St. Johns County closing cost calculator

Buyer-side closing costs for St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Nocatee homes.

St. Johns County has some of the highest median sale prices in Northeast Florida (Nocatee, Ponte Vedra Beach), which means absolute closing costs are higher even though the percentages are similar to the rest of Florida. Many new-construction homes here also carry CDD (community development district) fees that show up at closing as a prorated assessment.

Worked examples

Real numbers for common scenarios. These are estimates - your final closing disclosure will reflect the exact fees your specific loan and property require.

Scenario

Buying a $525,000 home in Nocatee, St. Johns County

Inputs

Sale price: $525,000
Down payment: 20% ($105,000)
Loan amount: $420,000

Estimate

Doc stamps on the note: $1,470
Intangible tax (0.2%): $840
Recording fees: $95
Owner's title insurance: $3,019
Lender fees (origination, underwriting, appraisal): $1,850
Initial escrow deposit: $2,625
Estimated buyer closing costs: $9,899

Excludes prepaid interest and your down payment. Seller pays doc stamps on the deed in most Florida counties.

Scenario

Buying a $750,000 home in Ponte Vedra Beach, St. Johns County

Inputs

Sale price: $750,000
Down payment: 20% ($150,000)
Loan amount: $600,000

Estimate

Doc stamps on the note: $2,100
Intangible tax (0.2%): $1,200
Recording fees: $95
Owner's title insurance: $4,313
Lender fees (origination, underwriting, appraisal): $1,850
Initial escrow deposit: $3,750
Estimated buyer closing costs: $13,308

Excludes prepaid interest and your down payment. Seller pays doc stamps on the deed in most Florida counties.

Scenario

Buying a $380,000 home in St. Augustine, St. Johns County

Inputs

Sale price: $380,000
Down payment: 5% ($19,000)
Loan amount: $361,000

Estimate

Doc stamps on the note: $1,263
Intangible tax (0.2%): $722
Recording fees: $95
Owner's title insurance: $2,185
Lender fees (origination, underwriting, appraisal): $1,850
Initial escrow deposit: $1,900
Estimated buyer closing costs: $8,015

Excludes prepaid interest and your down payment. Seller pays doc stamps on the deed in most Florida counties.

Run your own numbers

The calculator gives you the same itemized breakdown for any price, down payment, loan type, and location.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a CDD fee in St. Johns County?+

A Community Development District (CDD) is a special taxing district that funds infrastructure (roads, parks, amenities) in master-planned communities like Nocatee and World Golf Village. CDD fees are typically billed annually with your property tax bill and run $1,500-$3,500 per year depending on the lot. At closing you pay a prorated amount for the remainder of the tax year.

How much are closing costs in Florida?+

For a buyer financing a home in Florida, closing costs typically run 2% to 5% of the sale price. On a $400,000 home that's roughly $8,000 to $20,000. The biggest line items are lender fees, title insurance, the intangible tax on the mortgage (0.2%), doc stamps on the note ($0.35 per $100 borrowed), and your initial escrow deposit for taxes and insurance.

Who pays closing costs in Florida - buyer or seller?+

Both. In most Florida counties the seller customarily pays the doc stamps on the deed ($0.70 per $100 of sale price) and the owner's title insurance policy. The buyer pays everything related to the loan: origination, appraisal, doc stamps on the note, intangible tax, lender's title policy, and prepaid taxes/insurance. In Miami-Dade and a few other markets the split can be negotiated differently.

Are closing costs tax deductible?+

Most are not. Mortgage interest, property taxes, and discount points are deductible if you itemize. Origination fees, title insurance, recording fees, and most other closing costs are not. Talk to a CPA about your specific situation - this is not tax advice.

Can I roll closing costs into my mortgage in Florida?+

On a refinance, yes. On a purchase, you generally cannot - but you can ask the seller for a credit toward closing costs (capped at 3-9% of the price depending on loan type and down payment) or take a slightly higher rate in exchange for a lender credit.

What is the intangible tax in Florida?+

Florida charges a one-time 0.2% intangible tax on every new mortgage - that's $2.00 for every $1,000 borrowed. On a $320,000 loan it's $640. The buyer pays it at closing. It's separate from the doc stamps on the note.

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All numbers shown are estimates for planning purposes. Closing costs, taxes, and fees vary by lender, title company, county, and individual transaction. LoanElk is not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. Your final Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure are the authoritative figures.