Florida real estate: buy or sell with a local AXEN agent
Florida has no state income tax, a big homestead break for owners who live in their home, and costs that surprise newcomers: flood and wind insurance, CDD fees and condo rules. Here is what is the same everywhere in Florida, and our local guide for each city.
Florida cities we cover
Each guide covers the local neighborhoods, costs and rules for that city.
What every Florida buyer and seller should know
Deed tax (doc stamps)
$0.70 per $100 of the price in most counties; Miami-Dade charges $0.60 on single-family homes and $1.05 on other property. Sellers usually pay it.
Seller disclosure
Florida sellers must disclose known problems that affect value and are not easy to see.
Homestead exemption
Owners who live in the home can take up to $50,000 off its taxable value, and Save Our Homes caps yearly increases in the assessed value of a homestead at 3%.
Insurance
Get homeowners, wind and flood quotes early. A wind mitigation report and, for older homes, a 4-point inspection can decide what you pay.
CDD fees
Many newer communities are in a Community Development District; the fee is on the property tax bill.
Condos
Older condo buildings three stories or taller need milestone inspections and reserve studies. Read them before you buy.
AXEN Realty in Florida
Every AXEN agent in Florida works under a licensed managing broker: Jojo Quiroz (license CQ1072954); Luisa Garcia (license CQ1073815). See every state on the state brokers page.
Buying? Start with the home buying guide and get pre-approved.
Selling? Read the home selling guide and get your home value.
Moving here? Read buying in a new state.
Florida real estate questions
Who pays closing costs in Florida?
It is negotiable. By custom in most Florida counties the seller pays the deed stamps and often the owner's title policy, and the buyer pays the loan costs. Your contract decides.
How does the Florida homestead exemption work?
If the home is your permanent residence on January 1, you can apply for up to $50,000 off its taxable value. Save Our Homes then limits yearly increases in the assessed value to 3%.
Do I need flood insurance in Florida?
If the home is in a high-risk flood zone and you have a federally backed loan, yes. Many owners outside those zones buy it too. Get a quote before your inspection period ends.
Does it cost anything to talk to an AXEN agent in Florida?
No. Talking with an AXEN agent about buying or selling in Florida is free.