Florida taxes property sales through its documentary stamp tax on deeds, does not require an attorney at closing and imposes only limited seller disclosures. It forecloses through the courts and lets couples opt in to community property. Deadline to appeal a property tax assessment: 25 days after the TRIM notice is mailed (mailed each August).
Florida in short
Is there a real estate transfer tax in Florida?
Florida's transfer tax is the documentary stamp tax on deeds, 70 cents per $100 of price in every county except Miami-Dade, where it is 60 cents per $100. A mortgage adds 35 cents per $100 and a 0.2% intangible tax.
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What closing costs does Florida law set?
Florida has no official typical closing-cost total. The deed carries documentary stamp tax of 70 cents per $100 (60 cents in Miami-Dade), a new mortgage adds 35 cents per $100 and a 2-mill intangible tax, and the owner's title premium is $2,575 at $500,000.
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How is property tax calculated in Florida?
Florida taxes a home's assessed value minus exemptions at local millage rates. The 2026 homestead exemption removes $25,000 from all taxes plus up to $26,411 from non-school taxes, and Save Our Homes caps yearly assessment increases at the lower of 3% or inflation (2.7% for 2026).
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What is the deadline to appeal a property tax assessment in Florida?
In Florida, file a petition with the county Value Adjustment Board within 25 days after the August TRIM notice is mailed (Fla. Stat. 194.011(3)(d)). You can first ask the property appraiser for an informal conference.
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Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Florida?
No. As of October 2026 no Florida statute requires a lawyer at a home closing. A title insurance agent licensed by the Department of Financial Services can close and hold escrow funds (Fla. Stat. 626.8417, 626.8473).
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What must a home seller disclose in Florida?
Florida has no statewide seller condition form, but a 1985 Florida Supreme Court ruling (Johnson v. Davis) requires sellers to disclose known, hidden facts that materially affect value. Statutes add written notices, including a flood disclosure under 689.302 required since October 1, 2024.
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How does foreclosure work in Florida?
Florida forecloses only through the courts: the homeowner has 20 days to answer, and the clerk sells the home 20 to 35 days after final judgment.
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What first-time home buyer programs does Florida offer?
In Florida, Florida Housing's Hometown Heroes gives eligible workers 5% of the loan amount, from $10,000 to $35,000, and FL Assist gives up to $10,000, both as 0% deferred loans. In Miami-Dade, the county adds up to $35,000 and the City of Miami offers up to $130,002.
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Is Florida a community property state?
Florida is not a community property state. Married buyers usually take title as tenants by the entirety, and couples can opt in to community property through a community property trust available since 2021.
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How are title insurance rates set in Florida?
In Florida, the Financial Services Commission sets title insurance premiums by rule and they apply statewide (Florida Statutes 627.782). Under Rule 69O-186.003 an owner's policy costs $2,075 at $400,000 and $2,575 at $500,000.
Which natural hazards affect home insurance in Florida?
A Florida homeowners policy must offer hurricane deductibles of 2%, 5% and 10% of the dwelling limit (s. 627.701), and Citizens requires flood coverage on all its homeowners policies with wind coverage by January 1, 2027.
Florida guides
- Closing costs in Florida: what buyers and sellers pay
- Florida transfer tax: documentary stamps on deeds and mortgages
- Florida property tax: homestead exemption, caps and Miami rates
- Seller disclosure requirements in Florida
- Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Florida?
- How does foreclosure work in Florida, and how long does it take?
- Home prices in Florida and Miami: median value and trend
- First-time home buyer programs in Florida: state, county, Miami
- How to verify a real estate license in Florida (5 professions)
- Married couples and home ownership in Florida (state-specific topic)
- Hurricane and flood insurance in Florida: what buyers need (state-specific topic)
- Title insurance in Florida: state-set rates and who pays (state-specific topic)