What Does It Cost to Sell a Home in Florida? (2026)

Sep 27

Quick answer: Beyond paying off your mortgage, the main costs are the real estate commission (negotiable), Florida's documentary stamp tax on the deed ($0.70 per $100 of the price, or $2,800 on a $400,000 sale), title and settlement fees, your share of the year's property taxes, and any HOA or condo estoppel fees, repairs or credits you agree to.

Knowing your likely net before you list makes pricing and negotiating much easier. Here's how Florida seller costs work, with examples for a $400,000 home.

1. Real estate commission

Commissions are negotiable and are not set by law. Since August 2024, compensation for a buyer's agent is negotiated separately and is no longer offered through the MLS, so talk with your listing agent about how you want to handle buyer-agent compensation and concessions.

2. Documentary stamp tax on the deed

Florida charges documentary stamp tax of $0.70 per $100 of the sale price on the deed (Miami-Dade has different rates). By custom and under the most common Florida contract forms, the seller pays it. On a $400,000 sale, that's $2,800.

3. Title insurance and settlement fees

Florida sets title insurance premiums by rule: $5.75 per $1,000 on the first $100,000 of coverage and $5.00 per $1,000 from $100,000 to $1 million. On $400,000, the owner's policy premium is about $2,075. Who pays follows local custom and the contract: title companies report that sellers usually pay in St. Lucie County, while buyers usually pay in Martin County. Expect settlement, title search and document fees as well.

4. Property taxes

Florida property taxes are paid in arrears, so the bill for the current year comes out in November. At closing, you credit the buyer for your share of the year, from January 1 to the closing date.

5. HOA and condo fees

If your home is in an HOA or condominium, the association charges an estoppel certificate fee to confirm what's owed. Florida law caps it, with a base fee of $250 in the statute, adjusted for inflation every five years, plus extra for rush requests or delinquent accounts. You'll also pay any dues owed through closing.

6. Other costs to plan for

Mortgage payoff, including interest through the payoff date, and any other liens.
Repairs or credits negotiated after the buyer's inspection.
Seller concessions toward the buyer's closing costs, if you agree to them.
Pre-listing prep: cleaning, touch-up paint, landscaping, staging.
Moving costs and utility final bills.

Example: selling a $400,000 home

Item	Estimate
Documentary stamp tax ($0.70 per $100)	$2,800
Owner's title policy premium (if the seller pays)	About $2,075
Settlement, title search and document fees	Varies by title company
Prorated property taxes	Depends on closing date and tax bill
HOA or condo estoppel fee	Capped by statute
Commission, repairs and concessions	Negotiated

What about capital gains?

Florida has no state personal income tax. For federal taxes, if you owned and lived in the home for at least two of the last five years, you may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly). Check with a tax professional.

See what homes are selling for in your area in William's guides for Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Jensen Beach and Palm City.

Frequently asked questions

Who pays documentary stamp tax when selling a house in Florida?

By custom and under the most common Florida contract forms, the seller pays the documentary stamp tax on the deed, which is $0.70 per $100 of the sale price outside Miami-Dade County.

Who pays for title insurance in Florida?

It depends on local custom and the contract. Title companies report that sellers usually pay for the owner's policy in St. Lucie County, while buyers usually pay in Martin County. Premiums are set by state rule.

Are real estate commissions negotiable in Florida?

Yes. Commissions are not set by law, and compensation for a buyer's agent is negotiated separately.

How much does it cost to sell a $400,000 home in Florida?

Before commission and mortgage payoff, expect about $2,800 in documentary stamp tax, about $2,075 for the owner's title policy if you pay it, plus settlement fees, prorated property taxes and any HOA estoppel fees, repairs or credits.

Talk with William. William prepares a free net sheet showing your likely proceeds before you list, based on recent sales and your mortgage payoff. Call or text (772) 800-2274 or send a message.

General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Market figures change monthly. William Merchant, REALTOR®, RE/MAX Gold. Each RE/MAX office is independently owned and operated.

Sources

William Merchant