Florida Doc Stamps & Intangible Tax on 30A Closings

Buying or selling on 30A and hearing about doc stamps and intangible tax? You are not alone. These Florida closing costs can feel confusing, especially if you are used to a different state’s rules. In a few minutes, you will understand what each tax is, how much to budget in Walton County, who typically pays, and how to avoid last‑minute surprises. Let’s dive in.

What these taxes are

Documentary stamp tax on deeds

Florida imposes a documentary stamp tax on deeds that transfer real property. The tax base is the total “consideration,” which includes cash paid and the amount of any mortgage or lien that the buyer assumes. You will see this collected when the deed is recorded with the county.

Doc stamps on notes and mortgages

Florida also taxes written obligations like promissory notes and recorded mortgages. This is separate from the deed tax and is based on the loan amount. If you finance your 30A purchase, you will likely see mortgage doc stamps on your Closing Disclosure.

Nonrecurring intangible tax

The nonrecurring intangible tax is a one‑time tax on the mortgage itself. It applies to obligations secured by Florida real estate. You pay it when the mortgage is recorded.

Current rates on 30A

• Deed doc stamps in Walton County: $0.70 per $100 of consideration. See the Florida Department of Revenue’s overview for statewide rules and computation guidance. Florida Department of Revenue documentary stamp tax
• Mortgage doc stamps: $0.35 per $100 of the loan amount. Statutory computation uses “each $100 or fraction thereof.” Section 201.08, Florida Statutes
• Nonrecurring intangible tax: 2 mills per dollar of the exact mortgage amount, which equals $2.00 per $1,000. Section 199.133, Florida Statutes
• Walton County applies these statewide rates when recording. For local recording fee references, check the Walton County Clerk official record fees page.

How to calculate your amount

Deed tax examples

• $1,000,000 sale price: $1,000,000 ÷ 100 = 10,000 units, 10,000 × $0.70 = $7,000 in deed stamps. The statute uses “each $100 or fraction thereof,” so amounts are rounded up to the next $100. Section 201.02, Florida Statutes
• If a buyer assumes a $300,000 mortgage and pays $200,000 cash, the deed tax is based on $500,000 of consideration.

Mortgage tax examples

• $800,000 loan: $800,000 ÷ 100 = 8,000 units, 8,000 × $0.35 = $2,800 in mortgage doc stamps.
• Intangible tax on the same $800,000 loan: $800,000 × 0.002 = $1,600. This tax uses the exact loan amount, not per‑$100 rounding.

Tip: Small differences in how items are included or rounded can change the totals. Confirm the final math with your title or closing agent.

Who typically pays at closing

In Florida, all parties are liable for documentary stamp tax by statute, but your contract decides who pays what. In many Walton County and 30A transactions, the seller customarily pays deed doc stamps and the buyer pays mortgage doc stamps and the intangible tax when getting a new loan. Customs can shift with market conditions, so spell out the allocation in your contract and review it on the Closing Disclosure. For statutory liability and payment mechanics, see the Florida Department of Revenue guidance.

Timing, filing, and penalties

Documentary stamp and intangible taxes are typically collected by the county clerk at the time of recording. If a deed is delivered but not recorded within 20 days, the tax for that unrecorded deed must be remitted directly to the Florida Department of Revenue. Late or underpaid taxes can trigger penalties and interest, and documents may not be recorded until the correct tax is paid. You can review timing, penalties, and interest policy on the Department of Revenue’s doc stamp page.

Special situations to watch

• Assumed mortgages: If you assume a seller’s loan, that amount is part of the consideration for deed tax, which can raise the tax owed. See the statutory definition of consideration in Section 201.02.
• Refinances and future advances: Additional nonrecurring intangible tax may be due on future advances unless the loan was taxed on its maximum line amount. See Section 199.143 for rules.
• Exemptions: Certain transfers have statutory exemptions or special treatment. Review Chapter 201 and confirm specifics with your title or closing agent.

Quick checklist for 30A buyers and sellers

• Put who pays which tax in your contract to avoid confusion later.
• Ask your title or closing agent for estimates early and confirm rounding methods.
• If financing, budget for both mortgage doc stamps and the intangible tax.
• If assuming a loan, account for the assumed balance in the deed tax calculation.
• Plan for timely recording to avoid penalties and interest.

A smooth 30A closing starts with clear numbers. If you want a simple, transparent walkthrough of your doc stamps and intangible tax before you sign, reach out to AFNR Homes. We will help you plan with confidence and avoid surprises.

FAQs

What are Florida doc stamps on a 30A deed?

• They are state excise taxes on deeds, typically calculated at $0.70 per $100 of consideration in Walton County, collected when the deed is recorded.

How is the intangible tax on a 30A mortgage calculated?

• It is 2 mills per dollar of the exact mortgage amount, which equals $2 per $1,000, paid once when the mortgage is recorded.

Who usually pays doc stamps and intangible tax on 30A?

• It is negotiable by contract, but sellers often pay deed doc stamps while buyers pay mortgage doc stamps and the intangible tax when obtaining a new loan.

When are these taxes due if a deed is not recorded right away?

• If the deed is not recorded within 20 days of delivery, the tax for that unrecorded deed must be remitted directly to the Florida Department of Revenue.

What happens if doc stamps are underpaid in Walton County?

• Penalties and interest can apply, and the clerk may refuse to record until the correct tax is paid, so confirm amounts with your title or closing agent.

Does assuming a mortgage change the deed tax on 30A?

• Yes, the assumed mortgage balance is generally included in consideration for deed tax, which can increase the amount owed.