BUYER'S GUIDE

Buying a House in Florida: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Buying a home in Florida involves specific processes, costs, and considerations that differ from other states. Florida uses title companies (not escrow companies or attorneys) for most closings, has distinct disclosure requirements, and features hurricane and flood considerations that affect insurance and due diligence. Here's the complete step-by-step guide.

List My Home — $99 How It Works →

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved for a Florida Mortgage

Before shopping, get pre-approved — not just pre-qualified. Pre-approval involves a full credit check, income verification, and underwriting review; it carries more weight with sellers. Florida-specific loan programs: FHA (3.5% down, flexible credit), Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conventional (3–20% down), VA (0% down for veterans), USDA (0% down for rural Florida), and Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) down payment assistance programs. Florida has several notable FHFC programs — ask your lender about current first-time buyer assistance.

Step 2: Find a Home and Make an Offer

Florida homes are listed on the MLS and syndicated to Zillow, Realtor.com, and Redfin. Work with a buyer's agent (their fee is now paid separately per the 2024 NAR settlement — confirm their fee structure upfront via buyer-broker agreement). When you find a home, submit an offer on the FAR/BAR contract with: purchase price, deposit amount (typically 1–3%), inspection period (10 days standard), financing contingency period (21–30 days), and proposed closing date. In competitive markets, consider escalation clauses, waived contingencies (carefully), or a personal letter to the seller.

Florida Closing Costs for Buyers

Florida buyer closing costs typically run 2–5% of the purchase price. Key items: lender origination/discount fees (0.5–2%), appraisal ($400–$600), title search and title insurance — lender's policy (required, buyer pays ~0.5% of loan amount), homeowner's insurance first year, property taxes prorated, recording fees (~$200), and prepaid interest. Note: in most Florida counties, the SELLER pays for the owner's title insurance policy — unusual vs. national norms. Confirm who pays what in your county: Miami-Dade and Broward have buyer-pays-title convention.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions

How long does it take to buy a house in Florida?

From accepted offer to closing: 30–45 days for a financed purchase, 2–3 weeks for a cash purchase. Condo purchases may add 2–4 weeks for HOA approval. Pre-approval before searching saves time — once you have an offer accepted, the clock starts on your contingency periods.

What are the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make in Florida?

Not accounting for insurance costs (homeowner's + flood insurance can add $5,000–$15,000/year in coastal areas), not getting a thorough home inspection (especially roof, HVAC, and plumbing in Florida's climate), not understanding CDD fees in new construction, and waiving the inspection contingency in competitive markets without fully understanding the risk.

Do I need a buyer's agent to buy a house in Florida?

Not legally required, but most buyers work with a buyer's agent for market knowledge, negotiation support, and contract guidance. Since the 2024 NAR settlement, buyer-agent fees are negotiated separately rather than automatically paid by the seller — discuss the arrangement upfront.

What inspections should I get when buying a Florida home?

Standard home inspection (required), separate roof inspection (roof condition is critical in Florida — a failing roof can cost $15,000–$30,000), 4-point inspection (required by many Florida insurers: roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC), wind mitigation inspection (reduces insurance premium by documenting wind-resistant features), and termite/WDO inspection (Florida's climate is highly conducive to termites). For older homes: pool inspection, septic inspection (if applicable), and foundation check.

READY TO LIST?

Get Your Home on the Florida MLS for $99

Start My $99 Listing →Compare Packages →Find My City →FL Flat Fee MLS Guide →

All listings placed by a licensed Florida real estate broker (FL #BK3276618) ↗ — verified via the Florida DBPR.

Listed by Licensed Florida Broker · Pure Equity Realty · Verify FL License #BK3276618 ↗Learn about our flat fee MLS listing Florida service →