Quick answer: Most Tampa Bay sellers should plan on closing costs plus commission adding up to a meaningful chunk of the sale price. The Florida specific costs are doc stamps (70 cents per $100 of the price) and, in most of Tampa Bay, the owner’s title insurance policy. Then add commission, prorated property taxes, HOA fees, and any repair credits you agree to.
Sellers always ask me what they will walk away with. Not what the house sells for. What hits their bank account. Here is how to figure it out.
What closing costs does a seller pay in Florida?
- Documentary stamp tax on the deed: $0.70 per $100 of the sale price. On a $400,000 home that is $2,800.
- Owner’s title insurance policy: In Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hernando the seller usually pays this. It is negotiable, but that is the custom. On $400,000 it is roughly $2,000 based on Florida’s set rates.
- Title and settlement fees: Closing fee, search, lien checks. Usually several hundred dollars.
- Property taxes: Florida taxes are paid in arrears. So you credit the buyer for your share of this year’s taxes at closing.
- HOA or condo items: Estoppel letter fees and any transfer fees.
- Your mortgage payoff: Plus a few days of interest.
How much is real estate commission in Tampa?
Commission is negotiable. Always has been. Since the 2024 rule changes, how buyer agent pay gets handled is part of the negotiation too. Ask any agent you interview to show you exactly what they charge, what you get for it, and put it in writing.
Cheap is not the same as net more money. The agent who prices it right and negotiates hard usually puts more in your pocket than the one who cut their fee and cut corners.
What does it cost to sell a $400,000 home in Tampa? (Example)
Here is a simple example. Your numbers will be different.
- Doc stamps: $2,800
- Owner’s title policy: about $2,075
- Title and closing fees: about $800
- Prorated taxes for 9 months: about $4,500 (depends on your tax bill)
- Repair credit negotiated after inspection: $3,000
- Plus commission and your mortgage payoff
See how fast that adds up? That is why we build a net sheet before you list. No guessing.
Are seller concessions normal in Tampa Bay right now?
Yes. Tampa Bay has more homes for sale than a few years ago and a lot of listings have cut their price. Buyers are asking for help with closing costs, rate buydowns, and repairs. Plan for it. Pricing right from day one usually costs you less than chasing the market down with price cuts.
How can I lower my cost to sell?
- Price it right the first week. Stale listings get beat up on price.
- Fix the cheap stuff before you list. Leaky faucets and burnt out bulbs turn into $3,000 repair requests.
- Get a pre listing 4 point and wind mitigation report if your home is older. It answers the insurance question before the buyer panics.
- Know your roof age and permit date. In Florida, that alone can make or break a deal.
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FAQ: Selling costs in Florida
Who pays doc stamps in Florida?
The seller typically pays doc stamps on the deed. The buyer pays the stamps and intangible tax on their new mortgage.
Who pays title insurance in Tampa?
In most of Tampa Bay the seller pays for the owner’s policy and picks the title company. It can be negotiated.
Do I pay capital gains when I sell my Florida home?
Florida has no state income tax. Federal rules still apply, and many primary home sellers qualify for an exclusion. Ask your CPA.
Bottom line
Don’t list blind. Know your net before the sign goes up. Get your home value here or call or text our Florida team at 813.710.5664 and we will build your net sheet.