Florida Closing Costs: Doc Stamps, Title Insurance and Who Pays What

Last updated November 14, 2026. Citations come from the Florida statutes and official agency pages linked in Sources. Where we could not confirm something on an official page, we say so.

Florida documentary stamp tax on a deed is 70 cents per $100 of consideration, and mortgages and notes carry 35 cents per $100 under Sec. 201.08. Title insurance premiums are set by rule, not negotiated freely.

Documentary stamp tax

• Documentary stamp tax on deeds is 70 cents on each $100 of consideration, and consideration includes the amount of any mortgage or other encumbrance, whether or not assumed. (Fla. Stat. Sec. 201.02(1)(a))
• On promissory notes and written obligations to pay money, and on mortgages recorded in Florida, the tax is 35 cents on each $100 or fraction thereof of the indebtedness. (Fla. Stat. Sec. 201.08(1)(a)-(b))
• The tax on a note under s. 201.08(1)(a) may not exceed $2,450; when there is both a mortgage and a note, the tax is paid on the mortgage at recording, and the statute states no such cap for the mortgage tax under paragraph (1)(b) in the text opened. (Fla. Stat. Sec. 201.08(1)(a)-(b))
• A certificate of title issued by the clerk in a foreclosure judicial sale is subject to documentary stamp tax computed solely on the highest and best bid. (Fla. Stat. Sec. 201.02(9))
• For a short sale, the taxable consideration does not include unpaid indebtedness forgiven or released by the mortgagee, if the grantor's mortgage debt exceeds consideration and the mortgagee is unrelated and receives no interest in the property. (Fla. Stat. Sec. 201.02(11))

Title insurance premiums

• The Financial Services Commission must adopt by rule the title insurance premium to be charged; rates may not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory; the premium applies to each $100 of insurance; rates apply statewide and must be reviewed at least once every 3 years. (Fla. Stat. Sec. 627.782(1), (4)-(7))
• 'Premium' for title insurance means the charge specified by commission rule and does not include a commission; 'primary title services' do not include closing services or title searches, for which separate charges may be made. (Fla. Stat. Sec. 627.7711(1)(b), (2))
• In a RESPA transaction, no portion of the premium attributable to primary title services may be paid to or retained by a person who does not perform or is not liable for such service; agents must retain not less than 30 percent of the premium (insurer's minimum retention). (Fla. Stat. Sec. 627.782(1))

What we could not confirm

• Rule 69O-186 and the current premium schedule.
• The 2023 survey of customary seller/buyer allocation of doc stamps is custom, not statutory; not confirmed.
• Statutory doc stamp on the 2024 amendments (ch. 2024-158) to s. 201.08: not examined beyond the history line.

How to sell a house in Florida when this applies to you

1. Find out what the title company needs. For an inherited or transferred house, that usually means the recorded document that shows who owns it today.
2. Get a payoff for any mortgage and the amount of any unpaid property tax. Both are paid from the sale proceeds at closing.
3. Compare offers on what you net after repairs, commissions and closing costs, not on the headline price.
4. If you want a fast, simple closing, ask for a written cash offer. We buy houses as-is, with no repairs and no agent commission. See how we buy houses in Florida.

Florida Closing Costs FAQ

What is the doc stamp tax on a Florida deed?

70 cents on each $100 or fractional part of consideration (Sec. 201.02).

Who sets Florida title insurance rates?

The Financial Services Commission adopts the premium by rule, and rates may not be excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory (Sec. 627.782).

Do I pay closing costs selling to you?

No. Our offers carry no agent commission, fees or closing costs to you.

Can I sell my Florida house as-is?

Yes. A cash buyer purchases as-is, and the title company pays any mortgage and unpaid property tax from the proceeds at closing.

Sources

• Fla. Stat. Sec. 201.02(1)(a)
• Fla. Stat. Sec. 201.08(1)(a)-(b)
• Fla. Stat. Sec. 627.782(1), (4)-(7)
• Fla. Stat. Sec. 627.7711(1)(b), (2)

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws, forms and fees change, so confirm details with the official office or a Florida Florida attorney or tax professional.