How much does it cost to sell a home in Florida?

If you're thinking about selling your home in South Florida, one of the first questions you probably have is: "How much is this going to cost me?" It's a fair question. Selling a home isn't free, and the costs add up faster than most people expect. But if you know what's coming, you can plan for it and keep more of your equity at the closing table.

Let me walk you through every cost you'll likely face when selling a home in Florida in 2026. I'll give you real numbers so you can figure out what you'll actually walk away with.

The big one: agent commissions

This is the largest cost in any home sale. In Florida, it's standard for the seller to pay the commission for both their own agent and the buyer's agent. Total commission typically falls between 5% and 6% of the sale price, split between the two agents.

On a $400,000 home, that's $20,000 to $24,000. On a $500,000 home, it's $25,000 to $30,000. Yes, it's a lot. But here's the thing: agents earn that money by getting you the highest possible price, handling the marketing, coordinating showings, negotiating offers, managing inspections and repairs, and guiding you through the closing process. A good agent typically nets you thousands more than you'd get selling on your own, even after their commission.

Commissions are negotiable. Some agents offer lower rates, especially if you're selling a higher-priced home or bundling a sale with a purchase. But cheaper isn't always better. A discount agent who lists your home on the MLS and walks away likely won't get you the same price as someone who invests in professional photography, targeted marketing, and skilled negotiation. You get what you pay for.

Seller closing costs

Beyond commissions, there are several closing costs sellers typically pay in Florida. These vary by county and transaction, but here's a realistic breakdown:

• Title insurance (owner's policy): About $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the sale price. This protects the buyer against title issues, and it's customary for the seller to pay for it in Florida.
• Title search and settlement fees: Around $500 to $1,000 for the title company's work processing the closing.
• Recording fees and documentary stamp taxes: Florida charges documentary stamp tax on the deed, which runs about $0.70 per $100 of the sale price. On a $400,000 home, that's about $2,800. Some counties also have a surtax.
• Attorney fees: Florida doesn't require an attorney for closings, but many sellers hire one for $500 to $1,500 to review documents.
• HOA/condo association documents: If your home is in an HOA or condo, the buyer will want to review the association documents. You typically pay for the estoppel letter and document package, around $200 to $500.
• Property taxes: You'll need to pay any property taxes due up to the closing date, prorated between you and the buyer.

All told, seller closing costs (excluding commissions) typically run 1% to 3% of the sale price. On a $400,000 home, plan for roughly $4,000 to $12,000.

Pre-sale repairs and improvements

Most homes need some work before hitting the market. The inspection will almost always reveal things the buyer asks you to fix or credit them for. Here's what sellers typically spend:

• Pre-listing inspection: $300 to $500. I recommend getting your own inspection before listing so you know what buyers will find and can address issues proactively.
• Minor repairs: $500 to $3,000 for things like patching drywall, fixing leaky faucets, replacing broken tiles, touching up paint, and servicing the AC.
• Major repairs (if found): $3,000 to $15,000 for a new roof, HVAC replacement, or plumbing issues. You can negotiate with the buyer or credit them instead of doing the work.
• Termite inspection and treatment: $150 to $500. Lenders often require a termite letter in Florida.

Budget at least 1% to 2% of your sale price for repairs and concessions. On a $400,000 home, that's $4,000 to $8,000. Some of this you may recoup in a higher sale price.

Staging and presentation

You don't need to spend a fortune staging your home. But making it look its best helps you sell faster and for more money. Here's what sellers in the $250k to $600k range typically invest:

• Professional photography: $300 to $600. This is non-negotiable. Homes with professional photos sell faster and for more money than those with phone snapshots.
• Virtual tour or 3D walkthrough: $200 to $500 for Matterport or similar.
• Decluttering and deep cleaning: $200 to $800 for a professional cleaning service.
• Staging: $500 to $2,500 for a partial staging (living room, primary bedroom, kitchen). Many agents include basic staging consultation in their services.
• Curb appeal: $200 to $1,500 for fresh mulch, planted flowers, a painted front door, and pressure washing.

Total pre-sale presentation costs typically run $1,500 to $5,000. These expenses almost always pay for themselves in a higher sale price and faster closing.

Seller concessions

Sometimes buyers ask the seller to pay some of their closing costs, especially in slower markets or with first-time buyers who are short on cash. A typical concession is 2% to 3% of the purchase price. On a $400,000 home, that could be $8,000 to $12,000. You can say no, but it might cost you the deal.

So what's the total picture?

Let's put it all together for a realistic example:

Example: Selling a $400,000 home in Palm Beach County
Agent commissions (6%): $24,000
Title insurance and closing fees: $2,500
Documentary stamp tax: $2,800
Pre-sale repairs and staging: $4,000
Other fees and prorations: $1,500
Total estimated costs: ~$34,800 (8.7% of sale price)

That means on a $400,000 sale, you'd net roughly $365,000 before paying off your mortgage. If you owe $250,000, you'd walk away with about $115,000 in cash.

How to keep more of your money

While selling costs are real, there are ways to keep more at closing:

• Price it right from day one. Overpriced homes sit on the market, collect price reductions, and often sell for less than homes priced correctly from the start. A well-priced home attracts more buyers and can spark a bidding war.
• Invest in the improvements that matter. Fresh paint, good photos, and curb appeal pay off. A full kitchen renovation before selling usually doesn't.
• Negotiate commission and closing costs. Some agents are willing to negotiate their commission, especially for a home that will sell quickly. Title companies also compete on fees.
• Shop around for services. Get quotes from multiple title companies, inspectors, and contractors. Prices vary more than you'd think.
• Work with an agent who knows your neighborhood. A local agent who has sold homes in your area recently knows what buyers will pay and how to position your home for the best result.

Bottom line

Selling a home in Florida costs real money. Plan for roughly 8% to 10% of your sale price in commissions, closing costs, repairs, and prep expenses. On a $350,000 home, that's $28,000 to $35,000. On a $500,000 home, it's $40,000 to $50,000.

But here's the good news: if you've owned your home for a few years in South Florida, you've likely built significant equity. Even after costs, most sellers walk away with a solid chunk of cash. And unlike renting, that money goes in your pocket, not a landlord's.

If you're thinking about selling and want to know exactly what you'd net on your home, I'm happy to run the numbers for you. No pressure, just the real numbers so you can make an informed decision.