For buyers · FloridaBuying a home in Florida: the steps and the deadlines
Most Florida resale purchases use the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar contract – often the AS IS version. After your offer is accepted, the initial deposit is due within 3 days; during the inspection period (15 days if the contract leaves it blank) you inspect the home and may cancel by written notice before it ends and get your deposit back. Then come title, your loan approval, the Closing Disclosure at least 3 business days before closing – and the keys.
Step by step
Before the offer
Pre-approval and your agent
A lender pre-approval shows what you can borrow; your agent writes the offer on the Florida contract.
Day 0
Offer accepted
The effective date – deadlines count from it, in calendar days.
Within 3 days
Initial deposit
Delivered to the escrow agent named in the contract. Confirm wire instructions by phone at a known number.
Inspection period
Inspect and decide
15 days if left blank. Cancel by written notice before it ends to get the deposit back; after it ends you accept the home's condition.
During the deal
Title and loan
Title work, the appraisal and your loan approval, on the dates written in your contract.
3 business days before closing
Closing Disclosure
Your final loan terms and costs – compare them with the Loan Estimate.
Closing day
Walkthrough, signing, keys
Final walkthrough, signing with the closing agent, funding – and the keys.
Florida deadline rules
- Periods end at 11:59 p.m. where the property is.
- A last day on a Saturday, Sunday or national legal holiday moves to the next business day and ends at 5:00 p.m.
- Never send money based on an email alone – call the closing agent at a number you already know.
Questions buyers ask in Florida
How long is the inspection period in Florida?
The number of days in your contract – 15 days if the AS IS contract leaves it blank.
Can I get my deposit back in Florida?
Under the AS IS contract, yes if you cancel by written notice before the inspection period ends.
When is the deposit due?
The initial deposit is due within 3 days; additional deposits follow the contract.
How long does closing take?
With a loan, often about 30 to 45 days from accepted offer; your contract sets the date.
Can the process be explained in Spanish?
Yes – ask your agent; ClosingCode sends status updates to buyers in English or Spanish.
Learn more
Agents and TCs: send this guide to your buyers – and keep them updated at every step in English or Spanish with ClosingCode.
Start free trialSources: Florida Realtors/Florida Bar AS IS contract (counting rules, 15-day default, initial deposit, termination by written notice); CFPB (Closing Disclosure timing); FBI IC3 (wire fraud). The days in your own contract decide.
General information for buyers, not legal advice. Ask your agent, lender or attorney about your own purchase. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm or brokerage.