Direct answer
Closing costs for a mortgage in Florida typically run 2% to 5% of the property’s price and are paid separately from the down payment, on closing day. They include the appraisal, title insurance, lender origination fee, recording taxes, and inspection. A foreigner pays the same items as a resident, with some nuance in the origination fee and international transfers.
Full financing picture: mortgage financing for foreigners guide.
What do closing costs include? (breakdown)
| Item | Typical range | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Appraisal | $500-800 | Property value assessment (and rental estimate, if DSCR) |
| Title insurance | 0.5-1% of the price | Protects against claims on the title |
| Origination / points | 0.5-2% of the loan | Lender’s fee |
| Recording taxes | Varies by county | Florida doc stamps + intangible tax |
| Inspection | $300-600 | Physical condition of the property |
| Escrow / title company | Variable | Manages closing and the deposit |
Data as of mid-2026, subject to change based on county and lender.
Example with a $400,000 property
| Item | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Down payment (25-30%) | $100,000-120,000 |
| Closing costs (2-5%) | $8,000-20,000 |
| Reserves (6-12 months of payments) | Variable, based on the monthly payment |
Budget all three blocks together. How much for the down payment: down payment for foreigners. Qualifying by rental income without showing your income: DSCR loan for foreigners.
Recording taxes in Florida
Florida charges documentary stamp taxes on the deed and, on mortgages, an intangible tax on the financed amount. These are fixed by state regulation and vary slightly by county; your title company calculates them in the closing estimate.
How to reduce or control the costs
- Compare the origination fee and services across several lenders.
- Negotiate for the seller to cover part of the costs (seller concessions).
- Consolidate international transfers to minimize bank fees.
- Ask for the Loan Estimate in writing and review it line by line.
For the full list of documents backing the closing, check out our documents to buy a house in Florida guide, and if you have questions about the tax side, see our taxes for foreigners in Florida guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs?
Between 2% and 5% of the price, separate from the down payment.
Are they included in the down payment?
No; they’re paid on closing day, in addition to the down payment and reserves.
What is title insurance and why do I pay for it?
It’s a policy that protects you against claims on the property that arise after closing. It’s paid once at closing and covers the entire time you own the property.
Can I reduce them?
Some items can be compared across lenders or covered by the seller; recording taxes are fixed.
Do foreign buyers pay different closing costs than residents?
The line items are the same, but a foreign national or DSCR loan can carry a somewhat higher origination fee. You should also plan for international wire transfers and, if applicable, apostilles.
Some items can be compared across lenders or covered by the seller; recording taxes are fixed.
Want a closing estimate for the property you’re interested in?
