The Home Buying Process in Florida, Step by Step

By Tamily Abdo, REALTOR® · Best of Tampa Bay Now · 2026-08-17

If you've never bought in Florida, the process has a few local wrinkles. Here's the step-by-step, start to finish. (General information, not legal or financial advice.)

Step 1: Get pre-approved

Talk to a lender to confirm your true budget, including Florida's insurance and property taxes — not just the mortgage. Explore any down payment assistance you qualify for.

Step 2: Partner with a buyer's agent

Choose a local agent and sign a buyer representation agreement (now standard in Florida). Your agent sets up showings and guides strategy.

Step 3: Tour and make an offer

Once you find the home, your agent helps you write a competitive offer — price, contingencies, and any seller concessions (common in today's market).

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Step 4: Under contract and inspections

After acceptance, you'll typically have an inspection period. In Florida, many contracts are "as-is" with a right to cancel during that window. Line up your inspection and start insurance quotes early — this matters here.

Step 5: Appraisal and loan processing

If financing, the lender orders an appraisal and processes your loan. Stay responsive to document requests to keep things on schedule.

Step 6: Final walkthrough and closing

Do a final walkthrough, review your closing figures, and sign. In Florida, a title company or attorney typically handles closing, and funds are wired.

Step 7: After closing

File your homestead exemption if it's your primary residence, set up utilities, and settle in.

The bottom line

The process is manageable when you know the stages and plan for Florida-specific costs like insurance and taxes. A good agent and lender keep it on track.

Tamily Abdo is a REALTOR® with eXp Realty (FL License SL3261339) and the host of @BestOfTampaBayNow on YouTube. Ready to start? Reach out and we'll walk you through it step by step.

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