Florida Doc Stamps and Intangible Tax, Explained for Buyers

Documentary stamp taxes and intangible tax are two of the most misunderstood line items on a Florida closing statement. Together, they can add thousands of dollars to your closing costs, and most buyers do not realize they exist until they see the settlement statement for the first time.

This guide explains what each tax is, the exact rates, who pays them, and how to calculate the amounts for a real transaction. By the end, you will know exactly what to expect.

What Are Documentary Stamp Taxes?

Documentary stamp taxes (commonly called "doc stamps") are state transfer taxes that Florida imposes on certain documents recorded with the county clerk. In a real estate transaction, doc stamps apply to two separate documents:

1. The deed (transferring ownership from seller to buyer)
2. The promissory note(the buyer's mortgage document)

Each document has its own rate, and typically a different party pays for each one.

How Are Doc Stamps on the Deed Calculated?

The documentary stamp tax on a deed is calculated at $0.70 per $100 of the sale price (equivalent to $7.00 per $1,000). This tax is paid on the total consideration (purchase price) and is rounded up to the nearest $100.

For example, on a $375,000 sale:

• $375,000 / $100 = 3,750 units
• 3,750 x $0.70 = $2,625.00

In most Florida counties, the seller pays the deed doc stamps. This is both the custom and the way most contracts are written.

Miami-Dade County exception: Miami-Dade uses a lower rate of $0.60 per $100 on deeds, plus an additional surtax of $0.45 per $100 on properties over $100,000. This guide focuses on Tampa Bay, where the standard $0.70 rate applies.

How Are Doc Stamps on the Mortgage Note Calculated?

When a buyer takes out a mortgage, the promissory note is also subject to doc stamps, but at a different rate: $0.35 per $100 of the loan amount (equivalent to $3.50 per $1,000).

For a $300,000 mortgage on that same $375,000 home:

• $300,000 / $100 = 3,000 units
• 3,000 x $0.35 = $1,050.00

The buyer pays the note doc stamps. This is a non-negotiable closing cost for any financed purchase.

What Is the Florida Intangible Tax?

The intangible tax is a separate, one-time tax imposed on new mortgage obligations recorded in Florida. The rate is 2 mills per dollar, which equals $2.00 per $1,000 of the mortgage amount.

Using the same $300,000 mortgage:

• $300,000 x 0.002 = $600.00

The buyer pays the intangible tax. It is collected at closing and remitted to the Florida Department of Revenue along with the recorded mortgage.

How Do All Three Taxes Add Up on a Real Transaction?

Let's put it all together. A buyer purchases a home for $375,000 with a $300,000 mortgage in Hillsborough County:

In this scenario, the seller pays $2,625 in deed stamps. The buyer pays $1,050 in note stamps plus $600 in intangible tax, totaling $1,650 in transfer taxes before any other closing costs are considered.

When Are These Taxes Due?

All three taxes are collected at the closing table and paid through the title company. You do not write a separate check to the state. The title agent collects the taxes as part of the settlement, records the documents with the county clerk, and remits the tax payments to the Florida Department of Revenue. The amounts appear as individual line items on your closing disclosure (CD) or settlement statement.

Are There Any Exemptions?

Certain transactions are exempt from doc stamps or intangible tax. Common exemptions include:

• Government transfers: Deeds to or from federal, state, or local government entities are exempt from deed doc stamps.
• Assumption of existing mortgage:If a buyer assumes the seller's existing mortgage, note doc stamps and intangible tax are not due on the assumed balance (they were already paid when the original mortgage was recorded).
• Refinances (partial): When refinancing, you may only owe taxes on the new money borrowed above the existing balance, depending on whether the new lender qualifies for a credit under Florida law.

How Can Buyers Prepare for These Costs?

The best way to avoid closing-day surprises is to request an itemized closing cost estimate from your title company early in the transaction. At Coastal Collective Title, we provide detailed estimates that break out every tax, fee, and proration so buyers and sellers know exactly what to expect before they reach the closing table.

Lori LaCoppola

Owner & Managing Partner

Lori founded Coastal Collective Title to deliver a premium, relationship-first closing experience across Florida. With deep title industry expertise, she oversees every transaction with precision and personal attention.

813-544-8626lori@coastalcollectivetitle.com