Yes, you can close on a Florida home without being in the room. Florida law allows remote online notarization (RON), so buyers and sellers can sign closing documents by live video from almost anywhere, and a title company can also send a mail-away package for you to sign in front of a local notary. The catch is that the lender, if there is one, has to allow the method you want, so ask early.
What is a remote online closing in Florida?
A remote online closing means you sign your closing documents electronically on a secure video session with a Florida online notary instead of sitting at a closing table. Florida authorized remote online notarization under Chapter 117 of the Florida Statutes starting in 2020. During the session, your identity is verified, you sign on screen, and the whole session is recorded and stored by the notary platform. Your deed or mortgage then gets recorded with the county the same way a paper-signed one does.
Who can close remotely?
Remote closings work well for:
- Out-of-state and seasonal owners selling a Florida condo or house
- Buyers relocating to Florida who can’t fly in on closing day
- Investors closing several files at once
- Sellers who’ve already moved, or are traveling, when the deal closes
- Many signers living outside the U.S., depending on the documents and the lender
Remote online notarization vs. mail-away vs. power of attorney
There are three common ways to close without being there:
- Remote online notarization (RON): You sign electronically on a live video call with a Florida online notary. It’s the fastest option, and documents can be recorded the same day. Florida deeds need two witnesses, and RON platforms can provide remote witnesses for the session.
- Mail-away closing: The title company sends (or emails) your signing package, you sign in front of a notary where you live, with witnesses for the deed, and you overnight the originals back. It takes a few extra days for shipping, so build that into the closing date.
- Power of attorney: Someone you trust signs for you. The power of attorney has to meet Florida requirements and be approved by the title company and lender before closing, so send it in well ahead of time.
When a remote closing might not work
Not every file can close by RON. Some lenders and loan programs still require an in-person or wet-ink signing for the mortgage documents. Some signers can’t pass the online identity check, for example without a qualifying government ID or U.S. credit history. Certain situations, like a signer who needs extra protection or help understanding documents, may call for an in-person signing. If you’re planning a remote closing, tell your title company and your lender with plenty of time before closing so there’s room to switch to a mail-away or mobile notary if needed.
How to protect your money in a remote closing
Remote closings rely on email and electronic wires, which is exactly what wire fraud scammers target. Florida buyers have lost closing funds to fake wiring instructions sent from look-alike email addresses. Before you wire anything:
- Call your title company at a phone number you already know, not one from the email, to confirm the wiring instructions
- Treat any “updated” or “changed” wiring instructions as a red flag
- Never send account numbers or passwords by email
- Call again after sending the wire to confirm it arrived
A legitimate title company will never be annoyed that you called to double-check.
Fort Lauderdale and Broward County
Broward has a lot of out-of-state and seasonal condo owners, so remote and mail-away closings are routine here, especially for sellers who spend most of the year up north. Broward condo files still need the estoppel certificate and any association approval on time, and none of that changes because you’re signing remotely. Florida’s Best Title Company (Independent Title of Fort Lauderdale) handles remote online, mail-away, and in-person closings statewide from our office at 2881 E Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 302, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306.
Frequently asked questions
Can I close on a house in Florida without being there?
Yes. Florida allows remote online notarization, so you can sign closing documents by secure live video. You can also do a mail-away closing with a local notary or, in some cases, use a power of attorney.
Is remote online notarization legal for Florida real estate closings?
Yes. Florida authorized remote online notarization under Chapter 117 of the Florida Statutes, and deeds and mortgages signed this way can be recorded in Florida counties. Your lender still has to allow it for the mortgage documents.
Do Florida deeds need witnesses in a remote closing?
Yes. Florida deeds require two witnesses. In a remote online closing, witnesses can take part through the online notary platform. In a mail-away closing, you sign with witnesses in front of your local notary.
Can I close remotely if I live outside the United States?
Often, yes, but it depends on the documents, the lender, and whether you can complete the identity check. Some international signers use a mail-away package signed at a U.S. embassy or consulate instead. Ask your title company early.
How do I avoid wire fraud when closing remotely?
Always confirm wiring instructions by calling your title company at a phone number you already trust, never one from an email. Treat any change in wiring instructions as a warning sign.
Related reading: the Florida closing process, Broward County closing costs, and a seller’s guide to choosing a title company.
Selling or buying from out of state? Call Florida’s Best Title Company at (954) 493-8288 to set up a remote or mail-away closing.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Every transaction is different. For advice about your specific situation, talk with a Florida real estate attorney.