FSBO Checklist for Florida Home Sellers: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about selling your home For Sale By Owner (FSBO) in Florida? You’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners each year successfully sell without a realtor—saving thousands in commissions while keeping full control over their sale. But going FSBO doesn’t mean going it alone. With the right plan and professional support, your transaction can be smooth, compliant, and profitable.

To help you get started, our attorneys at Barnes Walker have created the ultimate FSBO Checklist for Florida—a simple, printable guide that walks you through every step of the selling process, from preparing your home to recording the deed. Follow this checklist to stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and close with confidence.

Your Complete FSBO Checklist for Florida

✔ Step 1: Prepare Your Home for Sale

• Clean, declutter, and make small repairs to boost appeal
• Get a pre-listing inspection (optional but helps avoid surprises)
• Gather documents: survey, HOA info, property tax bill, utility costs
• Take high-quality photos and prepare your property description

✔ Step 2: Set the Right Price

• Research comparable sales (“comps”) in your area using public data
• Consider a professional appraisal for an unbiased valuation
• Price strategically—competitive listings sell faster and attract serious buyers

✔ Step 3: Market Your Property

• List your property on major sites (Zillow, Realtor.com, Craigslist)
• Use a flat-fee MLS service for wider exposure
• Print professional flyers or yard signs
• Share your listing on social media and local community pages

✔ Step 4: Handle Buyer Inquiries and Showings

• Respond quickly to inquiries and schedule showings
• Keep your home show-ready—clean, bright, and welcoming
• Be honest about property condition (transparency builds trust)

✔ Step 5: Negotiate and Draft the Sales Contract

• Review offers carefully—don’t just focus on price
• Confirm the buyer’s financing or proof of funds
• Include important terms such as closing date, inspections, and contingencies
• Have a FSBO attorney draft or review the contract for compliance

✔ Step 6: Disclosures and Legal Requirements

• Provide a Sellers Property Disclosure detailing known defects
• Disclose HOA restrictions or special assessments
• Confirm compliance with flood zone, lead paint, and radon disclosures

✔ Step 7: Title Search and Insurance

• Hire a title company or law firm to perform a title search
• Resolve any liens, judgments, or ownership issues before closing
• Obtain title insurance to protect the buyer and lender

✔ Step 8: Prepare for Closing

• Coordinate with your title company or attorney to schedule the closing
• Review the Closing Disclosure or settlement statement
• Prepare to sign the deed, affidavit, and transfer documents
• Bring keys, IDs, and any required payoff information

✔ Step 9: Finalize the Sale

• Sign closing documents (in person or remotely)
• Receive your net proceeds via wire or check
• Ensure the deed is recorded with the county clerk
• Notify utilities, insurance, and your county tax office of the ownership change

✔ Step 10: Keep Records

• Save copies of your closing documents, settlement statement, and deed
• Retain proof of title insurance and property disclosures
• Consult your accountant for capital gains reporting or deductions

Bonus: Recommended FSBO Professionals in Florida

• Attorney: To prepare, review, and record legal documents
• Title Company: To handle title searches, insurance, and escrow
• Appraiser: For accurate home valuation
• Photographer: To make your listing stand out
• Home Inspector: To identify potential issues before listing

Why Use Barnes Walker for Your FSBO Transaction

At Barnes Walker, we bring together Florida real estate attorneys and title professionals to create a smooth, legally compliant FSBO experience. We handle everything from contract drafting and escrow to title searches, insurance, and closing coordination—all under one roof.

Our FSBO services include:

• Attorney-prepared purchase and sale contracts
• Title search and insurance issuance
• Deed and closing document preparation
• Escrow management and fund disbursement
• Remote and mail-away closing options

We’ve helped countless Florida homeowners close successfully without a realtor—saving money while maintaining peace of mind.

Download the FSBO Seller Checklist (Free)

Ready to sell your home without a realtor? Download our free, printable FSBO Seller Checklist to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re selling in Sarasota, Manatee, or Pinellas County, this checklist will help you stay organized and compliant from listing to title transfer.

Download the FSBO Seller Checklist (Free) and let Barnes Walker assist you with the legal and title side of your FSBO sale.

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Sources

• Florida Realtors — For Sale By Owner in Florida: A Complete Guide
• The Florida Bar — Legal Considerations When Selling Real Estate
• Florida Department of Financial Services — Title Insurance Overview
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Understanding FSBO Transactions
• Super Lawyers — FSBO Checklist Florida