Short answer: Most Miami-Dade home sellers pay the documentary stamp tax on the deed ($0.60 per $100 of the price for a single-family home), their agreed real estate commission, any HOA estoppel fee, a share of this year’s property taxes, and whatever it takes to pay off their mortgage and liens. The owner’s title policy is usually the buyer’s cost here.
Knowing these numbers before you list helps you set a price that works and avoids surprises at the closing table. Here is how each one works in Miami-Dade, and an example on a typical South Dade home.
What is the documentary stamp tax on a Miami-Dade home sale?
Florida charges a documentary stamp tax when a deed is recorded, and by custom the seller pays it. Miami-Dade has its own rate: $0.60 per $100 of the sale price for a single-family residence. For other property types, such as condos and multi-family buildings, Miami-Dade adds a $0.45 per $100 surtax, for a combined $1.05 per $100. Everywhere else in Florida the rate is $0.70 per $100.
Who pays for title insurance when selling in Miami-Dade?
In Miami-Dade, the buyer customarily pays for the owner’s title insurance policy and chooses the title company. That is different from many other Florida counties, where the seller pays. Like most closing costs, this can be negotiated in the contract, so read your offer carefully before you sign it.
How much is the real estate commission?
Commission is set by the listing agreement you sign with your broker, and it is always negotiable. Since August 2024, sellers are no longer required to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent. You can still choose to, and many sellers do, because it can widen the pool of buyers who can afford to make an offer. Ask any agent you interview to show you, in writing, exactly what you will pay and what you get for it.
What other costs come out of the seller’s proceeds?
- Mortgage payoff and lien releases. Your remaining loan balance, any interest through the payoff date, and the cost of recording the releases.
- Property tax proration. Florida property taxes are paid in arrears (the bill arrives in November for the current year). At closing, you credit the buyer for the days you owned the home this year.
- HOA estoppel certificate. If your home is in an HOA or condo, the association must certify what you owe. Florida caps the standard fee at $299, plus $119 if it is rushed and up to $179 more if the account is behind.
- Repairs or credits you agree to after the buyer’s inspection.
- Foreign sellers: if you are not a U.S. person for tax purposes, FIRPTA generally requires 15% of the price to be withheld at closing. See our buyer and seller guides before you list.
Example: selling a $450,000 single-family home in Princeton (33032)
| Item | Who usually pays | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Doc stamps on the deed ($0.60 per $100) | Seller | $2,700 |
| Owner’s title insurance | Buyer (Miami-Dade custom) | $0 to seller |
| HOA estoppel (standard request) | Usually seller | up to $299 |
| Property tax proration | Seller credits buyer | depends on closing date |
| Real estate commission | Per your listing agreement | negotiable |
| Mortgage payoff | Seller | your loan balance |
Every home is different. Your exact figures depend on your price, your loan, your HOA and the terms you negotiate.
How can I see my own numbers before I list?
Start with what your home is worth. Our free home value estimate uses real Miami MLS sold comparables, and we can turn it into a net-proceeds sheet showing what you would walk away with. To see how we market and sell homes, visit our seller services page, or read about homes in Princeton and Cutler Bay.
Frequently asked questions
How much are closing costs for a seller in Miami-Dade?
Excluding commission and your mortgage payoff, most Miami-Dade sellers pay roughly 0.6% to 1.1% of the price. The largest fixed item is the documentary stamp tax: $0.60 per $100 for a single-family home, or $1.05 per $100 for other property types such as condos. Add any HOA estoppel fee and your share of this year’s property taxes.
Does the seller pay title insurance in Miami-Dade?
Usually not. In Miami-Dade the buyer customarily pays for the owner’s title insurance policy and picks the title company. In many other Florida counties the seller pays. The contract decides it, so this can be negotiated either way.
Do I have to pay the buyer’s agent when I sell?
No. Since August 2024, sellers are not required to offer compensation to the buyer’s agent. Many sellers still choose to because it can bring in more qualified buyers. Your agent should walk you through both options and what each may mean for your price and your timeline.
Who pays the documentary stamp tax in Florida?
By custom, the seller pays the documentary stamp tax on the deed in Florida, and it is paid when the deed is recorded at closing. In Miami-Dade the rate is $0.60 per $100 for single-family homes, with an extra $0.45 per $100 surtax on other property types.
How much does an HOA estoppel letter cost in Florida?
Florida caps the standard estoppel certificate fee at $299. Associations can add up to $119 for delivery within three business days and up to $179 if the account is delinquent. The seller usually orders it through the title company early in the sale.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm your figures with your title company, attorney or CPA.
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