How much will you actually pay at the closing table in Tampa? If you are buying or selling in Hillsborough County, the answer depends on your loan, your contract, and a few local fees that can surprise you. You deserve a clear picture before you set your budget or price your home. In this guide, you’ll learn who typically pays what in Florida, what costs to expect in Tampa, and simple ways to lower your total. Let’s dive in.
Closing costs, explained
Closing costs are the one-time fees, taxes, and prorations you pay when a home changes hands. They cover lending, title work, inspections, insurance, transfer taxes, recording, and association items. Many fees are negotiable, but Florida has common customs on who pays what. Your final numbers will reflect your purchase price, loan type, contract terms, and local assessments.
Who pays what in Tampa
In Florida, customs guide who pays certain items, but your purchase contract controls the final answer.
- Buyers usually pay lender-related fees, lender’s title policy, appraisal and inspections, and prepaid escrows when financing. Buyers also typically pay mortgage-related Florida taxes on the note and mortgage when they take a loan.
- Sellers usually pay real estate commission, owner’s title insurance premium, and Florida documentary stamp tax on the deed. Sellers also handle HOA or condo estoppel fees in many cases and property tax prorations through the closing date.
Always confirm the split in your contract and with your closing agent.
Buyer closing costs in Tampa
Loan costs
If you finance, expect a loan origination fee or points, along with underwriting and processing fees. Appraisals often run about $350 to $700 depending on the property. You will usually pay for the lender’s title insurance policy. Florida also charges an intangible tax and documentary stamp tax on the mortgage and promissory note when you borrow.
Title and closing fees
Plan for a title search, settlement or closing fee, and recording charges. In many Florida deals, the seller pays for the owner’s title policy, but this is negotiable. Buyers commonly pay the recording fee for the mortgage; the deed recording can be negotiated.
Inspections and surveys
Most buyers order a home inspection, often $300 to $700, and a pest inspection, often $50 to $150. A survey may be required by your lender or title company and can range from about $300 to $900 or more depending on complexity.
Prepaids and escrow items
Lenders often collect one year of homeowner’s insurance up front and set up escrow reserves for taxes and insurance. You may also prepay daily mortgage interest from closing to month end.
Prorations and local assessments
Florida property taxes are paid in arrears, so the seller typically pays taxes through the closing date and you take responsibility after that date. Many newer Tampa communities include Community Development District assessments; these are usually prorated at closing and may be a meaningful annual cost. Title work will also check for municipal or utility liens that must be cleared.
Typical buyer totals
- Cash buyers often pay a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, mainly for title, recording, inspections, and prorations.
- Buyers with a mortgage commonly pay about 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price in total closing costs, depending on the loan program and negotiations.
Seller closing costs in Tampa
Commission
Commission is usually the largest cost and is negotiated in your listing agreement. Local custom often falls in the 5 to 6 percent range of the sale price, split between listing and buyer representation, but the rate is always negotiable.
Title and transfer taxes
Sellers in Florida commonly pay the owner’s title insurance premium. Florida documentary stamp tax on the deed is also customarily a seller expense. These items can be negotiated, so review your contract closely.
Other seller expenses
Plan for prorated property taxes through the closing date, HOA or condo estoppel or transfer fees when required, and payoff and recording fees for any existing mortgage. You may also agree to repairs or credits after inspection. If you offer buyer closing cost concessions, those will reduce your net proceeds.
Typical seller totals
When you include commission plus customary title and transfer costs, sellers often see total closing costs around 6 to 10 percent of the sale price. Your exact total depends on price, your loan payoff, and any negotiated concessions.
Tampa specifics to check early
- Recording fees: The Hillsborough County Clerk & Comptroller sets deed and mortgage recording fees. Ask your closing agent for the current schedule.
- Property taxes: Confirm the billing calendar and proration method with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector. Taxes are billed in the fall and paid in arrears.
- CDD assessments: Many master-planned communities in Tampa have CDDs. The annual assessment is disclosed and normally prorated at closing.
- HOA and condo estoppels: Associations charge estoppel or processing fees to produce required documents. Request early to avoid rush charges.
- Flood zones and insurance: Parts of Tampa are in flood zones. If you finance in a flood zone, lenders will require flood insurance, which affects your escrow and monthly payment.
- Title insurance rates: Florida title insurance premiums follow a filed rate schedule, which makes the owner’s and lender’s policy costs predictable from the price and loan amount.
Example closing cost snapshot
Here is a simple, illustrative example for a $350,000 Tampa home with 10 percent down and a typical contract. Your numbers will vary.
Buyer estimate
- Loan fees, appraisal, credit, and processing: about $3,000 to $7,000
- Lender’s title policy and closing fees: about $800 to $2,000
- Prepaids and escrow deposits: about $1,500 to $4,000
- Inspections and survey: about $500 to $1,500
- Recording fees and mortgage taxes: variable, from hundreds to low thousands
- Total buyer range: roughly $5,800 to $14,500
Seller estimate
- Commission example at 5.5 percent: $19,250
- Owner’s title policy, documentary stamps on deed, recording and payoff fees, prorations: several hundred to a few thousand
- Total seller range: roughly $20,000 to $26,000
Use these figures as a starting point and request a detailed Loan Estimate or seller net sheet for your specific property.
How to lower closing costs
For buyers
- Compare lenders. Review Loan Estimates side by side and ask about lender credits or lower origination fees.
- Negotiate concessions. Ask for seller-paid costs when market conditions allow, and confirm your loan’s limits on concessions.
- Evaluate no-closing-cost options. These often trade lower upfront fees for a higher interest rate, so compare lifetime costs.
For sellers
- Discuss commission and services up front. Align the fee with your goals, timeline, and marketing strategy.
- Clear title items early. Order HOA or condo estoppels, confirm CDD status, and request payoff figures to avoid rush fees.
- Plan repairs strategically. Address key items that matter to buyers to reduce the chance of last-minute credits.
The path to a smooth Tampa closing
Start early with the essentials. Ask your agent and closing company for an itemized estimate, including who is paying each fee under your contract. If you are financing, your lender will provide a Loan Estimate and later a Closing Disclosure that detail your numbers. Confirm recording charges with the Hillsborough County Clerk & Comptroller, verify tax prorations with the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector, and ask about any CDD, HOA, or flood requirements tied to your property.
When you want both clear guidance and strong negotiation, work with a team that blends lifestyle experience with financial rigor. As a broker and CPA-led team, we help you see the whole picture so you can move forward with confidence.
Ready to make your Tampa move and protect your bottom line? Connect with Selling Sunsets | The Lori Moses Team to plan your strategy and request your custom estimate. Find Your Sunset Home.
FAQs
Who pays documentary stamp tax on a Florida deed?
- Customarily the seller pays the documentary stamp tax on the deed in Florida, though the contract can shift this. Confirm with your closing agent and contract.
What closing costs do Tampa buyers with a mortgage typically pay?
- Buyers usually cover lender fees, appraisal, inspections, lender’s title policy, mortgage-related state taxes, recording of the mortgage, and prepaid escrows.
How are Hillsborough County property taxes prorated at closing?
- Florida taxes are paid in arrears, so sellers typically pay taxes through the closing date and buyers take responsibility from that date forward.
What are CDD assessments in Tampa communities?
- Community Development Districts levy annual assessments for infrastructure; these are disclosed and are commonly prorated between buyer and seller at closing.
Who pays for owner’s title insurance in Tampa?
- By Florida custom the seller often pays the owner’s title policy, but it is negotiable and your contract controls who pays.
Can a seller pay a buyer’s closing costs in Florida?
- Yes, buyers and sellers can negotiate seller-paid closing costs, subject to loan program limits on allowable concessions.
