Your down payment isn't the only check you'll write at closing. Florida buyers also pay lender charges, state taxes on the mortgage, title insurance and a handful of smaller fees. Here's what each one is, so none of them surprise you on your Closing Disclosure.

• Lender fees.These cover origination, underwriting and any discount points you choose to buy down your rate. They vary by lender and loan, which is why I tell buyers to get quotes from more than one.
• Title insurance.The lender's policy protects the bank, and the owner's policy protects you for as long as you own the home. Florida sets the rates by rule (Fla. Admin. Code 69O-186.003): $5.75 per $1,000 of coverage for the first $100,000 and $5.00 per $1,000 from there up to $1 million, per the Florida Department of Financial Services. When both policies are issued together, the lender's policy can cost as little as $25 (DFS). Who pays for the owner's policy is negotiable and gets written into your contract, so we'll settle it before you sign.
• Documentary stamp tax on the mortgage.Florida charges 35 cents per $100 of the amount your mortgage secures (s. 201.08, F.S., per the Florida Department of Revenue). On a $400,000 loan, that's $1,400.
• Intangible tax on the mortgage.This is a one-time tax of 2 mills, or $2 per $1,000, on a loan secured by Florida real estate (s. 199.133, F.S.). On that same $400,000 loan, it's $800.
• Recording fees.The Clerk records your deed and mortgage with the county. Under s. 28.24, F.S., the base charge is $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page, and other per-page charges in the same statute are added on top. Your title company will total them for you.
• Home inspection.You choose and pay the inspector. Insurance companies often ask for a wind mitigation report, which can lower your windstorm premium, and a 4-point inspection on older homes, which covers the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC. Ask your insurance agent which ones they'll need before you book.
• Appraisal.Your lender orders it to confirm the home is worth what you're paying, and you pay for it. The fee is listed on your Loan Estimate.
• HOA or condo estoppel certificate, plus any capital contribution or transfer fee.The estoppel shows what's owed to the association. Florida law caps a standard HOA estoppel fee at $250, plus $100 if it's rushed, with the caps adjusted for inflation every five years (s. 720.30851, F.S.), and condos have their own cap (s. 718.116, F.S.). Many communities also charge a capital contribution or transfer fee when a home sells. The estoppel has to state whether one is due and how much, and your contract says who pays it.
• Prepaids and escrows.Lenders usually collect your first year of homeowners insurance up front, plus flood insurance if the home needs it, and start an escrow account for property taxes and insurance. You'll also prepay interest from closing day to the end of that month. In South Florida, insurance can be one of the biggest numbers here, so get quotes early.