What Fees Will I Have to Pay at Closing?

Closing costs in Florida include a few things buyers in other states never see: state taxes on your mortgage, state-set title insurance rates, and insurance inspections most homes need. And who pays what isn't the same everywhere in South Florida. Palm Beach County works differently from Broward and Miami-Dade. Here is what buyers and sellers typically pay, with real numbers for a sample Weston home.

Palm Beach vs. Broward and Miami-Dade: Who Pays What

Some differences come from Florida law and some from long-standing local custom that is written into the standard contracts used in each county. Either way, your signed contract decides who pays, and these items can be negotiated.

ItemBrowardMiami-DadePalm Beach
Owner's title insuranceBuyer usually paysBuyer usually paysSeller usually pays
Who chooses the title companyUsually the buyerUsually the buyerUsually the seller
Title search and municipal lien searchSeller usually paysSeller usually paysUsually included with the seller-paid title policy
Doc stamp tax on the deed (set by state law, seller usually pays)$0.70 per $100$0.60 per $100, plus a $0.45 surtax on properties other than single-family homes$0.70 per $100
Lender's title policy, doc stamps on the note, intangible taxBuyer pays in all three counties

What this means for you: on the same price, a buyer in Weston or Fort Lauderdale usually brings more cash to closing than a buyer in Boca Raton, because the Broward buyer pays the owner's title policy. A seller in Palm Beach usually pays more than a seller in Broward for the same reason. If you're buying in one county and selling in another, budget for both customs.

Buyer Closing Costs

Florida buyers who finance typically pay about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, including prepaid insurance and taxes. Your lender's Loan Estimate lists your exact numbers within three business days of applying.

CostWhat it isTypical amount
Owner's title insuranceProtects your ownership against past title problems. Florida sets the rate statewide, so every title company charges the same premium. Buyer usually pays in Broward and Miami-Dade; seller usually pays in Palm Beach.$5.75 per $1,000 for the first $100,000, then $5.00 per $1,000 up to $1 million
Lender's title insuranceProtects your lender. Paid by the buyer. Much cheaper when issued together with the owner's policy.$25 base when issued with the owner's policy, plus endorsements
Documentary stamp tax on the noteFlorida tax on your mortgage.$0.35 per $100 of the loan
Intangible tax on the mortgageFlorida tax on your mortgage.$0.20 per $100 of the loan
Lender feesOrigination, underwriting and processing. Varies by lender, so compare Loan Estimates.Often $1,500 to $4,000
AppraisalRequired by your lender to confirm the home's value.About $500 to $800
Home inspectionA general inspection during your inspection period, priced by size.About $400 to $700
Wind mitigation and 4-point inspectionsFlorida insurers use these to price or approve your policy. A good wind mitigation report can lower your premium.About $150 to $300, often bundled
SurveyShows property lines, easements and setbacks.About $400 to $600
Title company settlement feesClosing, settlement and related charges. These are not set by the state and vary by company.About $500 to $1,000
Recording feesCounty fees to record your deed and mortgage.About $150 to $300
Credit reportCharged by your lender.About $25 to $75
Prepaids and escrowYour first year of homeowners insurance (and flood insurance, if needed), a few months of property taxes for your escrow account, prepaid interest and prorated HOA dues.Varies; insurance is often the largest piece

Condo or HOA community? Ask who pays for the association's estoppel certificate and any application or capital contribution fees. These are set by the association and your contract, and can add a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Example: a $600,000 home in Weston (Broward)

Here is an estimate for a $600,000 Weston home with 20% down ($480,000 loan), where the buyer pays the owner's title policy, as is customary in Broward:

CostEstimate
Owner's title insurance ($575 + $2,500)$3,075
Lender's title insurance with endorsementsabout $300
Doc stamps on the note ($480,000 x 0.35%)$1,680
Intangible tax ($480,000 x 0.20%)$960
Lender fees$1,500 to $4,000
Appraisal, inspections, survey$1,450 to $2,400
Title settlement, recording, credit report$675 to $1,375
Estimated closing costs before prepaidsabout $9,600 to $13,800

Add prepaid insurance, property tax escrow and interest on top of that. In South Florida, homeowners insurance alone can run several thousand dollars a year, so get quotes early in your inspection period. The same purchase in Palm Beach County would usually cost the buyer about $3,000 less, because the seller customarily pays the owner's title policy there.

Seller Closing Costs

CostWhat it isTypical amount
Documentary stamp tax on the deedFlorida's transfer tax, customarily paid by the seller.$0.70 per $100 in Broward and Palm Beach ($4,200 on $600,000). Miami-Dade: $0.60 per $100, plus a $0.45 surtax on properties other than single-family homes.
Owner's title insuranceCustomarily paid by the seller in Palm Beach. In Broward and Miami-Dade the buyer usually pays.State rate shown above
Title search and municipal lien searchCustomarily paid by the seller in Broward and Miami-Dade.A few hundred dollars
Mortgage payoff and liensYour remaining loan balance and any liens on the property.Varies
HOA or condo estoppel certificateConfirms dues and any amounts owed to the association. Florida law caps the fee.A few hundred dollars
Prorated property taxesFlorida property taxes are paid at the end of the year, so the seller credits the buyer for the days the seller owned the home that year.Based on closing date
Prorated HOA dues and assessmentsDues are prorated at closing. Who pays a special assessment is set in the contract.Varies
Brokerage compensationSet in your listing agreement.Per your agreement
Repairs or creditsAnything negotiated after the buyer's inspections.Varies
Attorney (optional)Not required in Florida; many closings are handled by a title company.Varies

Pro Tip from Susan J. Penn

"Always review your Closing Disclosure, which you'll get at least three business days before closing, and compare it with your Loan Estimate. I'll go over each line item with you so there are no surprises on closing day."

Questions about closing costs on a specific home? Call or text Susan at 954-557-5993. Buying? Read the Buyer's Guide. Selling? See how Susan represents sellers.

Estimates are general information for South Florida as of October 2026, not a quote. Your actual costs depend on your lender, title company, contract and property. Title premiums follow the Florida promulgated rate schedule; who pays which costs follows local custom and is set by your contract.