What will your final check at closing look like in Port St. Lucie? If you are buying in St. Lucie County, the list of fees and prepaids can feel confusing. You want a clear number and zero surprises. In this guide, you will learn what Florida closing costs include, what buyers and sellers commonly pay in our area, and how to estimate your cash to close with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What closing costs cover
Closing costs are everything you pay on top of your down payment to complete the purchase. In Florida, buyers often budget about 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price for these costs. The actual number depends on your loan type, lender, insurance, and timing.
In Port St. Lucie, you will see four main buckets:
- Lender fees and loan-related taxes
- Title, settlement, and county recording charges
- Prepaid items and escrow deposits
- Inspections, surveys, and HOA or condo items
Always confirm your numbers with your lender and the title company that will close your file. Your contract terms and who-pays customs can shift items between buyer and seller.
Buyer costs in Port St. Lucie
Lender fees and loan taxes
These are paid by most buyers using a mortgage.
- Loan origination, processing, and underwriting. Amounts vary by lender.
- Discount points if you choose to buy down your rate.
- Appraisal and credit report fees.
- Flood certification to verify the property’s flood zone.
- Mortgage insurance items if your loan program requires them.
- Florida loan taxes. Florida charges documentary stamp tax on the promissory note and a nonrecurring intangible tax on new mortgages. Historically, the note tax is $0.35 per $100 of the loan amount and the intangible tax is $2 per $1,000. Confirm current rules with the Florida Department of Revenue tax guidance. These amounts are commonly paid by the buyer but can be negotiated in the contract.
For timing and disclosures, your lender must provide a Loan Estimate within three business days of application and a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before you close. Learn what to expect in the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure from the CFPB.
Title, settlement, and recording
Florida closings are typically handled by a title company. Common buyer charges include:
- Lender’s title insurance policy. Most lenders require this.
- Title search and settlement fee. Who pays can vary by company and by contract.
- Recording fees to record your mortgage with the St. Lucie County Clerk. Fees depend on document type and page count.
- Documentary stamp tax on the deed. State law sets the tax, and many Florida contracts have the seller pay this item. Confirm with your specific contract and the title company.
Local custom in many parts of Florida is that the seller pays for the owner’s title insurance policy and the buyer pays for the lender’s policy and loan charges. This is negotiable. Ask your agent to confirm the current custom in Port St. Lucie when you write your offer.
Prepaids and escrow deposits
These are not fees in the strict sense, but they add to cash to close.
- Prepaid interest from your closing date to the end of the month.
- Homeowner insurance. Lenders usually require the first year’s premium at closing.
- Initial escrow deposits for property taxes and insurance. Expect a cushion of a couple of months. Lender policies vary.
- Property tax prorations. You will receive a credit or a debit based on the closing date and the proration method used by the title company.
Inspections, surveys, and HOA items
- General home inspection and a WDO (wood-destroying organism) inspection. Who pays for WDO repairs is often negotiated.
- Survey if required by your lender or if you want added peace of mind.
- HOA or condo estoppel letter and any association transfer fees. Responsibility can vary by association and by contract. Confirm early since estoppel timing can impact your closing date.
Other buyer items
- Wire transfer and courier fees.
- Any recording charges the lender requires beyond the mortgage.
- Your down payment, which is separate from closing costs.
Seller costs you may see
Even though you are buying, it helps to know the seller’s side. Sellers commonly pay:
- Real estate commissions agreed in the listing agreement.
- Documentary stamp tax on the deed. The statewide rate has historically been $0.70 per $100 of the purchase price. Confirm the current rate with the title company or the Florida Department of Revenue.
- Owner’s title insurance policy in many Florida transactions, subject to local custom and contract.
- Prorated property taxes and HOA dues through the closing date.
- Mortgage payoff and any repair credits or concessions negotiated in the contract.
If the seller covers the owner’s title policy and the deed tax, your buyer cash to close usually drops. Your agent can help structure your offer to reflect local norms.
Property taxes and prorations in St. Lucie County
Florida property taxes cover the calendar year and are based on ownership as of January 1. Tax bills are generally issued in November and become delinquent on April 1 of the next year. Because of that timing, title companies prorate taxes at closing so each party pays for the days they owned the home.
- Proration is usually based on the prior year’s bill, divided by 365 days. Confirm the method with your title company.
- Some non-ad valorem assessments or special assessments may carry over to the buyer. The title company will disclose these items.
- For research and prior-year tax amounts, check the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s records or ask your title company to pull the latest data.
Insurance, flood zones, and local factors
Florida’s insurance market and weather risks can impact your total cash to close. Plan ahead so you are not scrambling in your final week.
- Homeowner insurance. Lenders require proof of coverage before closing. Premiums can vary based on roof condition, wind mitigation features, and insurer availability.
- Flood risk. Many areas in and around Port St. Lucie are mapped in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas. If the property is in a high-risk zone, a lender will require flood insurance. You can verify the zone at the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and obtain quotes early.
- HOA and condo associations. Estoppel fees, application fees, and approval timelines vary by community. Ask for expected costs and processing time as soon as you go under contract.
Estimate your cash to close in five steps
Use this simple process before you tour homes so you know exactly what you can afford.
- Pick a target price and down payment. Decide on a price range and down payment percentage that fits your budget.
- Request a Loan Estimate. Ask your lender for a written estimate using your target price and closing date. This will outline loan fees, prepaid interest, and initial escrow deposits. Compare lender options side by side.
- Add third-party costs. Include the appraisal, inspections, survey if needed, title settlement fee, lender’s title policy, and county recording charges. Your title company can provide an itemized estimate for St. Lucie County.
- Estimate taxes and insurance. Use the prior year’s property tax bill to estimate prorations and get written homeowner and flood insurance quotes.
- Confirm who pays what. If the seller covers the owner’s title policy and the deed tax per local custom, reduce your out-of-pocket accordingly. Build in a small buffer for changes between the Loan Estimate and the final Closing Disclosure.
Documents and timing that protect you
Federal rules set clear timelines so you have time to review costs.
- Loan Estimate. Your lender must deliver this within three business days of application. It lists projected payments and closing costs. Review it carefully and ask questions. See the CFPB’s guide to the Loan Estimate.
- Closing Disclosure. You must receive this at least three business days before closing. Compare it to your Loan Estimate and your title company’s settlement statement. Learn more from the CFPB’s Closing Disclosure overview.
If you see large changes, ask your lender and the title company to walk you through each line.
Ways to lower your cash to close
You can often trim what you bring to the table with a few strategies.
- Negotiate seller credits. Ask for a credit capped by your loan program to offset closing costs.
- Compare lenders. Fees and rates vary. A small rate change or lower origination fee can save thousands over time.
- Shop insurance. Wind and flood premiums vary by carrier. Provide wind mitigation reports if available.
- Time your closing date. Closing near month-end can reduce prepaid interest. Confirm the tradeoff with your lender and title company.
- Confirm who pays title. In markets where sellers customarily pay the owner’s policy, make sure your offer reflects that.
Quick checklist for Port St. Lucie buyers
Use this to stay organized from offer to close.
- Who pays the owner’s title policy in this neighborhood right now?
- Will the seller pay documentary stamps on the deed per our contract?
- What are the exact St. Lucie County recording fees for my mortgage and deed?
- Is the property in a FEMA flood zone and what will flood insurance cost?
- How will property taxes be prorated and which bill is used for the estimate?
- Can I get an itemized estimate from the title company and a sample Closing Disclosure from my lender using our target closing date?
Local partners and where to verify
For legal tax rates and fee structures, rely on the authorities and your closing team.
- Florida Department of Revenue for documentary stamp and intangible tax rules. Start with the state tax guidance.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for plain-English info on the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure.
- Florida Realtors for statewide guidance on common contract customs and timelines. Visit Florida Realtors for general resources.
- Title company and lender for final, binding figures on your specific deal.
Ready to buy in Port St. Lucie?
A clear plan for closing costs helps you write stronger offers and avoid stress. If you want local, hands-on guidance from offer to keys, reach out to Lorie Arena. Call Lorie — I Answer My Phone!
FAQs
What are typical buyer closing costs in Port St. Lucie?
- Buyers often budget about 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price for closing costs in Florida, excluding the down payment, with the final number set by your loan, insurance, and contract terms.
Who usually pays for title insurance in St. Lucie County?
- Many Florida markets have the seller pay the owner’s title policy while the buyer pays the lender’s policy and loan charges, but this is negotiable and should be confirmed in your contract.
How are Florida property taxes prorated at closing?
- Taxes are typically prorated by day using the prior year’s bill, with the seller paying up to the closing date and the buyer paying from the closing date forward; confirm the exact method with your title company.
What Florida taxes apply to my mortgage and deed?
- Florida commonly charges documentary stamp tax on the promissory note and a nonrecurring intangible tax on new mortgages, plus documentary stamp tax on the deed; verify current rates with the Florida Department of Revenue.
Do I need flood insurance in Port St. Lucie?
- If the property is in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area and you have a mortgage, your lender will require flood insurance; check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and get quotes early.
When will I see my final closing numbers?
- Your lender must provide a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, and your title company will provide the final settlement statement for your review before you sign.
