Getting ready
What to Gather Before You Sell
Nothing slows a Florida closing like a missing document. An afternoon of preparation now removes weeks of friction later.
Short answer
What paperwork do I need to sell my house in Florida?
At minimum: the deed and title information, current mortgage or lien payoff details, a recent survey, permits and warranties for any work done, insurance policy and claim history, a wind mitigation report, the property tax bill, and any HOA or condominium documents. Estate sales add letters of administration; rentals add leases and security deposit records.
The core file
- Deed and title. Your deed, and any title policy from when you bought. It speeds the title search and can qualify you for a reissue rate on the new policy.
- Payoff information. Lender, loan number and current payoff for every mortgage, HELOC or lien, including solar loans and PACE assessments, which often surprise sellers.
- Survey. A recent boundary survey saves the buyer money and resolves fence, easement and setback questions early.
- Permits and closed inspections. Roof, electrical, plumbing, pool cage, seawall, dock, lanai enclosure. Open permits from prior owners must be closed before you can convey clean title in practice.
- Warranties and invoices. Transferable roof, HVAC, water heater, appliance and termite bond documentation. These are selling points and they raise your capital-improvement basis for tax purposes.
The Florida-specific file
- Insurance declarations and claim history. Current premium, carrier, and a written summary of any claims. Buyers will find claim history anyway; showing it first keeps you credible.
- Wind mitigation report. Cheap, fast, and directly lowers the buyer's premium.
- Elevation certificate if you are in a flood zone.
- Flood policy declarations and whether the policy can be assumed.
- Property tax bill and homestead status, plus any CDD assessment on the bill.
- HOA or condo package: estoppel, governing documents, financials, minutes, reserve study, milestone inspection, and any pending assessment.
If you cannot locate a permit or an invoice, most of it is retrievable: North Port and Venice both maintain online permit records, and the property appraiser holds sales history, legal description and tax data.
Situation-specific additions
| Situation | Add to the file |
|---|---|
| Inherited or estate sale | Death certificate, will or letters of administration, court authority to sell, EIN if the estate is selling |
| Divorce | Recorded final judgment or marital settlement addressing the property |
| Rental property | Leases, rent roll, security deposit accounting, tenant notices |
| Out-of-state or foreign seller | Identification for remote notarisation, FIRPTA documentation, wiring instructions verified by phone |
| Post-storm | Claim file, adjuster report, remediation invoices, permits for repairs |
One warning that matters more every year: verify wiring instructions verbally with your title company using a number you looked up yourself. Wire fraud targeting real estate closings is the most expensive avoidable mistake in this business.
Questions sellers actually ask
How long does a Florida closing take?
A cash purchase can close in as little as one to two weeks once title is clear. A financed purchase typically runs 30 to 45 days.
Do I need a survey to sell?
It is not always required, but a current survey resolves boundary and easement questions before they become contingencies.
What if I have an open permit from a previous owner?
It has to be resolved, usually by inspection and closeout. Start early; county scheduling takes time.
Do I need a lawyer to sell in Florida?
Florida closings are usually handled by a title company. An attorney is advisable for estates, divorces, liens or contested ownership.
Two numbers, one address.
Send the property address and we will come back with a guaranteed as-is cash offer and the price we project on the open market.