If you are thinking about selling your home, one of the first questions you probably have is not about price, but about what you will actually walk away with. The cost to sell a house in Florida can surprise many homeowners because the final number is shaped by several separate expenses that add up quickly.
This guide breaks down the real costs sellers face in Florida, how those costs are calculated, and how they affect your net proceeds selling a house. Whether you plan to list with an agent or explore an as-is cash sale, understanding these numbers upfront helps you make a clearer decision.
The Average Cost to Sell a House in Florida
Confirmed data from national and state-level sources shows that Florida sellers typically spend 8 percent to 10 percent of the final sale price on selling-related costs.
Sources and timeframe
- National Association of Realtors, 2024 seller cost data
- Florida Realtors, 2023–2024 transaction reports
- ClosingCorp National Closing Cost Report, latest available edition
These figures are averages. Actual costs vary by county, sale price, and whether repairs or concessions are involved.
1. Real Estate Agent Commissions
For sellers who list traditionally, agent commissions are usually the largest single expense.
Typical range in Florida
- 5 percent to 6 percent of the sale price
- Usually split between the listing agent and buyer’s agent
On a $350,000 home:
- 5 percent commission equals $17,500
- 6 percent commission equals $21,000
Confirmed fact: Florida does not regulate commission rates. All commissions are negotiable, but the ranges above reflect common market practice based on Florida Realtors transaction data.
2. Seller Closing Costs in Florida
Seller closing costs in Florida are lower than in some states, but they still represent a meaningful expense that directly reduces your net proceeds. One of the most common seller-paid costs is the owner’s title insurance policy. In Florida, it is customary for the seller to pay for this policy, which protects the buyer against title defects. This cost alone can range from several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the sale price.
Another required expense is Florida’s documentary stamp tax on the deed, commonly referred to as “doc stamps.” This tax is charged at the state level and is calculated based on the sale price of the property. The seller is responsible for paying this tax at closing, and it increases proportionally as the price of the home rises.
Sellers are also responsible for prorated property taxes. Because property taxes are paid in arrears in Florida, the seller credits the buyer for the portion of the year they owned the home prior to closing. While this is not a new tax, it does reduce the amount of cash the seller receives at settlement.
If the property is located in a community governed by a homeowners association, HOA estoppel fees often apply. These fees cover the cost of providing official documentation verifying dues, balances, and compliance status. Estoppel fees are typically paid by the seller and vary widely depending on the association.
Additional closing expenses may include recording fees, settlement or escrow fees, and administrative costs charged by the title company. When combined, these items typically result in seller closing costs totaling between 1 percent and 3 percent of the final sale price.
3. Repairs, Updates, and Pre-Sale Preparation
Many Florida sellers spend money preparing their home for the market, even if they are not planning major renovations. Common repair-related expenses include addressing roof issues, servicing or replacing HVAC systems, correcting electrical or plumbing deficiencies, and resolving problems flagged during pre-listing inspections.
Cosmetic improvements also play a role in attracting buyers. Sellers often invest in interior or exterior paint, flooring updates, landscaping, or pressure washing to improve curb appeal. While these upgrades may help a home sell faster or at a higher price, they require upfront cash that directly affects net proceeds.
Data from HomeAdvisor and Angi shows that sellers nationally spend an average of $5,000 to $15,000 on pre-sale preparation. In Florida, homes in coastal areas or older properties may incur higher costs due to insurance requirements and stricter inspection standards. While selling as-is can eliminate most repair expenses, it may impact pricing depending on market conditions and buyer demand.
4. Seller Concessions and Buyer Credits
In many Florida transactions, sellers are asked to provide concessions to help facilitate the sale. These concessions often come in the form of credits toward the buyer’s closing costs, which can help buyers manage upfront expenses, particularly in higher interest rate environments.
Another common request involves interest rate buy-downs. In this scenario, the seller contributes funds at closing to temporarily reduce the buyer’s mortgage interest rate. While this can make a property more attractive to buyers, it directly reduces the seller’s net proceeds.
After inspections, buyers may also request repair credits instead of asking the seller to complete the work. These credits allow the buyer to handle repairs after closing but still reduce the seller’s bottom line. Florida Realtors data indicates that seller concessions appear in a significant share of transactions, particularly in markets where inventory has increased or buyer leverage has improved.
5. Carrying Costs While the Home Is Listed
If your home does not sell immediately, monthly holding costs continue.
These may include:
- Mortgage payments
- Property taxes
- Insurance
- Utilities
- Lawn and pool maintenance
Confirmed fact:
Florida’s average days on market in 2024 ranged from 40 to 70 days depending on metro area, according to Florida Realtors. Longer listing times increase total carrying costs and reduce net proceeds.
Example: Net Proceeds Selling a House in Florida
Let’s look at a simplified example.
Sale price: $350,000
Estimated costs:
- Agent commission (6%): $21,000
- Seller closing costs (2%): $7,000
- Repairs and prep: $10,000
- Concessions (1.5%): $5,250
Total selling costs: $43,250
Estimated net before mortgage payoff: $306,750
This example illustrates why understanding the full cost to sell a house in Florida matters more than focusing only on the sale price.
How Selling As-Is Can Change the Numbers
For homeowners prioritizing speed or certainty, selling as-is to a professional buyer can reduce or eliminate several cost categories.
Potential reductions:
- No agent commissions
- No repair costs
- Fewer or no seller concessions
- Faster closing, reducing carrying costs
The true cost of selling a home in Florida is rarely just one number. Agent commissions, seller closing costs, repairs, concessions, and holding expenses all affect what you actually take home. Understanding these costs upfront gives you leverage. It allows you to compare options realistically and choose the path that best protects your time and equity.
