Florida Contract for Deed: Everything You Need to Know

Seller-financed real estate purchase agreement

Sales Tax: 6%Notary: $10Witnesses: 2

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CONTRACT FOR DEED (LAND CONTRACT)
State of Florida

This Contract for Deed is entered into on [DATE] between:

SELLER:
Name: [SELLER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS], FL [ZIP]

BUYER:
Name: [BUYER NAME]
Address: [ADDRESS], FL [ZIP]

PROPERTY:
Legal Description: [LEGAL DESCRIPTION]
Address: [PROPERTY ADDRESS], FL [ZIP]

1. PURCHASE PRICE: $[TOTAL AMOUNT]
2. DOWN PAYMENT: $[AMOUNT] paid on [DATE]
3. BALANCE: $[AMOUNT] payable in [NUMBER] monthly installments of $[AMOUNT]
4. INTEREST RATE: [RATE]% per annum
5. PAYMENT DUE DATE: [DAY] of each month beginning [DATE]
6. BALLOON PAYMENT (if any): $[AMOUNT] due on [DATE]

7. TAXES AND INSURANCE: [  ] Buyer [  ] Seller shall pay property taxes and insurance.
8. TITLE TRANSFER: Seller shall deliver a warranty deed upon full payment.
9. DEFAULT: If Buyer defaults, Seller may [FORFEITURE/FORECLOSURE] per Florida law.

This contract is governed by Florida law (FL Statutes).

SELLER SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
BUYER SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____

FAQ: Contract for Deed in Florida

Is a Contract for Deed required in Florida?

Yes, in Florida, a Contract for Deed is required for most transactions of this type. Under Florida State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Contract for Deed may result in legal complications.

Does a Contract for Deed need to be notarized in Florida?

Notarization requirements in Florida (FL) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $10. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.

What are the tax implications of a Contract for Deed in Florida?

Florida has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Contract for Deed, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a Florida tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.

Where to File Your Contract for Deed in Florida

Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Contract for Deed.

Miami-Dade County Clerk

Miami

73 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130

Orange County Clerk

Orlando

425 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Hillsborough County Clerk

Tampa

601 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602

Duval County Clerk

Jacksonville

501 W Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Contract for Deed Costs in Florida

Estimated fees and processing times

Fee TypeCostNotes
Notary Fee$5-$15 (if required)Florida standard rate: $10
Filing FeeVaries by stateState registration (if applicable)
Processing Time1-3 business daysTypical turnaround in Florida
Sales Tax6%Florida base rate (local taxes may apply)
Witness Requirement2 witnessesFlorida requires multiple witnesses
Our TemplateFREEDownload instantly, no cost
Fees shown are Florida-specific estimates. Contact your local office for exact pricing.
MCE
Reviewed & Fact-Checked

Michael Chen, Esq.

Real Estate Law Consultant

Bar Certified, Real Estate Expert

Expert in property transactions and real estate documentation

This Contract for Deed template for Florida has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.

Last reviewed: March 2026

Florida Contract for Deed Legal Guide

For residents of Florida, ensuring this form is compliant with state-specific requirements is a top priority for legal validity.

In Florida, according to Florida State Code, a 6% sales tax applies to applicable transactions. Notary fees in FL typically range from $10. The state requires 2 witnesses for this document.

Using this template ensures you're protected under Florida law while saving time and money on legal fees.

land contractseller financinginstallment saleequitable titleballoon paymentforfeiture
A properly executed Contract for Deed in Florida protects all parties involved and ensures compliance with FL state law. Below, we cover the critical steps, common pitfalls, and state-specific rules you should be aware of before signing.

Getting It Done Right in Florida

Here's the practical approach: download, fill in your details, get signatures, and handle any FL-required notarization. Florida makes the process relatively straightforward, but attention to detail matters. Keep at least two copies — one for each party involved.

Legal Validity & Enforcement

Once properly executed, your Contract for Deed is legally binding in Florida and enforceable in FL courts. The document remains valid indefinitely unless revoked or superseded. Florida courts generally uphold properly executed documents, provided they comply with applicable FL statutes.

Smart Practices for FL Compliance

Florida has specific rules that differ from neighboring states. Always verify your document against current FL statutes, especially if you're using a template from a previous year. Laws change, and what was valid last year in Florida may need updating for 2026.

Meeting Florida's Legal Threshold

For your Contract for Deed to hold up in a Florida court, it must satisfy the state's statutory requirements. FL law emphasizes clear language, mutual consent, and proper execution. We've built these requirements directly into our template.

Florida Contract for Deed Requirements

Review the following requirements to ensure your Contract for Deed is legally valid in Florida.

Notarization required
2 witnesses must sign
Vehicle identification number (VIN) required
Odometer disclosure mandatory
Buyer and seller signatures required
Purchase price must be stated
Date of sale required
Blue or black ink only
Electronic signatures accepted
County clerk filing required

Florida Notarization

Florida requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $10.

Before You Sign

Review all information carefully. In Florida, a 6% sales tax may apply.

Legal Protection

Keep copies of all signed documents. Florida law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.

Florida Filing Deadlines

Check Florida deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.

Other Forms in Florida

Contract for Deed in Neighboring States

Document Information

Document
Contract for Deed
State
Florida (FL)
Category
Real Estate
Format
PDF / Word / Print
Cost
100% Free
Sales Tax
6%
Notary Fee
$10

Florida Legal Requirements

Governing Statute:

State Law

  • ✓Consult with a licensed attorney for specific requirements

Legal Disclaimer

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Florida may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.