Part 4 of our 25-part Seller Series for UK homeowners selling Florida vacation homes.
When preparing to sell your Florida home, one of the first things most homeowners want to know is how much they’ll actually walk away with after all the costs are deducted. For UK sellers, many of these fees may be unfamiliar, so it’s important to understand each line item before committing to a sale.
In this video of our Seller Series, we explore the costs of selling a Florida home. You can watch the full video above, or continue reading below for the written version — perfect if you prefer to skim through the highlights at your own pace.
1. Real Estate Commissions
The largest cost when selling your home is typically the real estate commission. This fee is divided between the listing agent (representing the seller) and the co-brokering agent (representing the buyer).
Commissions vary by brokerage — there’s no standard rate — because setting fixed fees would be considered price fixing, a violation of antitrust law. Instead, competition in the open market determines rates.
■ We’ll explain our team’s commission structure in more detail in an upcoming video.
2. Administrative Fee
In addition to the commission, many brokerages charge an administrative fee (sometimes called a transaction or broker-only fee). This typically ranges between $300–$500 and is charged to both the buyer and seller. It’s only due if the sale successfully closes.
3. Closing Company Fee
Both parties also pay a closing company fee to the title or attorney’s office for managing the process from contract to closing. These fees usually range from $400–$600.
Foreign national sellers may pay a slightly higher amount, as additional steps are required under FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act) regulations.
■ If you’d like to learn more about FIRPTA, click the link to our video on this topic.
4. Title Insurance
In most Florida counties, sellers pay for the owner’s title insurance policy, which protects the buyer’s ownership rights. If a title dispute arises after closing, the insurance company covers eligible legal costs.
This fee is calculated based on the home’s sale price, using a set “rate per thousand” established by the insurer.
5. Title Search Fee
A title search confirms that there are no outstanding liens or ownership claims against the property. It’s performed by a title search company and reimbursed by the seller at closing, usually costing $200–$300.
This search provides a complete history of the property and identifies any deed restrictions that could limit how the home is used.
6. Municipal Lien Search Fee
A municipal lien search identifies unrecorded issues such as code violations, open permits, or unpaid utility charges. Like the title search, this fee (around $200–$300) is paid to a third party and reimbursed at closing.
Any issues uncovered must typically be resolved before the sale is finalised.
7. HOA Estoppel Letter Fee
If your property is in a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), the closing company must request an estoppel letter detailing your account’s current balance, future assessments, and any outstanding violations.
Costs range from $100–$500, depending on the community. Homes with both an HOA and a club or resort association will usually require two separate letters — and two fees.
8. Documentary Stamps On The Deed
When property ownership transfers, the seller pays a documentary stamp tax, which acts as a government transfer fee. In Florida, the rate is $0.70 per $100 of the sale price.
For example, a $400,000 sale would incur $2,800 in documentary stamps.
9. Property Tax And HOA Fee Prorations
Because property taxes in Florida are paid in arrears, the seller is responsible for taxes from 1 January up to the closing date. HOA fees are also prorated to ensure the buyer reimburses you for any prepaid dues covering periods after closing.
10. Closing Cost Contribution To Buyer
If your contract includes a seller contribution toward the buyer’s closing costs — or a credit for repairs identified during inspection — these amounts will appear as a credit to the buyer and a debit to the seller on the settlement statement.
11. Mortgage Payoff And Other Deductions
The closing agent will pay off any outstanding mortgage balance from the sale proceeds. Other potential deductions can include:
- Past-due property taxes
- HOA arrears
- Contractor invoices or management company fees authorised for payment at closing
12. FIRPTA Tax Withholding
For sellers residing outside the United States, there’s an additional FIRPTA tax withholding — currently 15% of the sale price. This amount is collected at closing and later reconciled with your tax filing.
■ If you’d like to learn more about FIRPTA, click the link to our video dedicated to this topic.
Helping You Understand Your Net Proceeds
As part of our initial consultation, we provide each seller with a customised net sheet outlining the anticipated costs of selling a Florida home. This gives you a clear idea of what to expect after commissions, taxes, and other deductions — helping you make confident, informed decisions from the start.
If you’re a UK homeowner thinking about selling your Florida home, feel free to reach out — we’d be happy to chat.
📞 Cell: 321-443-7535
📧 Email: TheAistropTeam@gmail.com
About The Authors
Irena and Suzanne Aistrop are a UK mother-and-daughter real estate team based in Central Florida. With over 40 years of combined experience, they specialise in helping UK homeowners sell their Florida vacation homes with ease — even while remaining abroad. Known for their hands-on service, clear communication, and deep understanding of both sides of the Atlantic, they guide clients through every step of the process with professionalism and care.
Watch The Full Seller Series
Want to dive deeper into every stage of selling your Florida home from abroad?
[Watch the full Seller Series here.]