FSBO Closing Costs in Florida: What Sellers and Buyers Should Expect

When selling your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO) in Florida, understanding closing costs is essential to avoid surprises and plan your net proceeds accurately. Closing costs are the fees, taxes, and expenses paid to complete a real estate transaction. They vary by county, by property type, and by which party pays specific items. At Barnes Walker, our attorneys and title professionals specialize in FSBO closings, helping sellers and buyers understand who pays what—and how to reduce costs wherever possible.

What Are FSBO Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the final expenses required to transfer ownership of a property. They include title work, recording fees, documentary taxes, insurance, and other charges associated with completing the sale. Whether you are selling or buying, these costs typically total 2% to 5% of the property’s purchase price.

For FSBO transactions, sellers often save on real estate commissions but still must cover certain standard costs, especially title insurance and document preparation fees. Working with a law firm and title company like Barnes Walker ensures your closing costs are handled properly, with transparent estimates upfront.

Typical FSBO Seller Closing Costs in Florida

While costs can vary by county and contract terms, Florida FSBO sellers typically pay for:

• Owner’s Title Insurance Policy: Protects the buyer’s ownership rights after closing. Customarily paid by the seller in most Florida counties.
• Title Search and Examination: Verifies the property is free of liens or claims before transfer.
• Documentary Stamp Tax on the Deed: A state tax of $0.70 per $100 of the sale price (except in Miami-Dade County, where it’s $0.60).
• Property Taxes and HOA Prorations: Sellers must pay their portion of annual taxes or dues up to the closing date.
• Recording Fees and Courier Charges: Covers the cost of filing the deed and sending signed documents for recording.
• Title Settlement or Closing Fee: Administrative cost charged by the title company or law firm handling the transaction.
• Outstanding Mortgage Payoff: If applicable, the balance of any existing loan must be paid in full at closing.

Typical Buyer Closing Costs in Florida

Buyers in FSBO transactions typically pay for costs associated with financing and lender requirements, such as:

• Lender’s Title Insurance Policy: Protects the lender’s interest in the property.
• Loan Origination and Underwriting Fees: Charged by the lender to process the buyer’s mortgage application.
• Appraisal Fee: Required by most lenders to confirm the property’s fair market value.
• Recording Fees: Covers the cost to record the mortgage in county public records.
• Inspection Fees: Home, pest, or wind mitigation inspections are common pre-closing expenses.
• Prepaid Insurance and Taxes: Includes homeowner’s insurance premiums and initial property tax deposits into escrow.

What Costs Are Negotiable?

In FSBO transactions, all costs are negotiable. Florida law does not require one party to pay specific closing fees—it’s determined by the purchase agreement. Some sellers may agree to cover certain buyer expenses to make their property more appealing, while others may shift title fees to the buyer in exchange for a lower price.

In many counties, it’s customary for the seller to pay for the owner’s title insurance policy, but the buyer often pays for lender-related costs and inspections. An experienced FSBO attorney can help structure the contract to allocate these costs fairly and strategically.

Average FSBO Closing Costs by County

Below is a general overview of typical closing costs by region in Florida. These are estimates only and can vary depending on the sale price, property type, and local government fees.

County	Typical Seller Closing Costs	Typical Buyer Closing Costs
Manatee County	2.0% – 2.5% of sale price (seller pays title insurance)	2.0% – 3.0% of sale price (lender and inspection costs)
Sarasota County	2.0% – 2.8% (includes title and documentary stamps)	2.0% – 3.5% (includes lender fees and insurance)
Pinellas County	1.5% – 2.2% (buyer usually pays for title insurance)	2.5% – 3.5% (varies by lender and property type)
Hillsborough County	1.8% – 2.5% (buyer typically selects title company)	2.0% – 3.5% (includes appraisal and escrow fees)

These figures include typical title insurance premiums, settlement fees, and taxes—but exclude real estate commissions since FSBO sellers handle their own transactions. Our Title Department can provide an exact estimate based on your property, contract terms, and location.

How Barnes Walker Helps with FSBO Closing Costs

At Barnes Walker, we bring together the experience of a real estate law firm and a full-service title company under one roof. Our team provides detailed closing cost estimates, transparent settlement statements, and professional management of escrow, title, and disbursement. We ensure your FSBO closing complies with Florida law and that you understand every cost before signing.

Our services include:

• Accurate closing cost breakdowns for buyers and sellers
• Attorney review of contracts and settlement statements
• Preparation of deeds, affidavits, and disclosure documents
• Title insurance and escrow services
• Remote and mail-away closings anywhere in Florida

Request a Closing Cost Estimate

Curious what your FSBO closing will cost? Our attorneys and title professionals can prepare a custom estimate tailored to your county and property. Whether you’re selling in Sarasota, Manatee, or Pinellas County, we’ll outline all expected costs—so you know exactly what to expect before you close.

Request a Closing Cost Estimate today and let Barnes Walker guide you through your FSBO closing with clarity, accuracy, and trusted legal support.

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Sources

• Florida Realtors — Closing Costs in Florida
• Florida Department of Financial Services — Title Insurance and Settlement Practices
• The Florida Bar Journal — Title Insurance and Closing Practices in Florida
• Super Lawyers — FSBO Closing Costs in Florida
• Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court — Real Estate Recording Fees and Taxes