Documentary Stamp Tax

Documentary stamp tax is Florida’s version of a transfer tax — it’s charged when the deed transfers from seller to buyer, and in Florida, sellers typically foot the bill. Other states use similar stamps under different names, but Florida’s is the one most people ask about.

How It’s Calculated

Florida charges $0.70 per $100 of the sale price (or $7.00 per $1,000). On a $400,000 home, that’s $2,800. Miami-Dade County adds a surtax of $0.45 per $100, making sales there noticeably more expensive at closing.

The tax applies to the full consideration — the total sale price, not just the equity. Even if the buyer is assuming a mortgage, the stamp tax covers the entire transfer amount.

Who Pays

By Florida custom, the seller pays the documentary stamp tax on the deed. The buyer typically pays stamps on the mortgage (a separate, smaller tax on the loan amount at $0.35 per $100). This split is negotiable, but sellers almost always end up with the deed stamps.

In Miami-Dade County, the custom is slightly different — the buyer often pays the documentary stamps on the deed, while the seller pays the surtax. Always confirm local customs with your closing agent.

Beyond Florida

Several other states use documentary stamps or similar instruments. Alabama charges $0.50 per $500. Connecticut charges 0.75% for most sales. The terminology and rates differ, but the concept is the same — it’s a government fee for recording the transfer of property ownership.

Can You Avoid It?

Certain transfers are exempt. Property passed through inheritance, transfers between spouses in a divorce, and some government or nonprofit transactions may qualify for exemption. But standard residential sales between unrelated parties? You’re paying the stamp.

Make sure to include documentary stamps in your closing cost estimates. The net proceeds calculator can help you account for these fees, and the selling guide breaks down all the costs sellers face at closing.