Florida Transfer Tax Rates at a Glance
Transfer taxes are one of the most common questions REALTORS® get from both buyers and sellers. Florida imposes documentary stamp taxes ("doc stamps") on deeds and mortgages, plus an intangible tax on new mortgages. This quick reference guide gives you the rates, formulas, and examples you need to answer client questions confidently.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Deeds
| Location | Rate | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| All counties except Miami-Dade | $0.70 per $100 | Sale Price × 0.007 |
| Miami-Dade (non-exempt) | $0.60 + $0.45 surtax = $1.05 per $100 | Sale Price × 0.0105 |
| Miami-Dade (single-family homestead) | $0.60 per $100 (surtax exempt) | Sale Price × 0.006 |
Who pays: By custom in Manatee and Sarasota counties, the seller pays deed doc stamps. This is negotiable.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Mortgages
| Document | Rate | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage / Promissory Note | $0.35 per $100 | Loan Amount × 0.0035 |
| Intangible Tax (new mortgages only) | $0.20 per $100 | Loan Amount × 0.002 |
Who pays: The buyer typically pays mortgage doc stamps and intangible tax.
Calculation Examples
Example 1: $400,000 Sale in Manatee County
- Deed doc stamps (seller pays): $400,000 × 0.007 = $2,800
- Mortgage doc stamps (buyer, $320,000 loan): $320,000 × 0.0035 = $1,120
- Intangible tax (buyer): $320,000 × 0.002 = $640
Example 2: $750,000 Sale in Sarasota County
- Deed doc stamps (seller pays): $750,000 × 0.007 = $5,250
- Mortgage doc stamps (buyer, $600,000 loan): $600,000 × 0.0035 = $2,100
- Intangible tax (buyer): $600,000 × 0.002 = $1,200
Example 3: $500,000 Sale in Miami-Dade (Non-Exempt)
- Deed doc stamps + surtax (seller pays): $500,000 × 0.0105 = $5,250
- Mortgage doc stamps (buyer, $400,000 loan): $400,000 × 0.0035 = $1,400
- Intangible tax (buyer): $400,000 × 0.002 = $800
Common Exemptions
- Spouse-to-spouse transfers: Exempt (including divorce-related transfers pursuant to a court order)
- Transfers to revocable trusts: Exempt when the grantor is the sole beneficiary during their lifetime
- Government entity transfers: Exempt
- Miami-Dade surtax exemption: Single-family residences qualifying for homestead exemption are exempt from the $0.45 surtax
- Assumption of existing mortgage: No new intangible tax on the assumed amount (only on any new money)
Recording Fees
In addition to transfer taxes, documents must be recorded with the county clerk. Current Florida recording fees:
- First page: $10.00
- Each additional page: $8.50
Helpful Tools
Use our Closing Cost Calculator to estimate the full breakdown of transfer taxes, title insurance, and recording fees for any Florida transaction. See also our detailed Doc Stamps Guide and Seller Net Sheet tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the doc stamp rate in Florida?
$0.70 per $100 on deeds (statewide except Miami-Dade). $0.35 per $100 on mortgages. Plus $0.20 per $100 intangible tax on new mortgages.
Who pays documentary stamp taxes?
Customarily, the seller pays deed doc stamps and the buyer pays mortgage doc stamps and intangible tax. This is negotiable.
Are there exemptions?
Yes. Spouse transfers, revocable trust transfers, government transfers, and Miami-Dade homestead surtax exemptions.
How do I calculate doc stamps on a deed?
Sale price × 0.007. Round the price up to the next $100 increment first. Example: $425,000 × 0.007 = $2,975.
Need accurate transfer tax calculations for your next closing? Contact Barnes Walker.