The Florida Pre-Close Compliance Checklist.
15 items every Florida agent should verify before clearing closing. Built from active files. Use it on your next one.
Want a printable copy? Click Print and choose "Save as PDF" in the destination dropdown. The page is print-optimized.
- Effective Date is locked, dated, and distributed to all parties in writing.Effective Date rules differ by contract form. Check the form you used.
- Both buyer and seller signatures confirmed, with delivery timestamps on file.Pull the dotloop or DocuSign audit log. The "delivered" stamp is the controlling event.
- Inspection Period closure documented and acknowledged in writing.If AS-IS, buyer's election to proceed. If Standard, repair negotiation outcome.
- Loan Approval Period status verified with the lender in writing."Approved" verbally is not approved. Get the conditional approval letter or CTC.
- Any extensions, addenda, or counter-offers fully signed and delivered.Unsigned addenda do not modify the contract. Get every page initialed and circulated.
- Title commitment received and reviewed for exceptions or clouds.Read schedule B-II. Anything unfamiliar gets a call to title before closing day.
- HOA / condo estoppel ordered with enough runway for the association to deliver it.Florida statute gives the association a set time to respond. Ask title to order it early.
- Survey received, reviewed for encroachments, easements, and setback issues.Older Lehigh, Cape Coral, and Fort Myers neighborhoods are full of fence creep.
- Clear-to-Close issued by lender in writing, with all conditions cleared.Verbal CTC is not CTC. Get the document.
- Cash-to-close confirmed with buyer at least 48 hours before closing.Don't let cash-to-close be the closing-day surprise. Have buyer review the CD early.
- Wire instructions verified by buyer with the title company via call-back to a known number.Wire fraud in Florida real estate is rampant. Buyers verify by phone, not email.
- Homeowner's insurance binder is in hand at the title company.Post-2022 Florida market: no binder, no funding. Confirm by Day 5 of the file.
- All repairs, credits, and concessions documented in writing and reconciled with the CD.What's on the contract should match what's on the closing disclosure. Cross-check.
- Final walkthrough scheduled and completed within 24 hours of closing.Walk it. Photograph it. Memorialize any issues in writing before signing.
- All parties confirmed for closing time, location, and method (in-person or remote).Confirm 24 hours out. Reconfirm the morning of. Power of attorney pre-approved if needed.
How to use this checklist
Run it as the file approaches closing — ideally 72 hours out. Missing items get escalated by phone, not email. Items like title exceptions, survey review, and wire verification are reminders for you, your client, and the title company to handle.
Want a TC team on your next file?
Aari Transactions is broker owned, with statewide Florida coverage and same business day intake when possible. Submit your next file and let us help flag the items early.
Submit a file →This checklist is general educational information for Florida real estate professionals and does not constitute legal advice. Specific transactions may involve additional or different verification steps. Always consult a licensed Florida real estate attorney for advice on any active transaction. © Aari Transactions LLC. Authored by Marlenyi Paredes, founder of Aari Transactions.