How Much Does It Cost
to Sell a House
in Florida?

The Complete Cost Breakdown

Selling a house in Florida involves multiple cost categories. The total typically runs 6–10% of the sale price for a standard transaction. Here's where that money goes.

1. Real Estate Agent Commission

Following the 2024 NAR settlement, commission structures are negotiable and vary by transaction. Historically, total agent compensation ran 5–6% of the sale price, split between buyer's and listing agents. Discuss specifics with your agent before listing. On a $450,000 home, agent compensation at 5% totals $22,500.

2. Florida Documentary Stamp Tax

Florida charges a documentary stamp tax on the deed at $0.70 per $100 of the sale price. On a $450,000 sale, that's $3,150. This is a seller-paid closing cost in Florida and is non-negotiable.

3. Title Insurance (Owner's Policy)

In most Florida counties, the seller pays for the owner's title insurance policy. The premium is set by Florida statute and runs approximately $5.75 per $1,000 of the purchase price, with a minimum. On a $450,000 sale, owner's title insurance runs approximately $2,588.

4. Prorated Property Taxes

Florida property taxes are paid in arrears. At closing, the seller credits the buyer for the portion of the year the seller owned the home. Depending on closing date and assessed value, this can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

5. HOA Estoppel Fee

If your property is in an HOA, the association charges an estoppel fee to produce a document showing the current balance owed. Florida law caps this at $299 for standard requests ($399 for expedited). Most community HOAs charge between $100–$299.

6. Pre-Sale Repairs and Staging

This is the most variable cost category. Minimal cosmetic prep (paint, cleaning, landscaping) runs $1,000–$3,000. Deferred maintenance items (roof, HVAC, plumbing) can add $5,000–$25,000+. Your agent should identify which repairs produce positive ROI before listing — not all repairs pay back at closing.

7. Closing Cost Credits to Buyer

In competitive markets, sellers may negotiate closing cost credits as part of the offer. This effectively reduces your net proceeds. On lower-priced homes or when buyers need help with financing, credits of 2–3% ($9,000–$13,500 on a $450K sale) are common.

Net Proceeds Estimate — $450,000 Sale

Sale price: $450,000
Agent compensation (~5%): -$22,500
Doc stamp tax: -$3,150
Title insurance (owner's policy): -$2,588
HOA estoppel: -$299
Pre-sale prep (moderate): -$3,500
Prorated taxes (est.): -$2,200
Estimated net before mortgage payoff: ~$415,763

Subtract your remaining mortgage balance to arrive at your actual cash proceeds. A full CMA and net sheet from Kelly and Ray Nadeau gives you these numbers specific to your property before you commit to listing.

Capital Gains Tax Considerations

Florida has no state capital gains tax. Federal capital gains tax applies to profit above the primary residence exclusion — $250,000 for single filers, $500,000 for married couples filing jointly — if you've lived in the home as your primary residence for at least 2 of the last 5 years. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.