How long does it take to close on a house in Florida?

Which contract deadlines set the pace?

In the 2024 AS IS form, these defaults apply when the blanks are left empty. All are counted in calendar days from the Effective Date unless noted, and a deadline on a weekend or national legal holiday moves to the next day that is not one.

• Initial deposit: within 3 days
• Loan application: within 5 days
• Additional deposit: within 10 days
• Inspection Period: 15 days
• Loan Approval Period: 30 days
• Title evidence: at least 15 days before closing, or 5 days for a cash purchase
• Walk-through: the day before closing or on closing day before closing[1]

How do financed and cash purchases differ?

A financed purchase moves at the pace of the loan. Your lender must give you a Loan Estimate within three business days of receiving your application and a Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing, which builds a minimum waiting period into the end of the process.

A cash purchase under paragraph 8(a) has no financing contingency, and the default title-evidence deadline shortens to 5 days before closing, so a cash closing date can be set closer to the Effective Date if the inspection and title work are complete.[1][2][3]

What can delay a Florida closing?

Closing can be delayed until funds are collected in the escrow or closing agent's account. Title issues, surveys and loan approval can also take longer than expected. The Florida Bar suggests asking before you sign whether the process of obtaining clear title, a survey and the mortgage will let you meet the contract's deadlines.

If more time is needed, the Florida Realtors forms library has included an extension addendum that can be used to extend the closing date, financing period, inspection period and other deadlines, but both parties must agree in writing.[1][4][5]