Florida Post-Closing Checklist (2026)
Closing day is over — but the first 90 days after buying a Florida home are critical. Several time-sensitive tasks can save you thousands if done right, and cost you if missed.
Mar 1
FL homestead exemption deadline (file by March 1 of tax year)
$50K
Homestead exemption saves avg $500–$1,000/yr in FL property taxes
30 days
Maximum time before a missed mortgage payment hits your credit
Don't miss this: Florida's homestead exemption must be filed by March 1 of the tax year you want the benefit. If you close on a FL home by December 31, file by March 1 of the following year. Miss this deadline and you lose the exemption — and potentially thousands in tax savings — for an entire year.
Day 1: Closing Day Must-Dos
Change the locks — previous owners, contractors, and real estate agents have had keys. Rekey all exterior doors the day you take possession. Cost: $150–$300 with a locksmith. This is not optional.
Transfer utilities to your name — electricity, water/sewer, gas (if applicable), trash. Confirm the seller has disconnected their accounts. In FL, FPL, Duke Energy, TECO are the main electric providers; water is typically county-managed.
Confirm homeowners insurance is active — call your insurance agent. Verify the policy shows your name, the correct property address, and an effective date of closing day or earlier.
Photograph the property immediately — document the condition of every room, all appliances, HVAC units, roof, and exterior. Timestamp photos. This is your baseline for future insurance claims or disputes.
Locate water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff — know where these are before you need them in an emergency.
First Week: Financial and Administrative Tasks
Identify your mortgage servicer — this may be different from your lender. Check your mail and email for a "hello letter" from a servicer or visit the MERS servicer lookup (mersinc.org) to find out who holds your loan.
Set up your servicer online account — register on the servicer's portal. Confirm your payment amount, due date, and escrow breakdown match your closing disclosure.
Set up mortgage autopay — many servicers offer 0.125%–0.25% rate discount for autopay. Even if no discount, autopay prevents missed payments. Never miss your first payment.
File change of address — USPS (usps.com), employer, bank accounts, credit cards, IRS, driver's license (FL DHSMV — update within 30 days of move), voter registration.
Store your closing documents securely — deed, closing disclosure, title insurance policies, survey. Scan everything and store in a cloud backup. The deed especially — you'll need it.
Confirm deed was recorded — your title company records the deed with the county. Check your county Property Appraiser's website within 2–3 weeks to confirm the property is listed in your name.
First Month: Florida-Specific Protections
File for homestead exemption By March 1 — if you closed before January 1, file immediately. Saves $500–$1,000/yr in property taxes and activates Save Our Homes (3% annual assessment cap). File at your county Property Appraiser's office or online. Most FL counties offer online filing.
Get a wind mitigation inspection First year — a licensed FL inspector verifies your roof shape, opening protection, and roof-to-wall connections. A good report can reduce homeowners insurance 20%–40% in FL. Cost: $100–$200. Send the report to your insurance agent.
Verify flood insurance coverage — if your property is in an SFHA (Special Flood Hazard Area), flood insurance is required and you should have it. Even outside SFHA, FL flooding is common — consider separate flood coverage through NFIP or private insurers.
Update Florida driver's license 30 days — FL law requires updating your license address within 30 days of moving. Do it at a DHSMV office or online at flhsmv.gov.
Register vehicles with new address — FL vehicle registration uses your residential address. Update with DHSMV to avoid issues with mail and law enforcement stops.
Review HOA documents if applicable — read the declarations, rules, and budget. Note approval processes for modifications, pet policies, rental restrictions, and assessment history. Know what's expected before you need to know.
First 90 Days: Property and Safety
Test smoke and CO detectors — verify all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work. FL code requires smoke detectors in each sleeping room. Replace batteries; replace any units older than 10 years.
Locate and test hurricane shutters — FL homes often have accordion shutters, panel shutters, or impact windows. Know where panels are stored and how to install them before hurricane season (June 1).
Service HVAC system — FL AC runs year-round. Schedule a service call (filter change, coil cleaning, refrigerant check) within the first 90 days. Note the unit's age and expected life span for budgeting.
Inspect roof and gutters — FL's climate causes fast roof degradation. Know your roof's age and condition. Clean gutters before rainy season. Note any soft spots, missing shingles, or staining for monitoring.
Check for open permits — verify with your county that no outstanding open permits exist on the property. Unpermitted work you inherit can create problems when you sell. Search your county's permit portal by property address.
Set up a home maintenance calendar — schedule seasonal tasks: AC filter changes (monthly), exterior pest control (quarterly), gutter cleaning (twice/year), roof inspection (annual), dryer vent cleaning (annual).
FL hurricane season (June 1 – November 30): If you buy in the spring, you have weeks to prepare. Build a hurricane kit, know your evacuation zone (find it at floridadisaster.org), and review your insurance deductibles — most FL policies have a separate hurricane/windstorm deductible (often 2%–5% of insured value, not the standard $1,000 flat deductible).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing to do right after closing in Florida?
Two items tie for #1: change the locks immediately, and file for homestead exemption before March 1. The lock change protects your security on day one. The homestead exemption is time-sensitive with a hard deadline — missing it costs you an entire year of tax savings ($500–$1,000+) and the Save Our Homes assessment cap protection, which compounds in value every year you own the home.
How do I file for Florida homestead exemption after closing?
Go to your county Property Appraiser's website — most FL counties have an online portal for homestead filing. You'll need your property address, FL driver's license (showing the new address), Social Security numbers for all owners, and proof of FL residency (closing documents work). You must be a permanent FL resident and the property must be your primary residence as of January 1. The deadline is March 1 for the current tax year.
When will my deed be recorded after closing in Florida?
Typically 1–3 business days after closing — your title company sends it to the county clerk's office for recording. You can verify by checking your county Property Appraiser's website (search by address) within 2–3 weeks. If it's not showing after 4 weeks, call your title company. You'll receive the original recorded deed by mail within 4–8 weeks — keep it in a safe place.
How do I find out if there are open permits on my Florida property?
Search your county's permit portal by property address. Most FL counties have online permit search systems. Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, and Hillsborough counties all offer online permit history lookup. Look for any permits showing "open," "inspection failed," or "not finaled." Your title insurance should protect against most undisclosed permit issues, but it's worth knowing the status upfront.
Plan Your Entire First Year of FL Homeownership
The BrightPath New Homeowner Planner covers your full post-closing checklist, annual maintenance schedule, and FL-specific homeownership guides — 25 printable pages from a licensed FL real estate professional.
→ Browse on EtsyFirst-Time Buyer Toolkit ($18)