Buying in Jacksonville and unsure what your closing costs will look like? You’re not alone. Between lender fees, title charges, and Florida taxes, the final number can feel confusing. The good news: with a clear checklist and a few local insights, you can budget confidently and even reduce what you pay. In this guide, you’ll learn typical buyer costs in Duval County, who usually pays what in Florida, and smart ways to save. Let’s dive in.
Closing costs, simply explained
Closing costs are the one-time fees and prepaids due at the closing table, separate from your down payment. They cover your loan, third-party services, title and recording, prepaid taxes and insurance, and state or county taxes.
In Jacksonville, buyers typically pay about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, not including the down payment. Your exact total depends on your loan type, the property, and what you negotiate.
What buyers usually pay in Florida
While everything is negotiable, Florida custom often shakes out this way:
- Seller commonly pays: real estate commission and, by custom, the documentary stamp tax on the deed. Some sellers also pay for the owner’s title policy, depending on the contract and local practice.
- Buyer commonly pays: lender fees, appraisal, inspections, survey if needed, title/settlement fees not covered by the seller, prepaid insurance and taxes, escrow reserves, and mortgage-related state taxes.
Always confirm in your contract and on your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.
Florida and Duval costs to know
Florida has a few state-specific items that impact your bottom line:
- Documentary stamp tax on deed: commonly stated as $0.70 per $100 of the purchase price. By custom in many Florida deals, the seller pays this, but it is negotiable.
- Documentary stamp tax on the note: commonly cited as $0.35 per $100 of the loan amount. Typically a buyer cost when you finance.
- Intangible tax on the mortgage: commonly expressed as 0.002 of the loan amount. Typically a buyer cost when you finance.
- Recording fees: the Duval County Clerk charges per-page fees to record deeds and mortgages. Amounts vary based on documents recorded.
- Property tax proration: Florida taxes are paid in arrears and prorated at closing based on the closing date and what’s already paid.
- WDO (termite) inspection: commonly requested and modest in cost.
Line-by-line: typical buyer charges
Here’s what you’re most likely to see in Jacksonville. Amounts are typical ranges; your lender and title company will quote exact figures.
Lender and loan fees
- Loan origination or application: often 0% to 1% of the loan amount, or about $500 to $2,000.
- Underwriting/processing: about $400 to $1,000.
- Credit report: about $25 to $60.
- Rate-lock fee (if charged): about $50 to $350.
- Appraisal: for a single-family home, about $350 to $700.
- Mortgage points: optional fee to buy down your rate; one point equals 1% of the loan amount.
- FHA/VA items: FHA loans include an upfront mortgage insurance premium (often 1.75% of the loan, commonly financed). VA loans include a funding fee that varies by use and down payment, and can be financed.
Inspections and survey
- General home inspection: about $300 to $700.
- WDO/termite inspection: about $75 to $175.
- Survey: about $300 to $800, when needed.
- Specialty tests (radon, roof, sewer scope): vary widely.
Title and settlement
- Lender’s title insurance: required with a mortgage; one-time premium based on regulated Florida rates.
- Owner’s title insurance: optional but recommended; often negotiated. In many Florida transactions, the seller pays this, but confirm in your contract.
- Title search, closing, settlement/escrow fee: commonly $300 to $1,000 total.
Government and recording
- Recording fees for deed and mortgage: usually tens to a few hundreds of dollars depending on pages.
- State documentary stamp on deed: commonly stated as $0.70 per $100 of price (often paid by seller by custom).
- State note stamps and intangible tax on the mortgage: buyer typically pays; amounts depend on your loan size.
Prepaids and escrows
- Property tax proration: depends on timing and what’s paid to date.
- Homeowner’s insurance: often the first annual premium due at closing.
- Prepaid mortgage interest: from closing date to your first payment.
- Escrow reserves: lenders may collect a few months of taxes and insurance.
HOA or condo charges
- Transfer/estoppel fees or move-in costs: often $100 to $400 but set by the association.
Other possible items
- Flood certification: about $10 to $25.
- Attorney, courier, or wire fees: amounts vary; wires often $25 to $60.
Quick budget: 2% to 5% rule
A fast way to estimate your total closing cash (excluding down payment):
- $200,000 home: about $4,000 to $10,000
- $350,000 home: about $7,000 to $17,500
- $500,000 home: about $10,000 to $25,000
Your Loan Estimate will show your personalized numbers early in the process. The Closing Disclosure will finalize them at least three business days before closing.
Sample mortgage tax math
Florida’s mortgage-related taxes depend on your loan amount. Here’s a simple illustration for a $280,000 mortgage:
- Intangible tax at 0.002: $560
- Documentary stamp on the note at $0.35 per $100: about $980
- Total mortgage-related taxes: about $1,540
These are buyer-side costs when you finance. Actual amounts will be calculated by the title company based on your final loan documents.
Who pays what in Jacksonville
While the contract controls, local custom often looks like this:
- Seller commonly pays the documentary stamp tax on the deed and real estate commission. Sellers often pay for the owner’s title policy in many Florida contracts.
- Buyer commonly pays lender fees, appraisal, inspection, survey if needed, mortgage-related state taxes, and prepaids.
If you want seller credits to help with costs or a rate buydown, ask upfront and align your offer strategy to market conditions.
Ways to reduce your closing costs
- Compare at least two to three lenders. Ask for itemized fees and rate options with and without points.
- Request seller concessions. You can ask for credits to cover some costs or to buy down your rate.
- Negotiate title items. In many Florida deals, sellers pay the owner’s policy; confirm this in your offer.
- Consider lender credits. A slightly higher rate can offset closing costs upfront.
- Use assistance programs. State and local programs can offer grants, second mortgages, or credits for eligible buyers.
Timing, paperwork, and what to expect
- Within three business days of your loan application, you’ll receive a Loan Estimate that outlines projected closing costs.
- At least three business days before closing, you’ll receive a Closing Disclosure with final numbers. Review it line by line and ask questions right away.
- Your title company will confirm how to deliver funds and which documents to bring on closing day.
Stay safe: wire instructions
Wire fraud is a real risk. Before sending any funds:
- Call your title company using a verified phone number you already have. Do not rely on email alone.
- Confirm wiring instructions verbally and double-check account details.
- Be cautious about last-minute changes.
Help with upfront costs
If you’re a first-time or income-qualified buyer, explore programs offered through Florida Housing Finance Corporation and local city or county departments. These programs can provide down payment or closing cost help for eligible buyers. Availability and rules change, so ask early in your search.
The bottom line for Jacksonville buyers
Closing costs in Duval County usually land between 2% and 5% of your purchase price, depending on your loan, timing, and what you negotiate. Plan ahead, compare lenders, and confirm who pays which title items in your contract. A clear estimate early on and a careful review of your Closing Disclosure will keep you on track.
Ready to go from estimate to keys in hand? Connect with The Newcomer Group for local guidance and a smooth, team-driven closing experience. Start Your Home Journey — Request a Free Market Valuation.
FAQs
What are typical closing costs for buyers in Jacksonville?
- Most buyers pay about 2% to 5% of the purchase price in closing costs, excluding the down payment. Your total varies by loan type, taxes, and negotiated credits.
Who usually pays Florida deed documentary stamps?
- By Florida custom, sellers often pay the documentary stamp tax on the deed, but it is negotiable and should be confirmed in your contract.
How are Duval County property taxes handled at closing?
- Florida taxes are paid in arrears and typically prorated at closing based on the closing date and what has already been paid. Either party may owe a prorated amount.
Do I need a WDO (termite) inspection in Jacksonville?
- WDO inspections are common in Florida and sometimes required by lenders. The fee is modest and helps identify wood-destroying organisms.
What mortgage-related state taxes will I pay as a buyer?
- When you finance, Florida typically charges documentary stamp tax on the note and an intangible tax on the mortgage, both based on your loan amount.
When will I see my final closing numbers?
- Your lender must provide a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing. Review it carefully and ask your lender or title company about any differences from your Loan Estimate.
