Real Estate 206 – Closing (Florida Version)
You've made it!!!
At this point, you should have turned in your mortgage payoff info (if applicable), reviewed a copy of the **preliminary Closing Disclosure**, and confirmed the correct names of all sellers required to sign. Make sure every person attending has valid **government-issued photo ID** — this is non-negotiable in Florida.
If you’re doing a **mail-away closing** or using a **Power of Attorney (POA)**, those documents should have been prepared well in advance by the title company and/or your attorney. Florida allows for both, but they must meet strict notarization and delivery requirements.
If you are bringing funds to the closing table, make sure you know the amount ahead of time. You’ll need to either wire the money to the title company in advance or bring a certified check. Personal checks and cash are not accepted in Florida closings.
🚫 NEVER wire money to a title company without first calling them at a known, verified number. Wire fraud is a real risk in Florida. Scammers target sellers and buyers with fake emails that look legit. Always confirm with your agent or title rep before sending anything.
Florida closings are handled by **title companies**, not attorneys by default. These professionals are neutral third parties. If you want your own legal representation, you are absolutely welcome to hire a real estate attorney, especially if your situation is complex (like divorce, probate, trusts, or FIRPTA).
Speaking of FIRPTA — if you're not a U.S. citizen and selling Florida real estate, you may be subject to **withholding tax**. Your title company will guide you through the requirements, but bring it up early in the process if it applies to you.
After closing is complete, be sure to contact your utility providers and **cancel your homeowner’s insurance**. The title company will pay off any mortgages using the proceeds from the sale. You'll receive your net proceeds either by wire or check (depending on your choice and how funds are processed that day).
Just because you've signed the paperwork doesn't mean everything is instantly funded. **Dry closings** can still happen in Florida. This simply means signatures are done, but funds haven’t officially hit the account yet due to bank processing delays. It’s usually resolved within hours, but don’t schedule anything too tight immediately after signing.
If the agreement says so, and all funds have cleared, now’s the time to **hand over the keys** and celebrate a successful closing!
Last but not least — if your agent did a great job for you, **leave them a positive review** online. Referrals and reviews are the lifeblood of real estate professionals and it means the world to them.
That wraps up the Florida Seller Course. Want a copy of your full course materials or ready to start your next move? Contact us anytime.