Selling an Inherited Home in Florida: Detailed 2025 Step-by-Step Guide
Inheriting a home in Florida can feel like both a responsibility and an opportunity. You may be handling grief while also navigating legal requirements, taxes, and financial decisions. If selling is the best option, knowing each step in detail helps avoid mistakes, delays, and unnecessary stress. This guide covers everything you need to know to sell an inherited home in Florida in 2025.
👉 Need help right away? Contact Square for a consultation to get personalized guidance.
Step 1: Determine if Probate Is Required
Probate is the court process that transfers ownership of property after someone passes away.
When Probate Is NOT Required
Trust: The property was placed in a living trust.
Joint Ownership with Survivorship Rights: Ownership transfers directly to the surviving owner.
Lady Bird Deed (Enhanced Life Estate Deed): Allows property to pass directly to heirs without probate.
Types of Probate in Florida
Formal Administration: For estates worth more than $75,000 or involving disputes. Can take 6–18 months. Requires court supervision and multiple filings.
Summary Administration: For estates worth less than $75,000 or if the deceased passed away more than two years ago. Faster, usually 1–3 months.
👉 Square can walk you through these common situations and help you make the best choice.
Step 2: Transfer Ownership and Resolve Title Issues
The home cannot be sold until the title is in the heirs’ names and any outstanding legal issues are cleared.
Title Search Will Identify
Liens or judgments
Unpaid property taxes
Unresolved mortgages
Conflicting ownership claims
👉 Book a consultation with Square’s tax experts before selling..
Step 3: Assess the Home’s Condition
Inherited homes often need maintenance or repairs before selling.
Common Problems Found in Inherited Homes
Roof damage or leaks from storms
Outdated electrical panels or wiring
Plumbing leaks or corrosion
Mold, termites, or water damage
Unpermitted renovations
👉 Need help right away? Contact Square for a consultation to get personalized guidance.
Step 4: Understand Tax Implications
Florida does not have inheritance or state estate taxes, but federal rules may apply.
👉 Not sure how taxes will impact you? Book a consultation with Square’s tax experts before selling.
Step 5: Choose a Selling Method
Hire a Realtor: Professional marketing, MLS access, negotiations. Commission: 5–6%.
Sell to a Cash Buyer/Investor: Fast (7–14 days), no repairs needed. Lower offers.
For Sale by Owner (FSBO): Save commission but handle everything yourself.
👉 Before you list, let Square run the numbers so you know exactly what you’ll take home.
Step 6: Calculate Selling Costs in Florida
Expect the following:
Title Insurance: $1,500–$3,000
Transfer Tax (Doc Stamps): $0.70 per $100 of sale price (Miami-Dade differs)
Attorney/Title Company Fees: $500–$2,000
Property Taxes: Prorated at closing
Agent Commissions: 5–6% (buyer commission rules changed in 2024—negotiate)
👉 Don’t go through this alone—call Square today for a consultation. Our team specializes in probate, real estate, and tax planning..
Step 7: Florida Disclosure Laws
You must tell buyers about any known issues.
👉 Need help with disclosures? Square can guide you through what Florida law requires so you don’t risk lawsuits later.
Step 8: Market the Home
Strong marketing helps attract higher offers.
List on MLS, Zillow, and Realtor.com
Hire a professional photographer ($150–$300)
Create 3D tours or virtual walkthroughs
Stage the home or remove clutter ($1,000–$3,000)
Hold open houses and private showings
👉 Book a consultation with Square’s tax experts before selling.
Step 9: Evaluate Offers
When reviewing:
Price: Don’t just look at the top number.
Financing: Cash offers are faster; financed offers may take 30–45 days.
Contingencies: Home inspections, appraisals, and financing approvals can slow things down.
Closing Timeline: Faster may be better if you want to avoid ongoing expenses.
👉 Before you list, let Square run the numbers so you know exactly what you’ll take home.
Step 10: Manage Emotional and Practical Matters
Selling a family home is emotional. Before listing:
Go through personal belongings
Keep or donate sentimental items
Hire an estate sale company if needed
Take time if emotions are too raw
👉 Square can walk you through these common situations and help you make the best choice.
Final Thoughts
Selling an inherited home in Florida is a process with many moving parts. You’ll need to confirm probate, clear the title, handle taxes, prepare the home, and choose the right selling strategy. While it can feel complicated, each step becomes manageable with the right plan and support.
👉 Don’t go through this alone—call Square today for a consultation. Our team specializes in probate, real estate, and tax planning so you can focus on what matters most.
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