ByOwnerHub Commercial

Florida Commercial Real Estate FSBO Guide

Sell or buy commercial property in Florida without a broker — storefronts, office, industrial, and mixed-use.

0.7%

Transfer Tax Rate

Optional

Closing Attorney

6%

Avg Retail Cap Rate

6.5%

Avg Office Cap Rate

How to Sell Commercial Property in Florida Without a Broker

1

Price Your Property

Research comparable sales (comps) and apply Florida market cap rates. Retail cap rates in Florida average 6%.

2

List on Commercial Platforms

List on LoopNet and Crexi to reach commercial buyers and investors. Prepare an Offering Memorandum (OM).

3

Negotiate & Sign a Letter of Intent (LOI)

Exchange LOIs with prospective buyers to establish price and key terms before drafting a full purchase agreement.

4

Due Diligence Period

Allow 30–60 days for the buyer to complete inspections, environmental review, and lease review (if applicable).

5

Close

Pay transfer tax of 0.7% of consideration. Sign and record the deed.

Florida Commercial Transfer Tax

Florida documentary stamp tax: $0.70 per $100 of consideration. Miami-Dade county adds surtax of $0.45 per $100 on non-single-family-residential transfers.

Example calculation

On a $500,000 sale: estimated transfer tax ≈ $3,500

On a $1,000,000 sale: estimated transfer tax ≈ $7,000

Estimates only. Actual taxes vary by locality. Consult a closing attorney or title company.

Attorney Closing Requirements

Florida Does Not Require an Attorney for Commercial Closings

While Florida does not legally mandate attorney involvement at closing, commercial real estate transactions are complex. We strongly recommend hiring a real estate attorney to draft or review the purchase agreement, conduct title review, and guide the closing — particularly when there are tenants, environmental issues, or financing involved.

1031 Exchange in Florida

Tax Deferral Strategy

Florida conforms to federal 1031 rules. Florida has no state income or capital gains tax, so exchange defers only federal tax — still extremely valuable given federal rates.

Identification Window

45 days to identify replacement property after closing

Exchange Window

180 days to close on replacement property

Qualified Intermediary

A QI must hold proceeds — you cannot touch the funds

Find a Qualified Intermediary ↗

Commercial Disclosure Requirements

Florida imposes no mandatory commercial property disclosure statute; buyers are expected to conduct their own due diligence.

Even without mandatory disclosures, sellers should never misrepresent known material defects — doing so can create significant legal liability. A well-drafted purchase agreement with appropriate representations and warranties protects both parties.

Florida Commercial Cap Rates

Average Retail / Storefront Cap Rate

6%

Based on recent comparable transactions in Florida. Varies by submarket.

Average Office Cap Rate

6.5%

Small office and professional space in Florida. Verify with local comps.

Cap rate = Net Operating Income ÷ Purchase Price. Higher cap rates generally indicate higher yield and/or higher perceived risk. These are market averages — actual cap rates depend on location, lease terms, tenant credit, and property condition.

Major Commercial Markets in Florida

📍 Miami📍 Orlando📍 Tampa📍 Jacksonville📍 Fort Lauderdale📍 St. Petersburg
Affiliate disclosure (FTC): The links below are sponsored partnerships. We may receive compensation if you click and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. We only feature services we believe are useful to commercial FSBO buyers and sellers.

Recommended Tools & Services

LoopNet

Top Listing Site

The largest commercial real estate marketplace. List your property for sale or find available storefronts, office, and industrial space.

Browse LoopNet

Crexi

Fast Growing

Crexi is a modern commercial marketplace with powerful analytics. Great for sellers wanting data-driven pricing and broad buyer reach.

Try Crexi

1031 Exchange Corp

Tax Strategy

Defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting proceeds into a like-kind commercial property. Speak with a qualified intermediary before closing.

Find a QI

Rocket Lawyer

Legal Docs

Commercial purchase agreements, letters of intent, lease agreements, and NDA templates — reviewed by attorneys at a fraction of the cost.

Get Legal Docs

CCIM Institute

Education

The most recognized commercial real estate investment credential. CCIM-designated professionals lead the industry in commercial transactions.

CCIM Institute

Frequently Asked Questions — Florida

Do I need a real estate attorney to sell commercial property in Florida?
Florida does not legally require an attorney for commercial real estate closings, but it is strongly recommended. Most commercial transactions involve complex contracts where attorney review adds significant protection.
What is the transfer tax when selling commercial property in Florida?
Florida documentary stamp tax: $0.70 per $100 of consideration. Miami-Dade county adds surtax of $0.45 per $100 on non-single-family-residential transfers.
What is the average cap rate for commercial property in Florida?
Retail properties in Florida average a cap rate of approximately 6%, while office properties average 6.5%. These figures vary by submarket, property condition, and lease terms.
Can I do a 1031 exchange when selling commercial property in Florida?
Florida conforms to federal 1031 rules. Florida has no state income or capital gains tax, so exchange defers only federal tax — still extremely valuable given federal rates.
Do I need to make disclosures when selling commercial property in Florida?
Florida imposes no mandatory commercial property disclosure statute; buyers are expected to conduct their own due diligence.
Do I need a real estate license to sell my own commercial property in Florida?
No license required for an owner selling their own commercial property in Florida.

Neighboring State Guides

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Transfer tax rates and closing requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with a licensed attorney, title company, or state revenue authority. See our full disclaimer.