Property · Our pick in Florida
Buying property in Florida: the back story
The back story
About Buying property in Florida: the back story
Florida property is local: Palm Beach estates, Sarasota’s bayfront condos and the beach houses of 30A each have their own specialists. Buyers usually work with a licensed agent and close through a title company or a real estate attorney.
How buying works
After a contract is signed, a title company or attorney handles the deposit, title search and closing, and the deed is recorded with the county clerk.
Documentary stamp tax
The Florida Department of Revenue sets the documentary stamp tax on deeds at 70 cents per $100 of the consideration in every county except Miami-Dade, where it is 60 cents. Mortgages and notes are taxed at 35 cents per $100; the tax on a note is capped at $2,450, and there is no cap on mortgages.
Florida’s documentary stamp tax on deeds is 70 cents per $100 of the price in every county except Miami-Dade (Florida Department of Revenue).
Regional specialists
We list brokerages only once we have confirmed their office details on their own website, and we’re adding specialists for Palm Beach, Tampa Bay and 30A as we confirm them. This is general information, not legal or financial advice: take advice from a Florida real estate attorney and a tax adviser.
Our advice: choose an agent who specialises in the exact town or island you want.
Why it's on our list
- How buying works
- Documentary stamp tax
- Regional specialists
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Buying property in Florida: the back story before you go.