Buyer Closing Costs in Palm Beach County: Full Breakdown (2026)
Buyer closing costs in Palm Beach County typically run 2–3% of the purchase price. On a $500,000 home, that’s $10,000–$15,000 on top of your down payment. Here’s exactly where that money goes.
Buyer closing costs in Palm Beach County: full breakdown
Lender fees
Origination fee: 0.5–1% of the loan amount. Appraisal: $500–$700. Credit report: $30–$50. Flood certification: $10–$20. These vary by lender — compare Loan Estimates before committing.
Title insurance
Florida requires buyers to purchase a lender’s title insurance policy. Cost: roughly $5.75 per $1,000 of loan amount. Owner’s title insurance — which protects you, not just the lender — is customarily paid by the seller in Palm Beach County, but not always. Confirm who pays in your contract.
Documentary stamp tax on the mortgage
Florida charges $0.35 per $100 of the mortgage amount. On a $400,000 loan, that’s $1,400. The seller pays doc stamps on the deed in Palm Beach County — a common point of confusion. Buyers pay doc stamps on the mortgage only.
Intangible tax on the mortgage
Florida charges $0.002 per $1 of the new mortgage. On a $400,000 loan: $800. This is Florida-specific and frequently surprises out-of-state buyers.
Prepaid items
These aren’t fees — they’re money you owe regardless. Homeowners insurance premium (first year, paid upfront): $3,000–$8,000+ in South Florida. Mortgage interest from closing date to end of month. Property tax escrow: 2–3 months. Homeowners insurance escrow: 2–3 months. Prepaid items often total $6,000–$12,000 at closing.
HOA fees at closing
Many Palm Beach County communities have HOAs. Buyers typically pay a capital contribution (1–2 months of HOA dues) and a transfer fee at closing. Amounts are community-specific — ask your agent for exact figures before making an offer.
What sellers pay in Palm Beach County
For context: sellers pay doc stamps on the deed ($0.70 per $100), the listing agent’s commission, and usually the owner’s title insurance. Your Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure show all buyer-side costs in writing.
Want to run the numbers before making an offer? Get pre-approved and we’ll estimate your full closing cost picture, including prepaid items. Also read: How to buy a house in South Florida.
For personalized guidance on buying or selling in South Florida, contact the team at Pure Equity Realty. We serve Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, St. Lucie, and Highlands counties with expert representation and a 1% listing fee.
Onias Derilus is the Broker/Owner of Pure Equity Realty, a South Florida brokerage specializing in 1% listing commissions and free buyer representation across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, St. Lucie, and Highlands counties. He holds an NMLS mortgage originator license and founded Mortgage Capital and Verified Title to serve clients through every step of the transaction.