The Short Answer
In most Florida counties, including Volusia County, it is customary for the seller to pay for the owner's title insurance policy. The buyer typically pays for the lender's title insurance policy when there is a mortgage. But custom is not law: the purchase contract controls, and almost every closing cost is negotiable between the parties.
The Two Policies, Explained
Owner's Title Insurance Policy
This policy protects the buyer's ownership interest for as long as they own the property. In Volusia County and most of Florida, the seller customarily pays this premium, and the seller's side usually selects the title company. In a few Florida counties the custom is reversed, so the contract should always spell it out.
Lender's Title Insurance Policy
When the purchase involves a mortgage, the lender requires its own policy that protects the loan amount. The buyer customarily pays this premium. If there is no loan, there is no lender's policy.
How Much Does Title Insurance Cost In Florida?
Florida title insurance premiums are set by the state and calculated from the purchase price or loan amount. The rate is the same no matter which title company issues the policy, so shopping on premium alone will not change the price. What does differ is the closing fee, the service, and the speed behind the policy. Ask for a written quote that shows the premium and every fee before you commit.
Other Closing Costs Buyers And Sellers Typically Split
Buyers Commonly Pay
- Lender's title insurance premium
- Loan origination and lender fees
- Appraisal and credit report fees
- Recording fees for the deed and mortgage
- Home inspection and survey, if ordered
Sellers Commonly Pay
- Owner's title insurance premium
- Documentary stamp tax on the deed
- Real estate commissions
- Payoff of existing mortgages and liens
- Prorated property taxes up to closing day
These are customs, not rules. Market conditions, the contract, and negotiation can shift any of these items to the other side.
A Volusia County Note
Closings in DeLand, Deltona, Orange City, and the rest of Volusia County follow the seller-pays-owner's-policy custom described above. Because Swift Title is attorney-owned, you also have a Florida attorney reviewing your file, which matters when contract terms about closing costs need to be negotiated or clarified.
Related Reading
Get An Exact Quote For Your Closing
Send us the purchase price and county, and we will send back a written quote showing the title premium and every fee, before you commit to anything.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Your purchase contract controls who pays what, and customs vary by county. Talk to us or your attorney about your specific transaction.