In Fort Lauderdale/Broward, buyers usually pay about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, with financed buyers at the higher end because of lender fees and Florida’s mortgage taxes. Sellers usually pay about 1% to 3% before real estate commission (roughly 6% to 10% if commissions are included), and the biggest seller item is the state documentary stamp tax on the deed.
The exact number depends on the price, whether there’s a loan, and whether the property is in a condo or HOA. Here’s what goes into it.
Florida doc stamps on the deed: $0.70 per $100
Florida charges documentary stamp tax on the deed at $0.70 per $100 of the sale price in every county except Miami-Dade (Florida Department of Revenue). In Broward, the seller customarily pays it.
- Example: $400,000 sale = $2,800 in deed doc stamps.
Mortgage doc stamps ($0.35 per $100) and intangible tax (0.2%)
If the buyer has a loan, two state taxes apply to the new mortgage, and the buyer normally pays both:
- Mortgage doc stamps: $0.35 per $100 of the loan amount (Florida Department of Revenue).
- Nonrecurring intangible tax: 2 mills, or 0.2%, of the loan amount (Section 199.133, Florida Statutes).
Example: a $320,000 loan = $1,120 in mortgage stamps + $640 intangible tax = $1,760.
Title insurance: the premium is set by the state
Florida title insurance premiums are promulgated, which means the state sets the rate and every title company charges the same premium for the same coverage (Fla. Admin. Code Rule 69O-186.003). The rate is $5.75 per $1,000 for the first $100,000 of coverage and $5.00 per $1,000 from $100,000 to $1 million. On a $400,000 owner’s policy that comes to about $2,075. When there’s a loan, the lender’s policy issued at the same time costs much less.
Who pays the owner’s policy varies by county and by contract. Read Florida Title Insurance Explained for owner’s vs. lender’s policies and endorsements.
Settlement, title search, and closing fees
These fees are not set by the state, so this is where title companies really differ: the settlement (closing) fee, title search, exam, lien and municipal searches, and courier or e-recording charges. Get these in writing before you choose. You can usually pick your own title company; see You Can Choose Your Title Company in Florida.
Recording fees
The Broward County Clerk/Records division charges recording fees for the deed and the mortgage, which by state statute are $10 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page. A typical purchase runs from under $100 to a couple hundred dollars, depending on page counts.
Estoppel, HOA, and condo association fees
If the property is in an HOA or condo, the association charges an estoppel certificate fee to confirm what’s owed, and some charge capital contributions or transfer/application fees. Sellers usually pay for the estoppel, and buyers usually pay the application fees. See our estoppel certificate guide.
Lender fees
For financed buyers: origination or points, underwriting, appraisal, credit report, flood certification, and similar charges. Your Loan Estimate lists them, and they’re often the biggest buyer-side cost after the state taxes.
Prepaids and escrows
Lenders collect prepaid daily interest and set up an escrow cushion for property taxes, and the buyer usually prepays the first year of insurance. Property taxes are prorated between buyer and seller at closing. These aren’t fees, but they do add to cash to close.
Quick example: $400,000 Fort Lauderdale/Broward home, 80% loan
| Item | Typically paid by | Approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Deed doc stamps ($0.70/$100) | Seller | $2,800 |
| Mortgage doc stamps ($0.35/$100 on $320k) | Buyer | $1,120 |
| Intangible tax (0.2% on $320k) | Buyer | $640 |
| Owner’s title premium (promulgated) | Varies by contract | ~$2,075 |
| Settlement/search fees, recording, lender’s policy | Buyer/Seller | varies |
| Lender fees, prepaids, escrows | Buyer | varies |
The timing also matters. See How Long Does a Florida Closing Take? House vs. Condo.
Get your exact Broward closing costs
Skip the guesswork and start a closing cost quote using our TitleQuote calculator. You can also call Florida’s Best Title Company (Independent Title of Fort Lauderdale) at (954) 493-8288, 2881 E Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 302, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306.
FAQ
Usually about 2–5% of the purchase price. Financed buyers pay more because of mortgage doc stamps, intangible tax, and lender fees.
About 1–3% before commission, mostly deed doc stamps at $0.70 per $100. With commission included, it’s roughly 6–10%.
The seller customarily pays deed doc stamps in Broward, though the contract controls.
No. The premium is set by the state. Settlement and search fees do vary, so compare those.
It’s a one-time 0.2% tax on a new mortgage, normally paid by the borrower at closing.
This article is for general information only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Rates and customs can change, and every transaction is different. Consult a Florida real estate attorney or tax professional about your situation.