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