How Much Does It Cost to Sell a House in South Florida? (2026 Breakdown)

How much does it cost to sell a house? It is one of the most important questions a South Florida homeowner can ask, and most sellers underestimate the answer. Total selling costs typically run 7 to 10 percent of the sale price, meaning a seller netting $400,000 from a $450,000 sale may actually spend $40,000 to $45,000 getting there. Here is every line item, broken down.

Real estate agent commission

Agent commission is the largest selling cost for most South Florida sellers. Traditionally structured as a percentage of the sale price, total agent fees typically run 4 to 6 percent in the current market, split between the listing agent and the buyer's agent. Following the 2024 NAR settlement, commission structures have become more variable. Buyers may now negotiate their agent's fee directly, and sellers negotiate the listing agent's fee separately.

On a $500,000 South Florida home, total agent commissions might range from $20,000 (4%) to $30,000 (6%) depending on what you negotiate and what the buyer's agent is offered. This remains the biggest line item by far.

Florida documentary stamp tax (doc stamps)

Florida charges documentary stamp taxes on all real estate transfers. The rate is $0.70 per $100 of the sale price, paid by the seller in most Florida counties. On a $500,000 sale, that comes to $3,500. In Miami-Dade County, the rate is $0.60 per $100 on the deed plus a surtax, which typically results in a similar total.

This is a cost many sellers forget to budget for until they see the closing disclosure.

Title insurance and closing fees

In most South Florida counties, the seller pays for the owner's title insurance policy. That is a Florida tradition, though it is negotiable. Title insurance premiums are regulated by the state and based on the sale price. On a $500,000 sale, expect $2,500 to $3,500 for the owner's policy. Add settlement fees, title search, and document preparation, and total title and closing costs for the seller typically run $3,500 to $5,500.

Pre-sale repairs and preparation

Most South Florida sellers spend $3,000 to $15,000 preparing their home for market, depending on its condition. Common pre-sale costs include:

• Deep cleaning and staging: $500 to $3,000
• Interior/exterior painting: $2,000 to $8,000
• Landscaping and curb appeal: $500 to $2,500
• HVAC service and minor repairs: $300 to $1,500
• Roof inspection and minor repairs: $500 to $3,000

Sellers who invest in preparation typically net more than the cost of those improvements. But it is still a real upfront expense before a single dollar comes in.

Prorated property taxes and HOA fees

At closing, sellers pay their prorated share of property taxes through the closing date. In Palm Beach and Broward counties, where tax bills can run $6,000 to $18,000 or more annually, a mid-year closing means the seller may credit the buyer $3,000 to $9,000 in prorated taxes. HOA fees, if applicable, are also prorated.

The full cost summary for a $500,000 South Florida sale

• Agent commissions (5%): $25,000
• Documentary stamp tax: $3,500
• Title insurance and closing fees: $4,500
• Pre-sale preparation: $6,000
• Prorated property taxes and HOA: $3,500
• Total estimated seller costs: approximately $42,500 (8.5%)
• Estimated net proceeds: approximately $457,500

These figures vary based on your specific property, negotiations, and timing. Our team provides a detailed net proceeds estimate before you list, so you know exactly what you will walk away with before you commit. Request a free seller analysis here or talk to an agent. For more on documentary stamp taxes, see the Florida Department of Revenue guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest cost when selling a house in South Florida?

Agent commissions are the largest single cost for most sellers, typically running 4 to 6 percent of the sale price. Documentary stamp taxes and title insurance are the next largest items.

Do sellers pay closing costs in Florida?

Yes. Florida sellers pay documentary stamp taxes on the deed, owner's title insurance in most counties, prorated property taxes, and their share of any settlement fees. Buyers cover their own closing costs separately.

Can I negotiate who pays for title insurance in Florida?

Yes. While the seller traditionally pays for the owner's title insurance policy in most Florida counties, this is negotiable. In some transactions, buyers cover it, particularly when they are bringing a lot to the table in other concessions.

How do pre-sale repairs affect my net proceeds?

Strategic repairs and preparation often generate more in sale price than they cost, but not always. An agent familiar with your local market can tell you which improvements buyers in your area actually value and which ones are unlikely to move the needle.

What happens to my mortgage at closing?

Your outstanding mortgage balance is paid off at closing from the sale proceeds before you receive anything. Make sure your lender provides a payoff statement close to your closing date, since interest accrues daily.