Florida county guide
Highlands County real estate: closing costs, taxes and market data
What it costs to buy and sell a home in Highlands County, Florida, with the state's own formulas and the latest market figures.
Market snapshot
Highlands County is an inland county in Florida's Heartland region. Its county seat is Sebring, and Avon Park and Lake Placid are its other main towns. The county had about 111,122 residents in 2025, up from 101,235 in the 2020 census. Housing is mostly single-family homes, with a smaller condo segment.
Main cities: Sebring, Avon Park, Lake Placid
Closing costs at common prices
| Sale price | Deed doc stamps | Owner's title policy | Note doc stamps + intangible tax (80% loan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,750 | $1,325 | $1,100 |
| $350,000 | $2,450 | $1,825 | $1,540 |
| $500,000 | $3,500 | $2,575 | $2,200 |
| $750,000 | $5,250 | $3,825 | $3,300 |
Deed doc stamps are $0.70 per $100 of the price and are normally paid by the seller. In Highlands County the seller customarily pays the owner's title policy, at Florida's promulgated rate. Buyers with a loan also pay $0.35 per $100 on the note and 0.2% intangible tax. Property tax uses the county's typical millage less the $50,000 homestead exemption, so it's an estimate; check the property appraiser for any parcel.
Flood risk
Highlands County is inland, but it has many lakes and low-lying areas, so buyers should check the FEMA flood zone for each property and get flood insurance quotes before closing.
Local offices
Questions agents and buyers ask
- How much are doc stamps in Highlands County?
- On a $350,000 sale, deed doc stamps are about $2,450 ($0.70 per $100 of the price). The seller normally pays them.
- Who pays for title insurance in Highlands County?
- By custom the seller pays for the owner's title policy. At $350,000 it's about $1,825 at Florida's promulgated rate; the contract can say otherwise.
Run every deal from contract to commission — start free
- Deadlines tracked automatically, with a morning reminder
- Checklists, documents and e-signature in one place
- Commissions, CDAs and agent pay
- Made for Florida brokerages, works on your phone
No contract, no setup fee. Built by a working Florida broker.
Sources
Market figures researched November 3, 2026.