What are closing costs?
These are all the additional expenses beyond the property price paid at closing to finalize the purchase — typically between 2% and 5% of the purchase price for the BUYER in Florida (the seller also has their own closing costs, including agent commissions).
Budgeting for closing costs from the start avoids surprises: many first-time buyers only calculate the down payment and forget this additional amount, which must also be available in cash before closing.
The main line items
Title insurance: protects the buyer (and the lender, if financed) against hidden issues in the property's chain of ownership. It's one of the largest closing line items.
Documentary stamp tax: a state tax on the deed, calculated as a percentage of the sale price.
Closing and attorney/title company fees: in Florida it's common for an attorney or title company to handle closing (unlike other states where an independent 'escrow officer' does it).
Property inspection, appraisal (if financed), and proration of the current year's property tax and HOA between buyer and seller based on the closing date.
Who pays what?
The exact split between buyer and seller is negotiable and varies by area/county (by local custom, not fixed law) — in some parts of Florida it's common for the seller to pay title insurance, in others the buyer does. Your local agent/attorney can confirm the custom for the specific area where you're buying.
As a foreign buyer, it's good practice to request a written closing cost estimate (a 'Closing Disclosure' or at least an estimate from the title company/attorney) as soon as the contract is signed, not wait until days before closing.