Plain-English definitions of every title, escrow, and closing term you will meet on a Florida real estate transaction — A to Z.
Buying, selling, or refinancing in Florida means wading through title and closing jargon. This A–Z glossary explains every term in plain English — and links to the Atlantic Title Firm guides and calculators that go deeper. Use the alphabet bar to jump to a letter, and reach out anytime with a question.
A condensed history of every recorded document affecting a property’s ownership. Modern Florida closings rely on a title search and commitment rather than a full abstract, but the goal is the same — tracing the chain of ownership.
The American Land Title Association, which writes the standardized title insurance policy forms (owner’s and lender’s) used across the U.S., including in Florida.
When a buyer transfers their rights under a purchase contract to another buyer before closing — common in wholesale investor deals. See our investor assignment guide.
The person or entity that benefits from a trust, or in lending, the lender secured by a mortgage.
A Florida rule allowing title agents to rebate part of the title insurance premium to the consumer. Read more on the Butler Rebate.
The chronological sequence of recorded owners of a property. A break in the chain is a classic defect a title search is built to catch.
The combined fees due at closing — title, lender, government, and prepaid items. Estimate yours with our Florida closing cost calculator.
A five-page federal form itemizing the final loan terms and closing costs, delivered to the borrower at least three business days before closing.
Any claim, lien, or encumbrance that calls ownership into question and must be cleared before clean title can pass.
The title company’s promise to issue a policy, listing the requirements and exceptions. See the title commitment report explained.
The legal instrument that transfers ownership of real property from the seller (grantor) to the buyer (grantee).
Florida’s tax on deeds ($0.70 per $100 of price) and on new mortgages ($0.35 per $100). Calculate it with our doc stamp calculator.
A recorded right for someone else to use part of your property — such as a utility line or shared driveway.
Any claim or liability attached to a property — a lien, mortgage, easement, or restriction — that may affect title.
A neutral third party (the title or closing agent) that holds funds and documents until every closing condition is met. See our Florida escrow services.
The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, which requires tax withholding when a foreign seller sells U.S. real estate.
A “For Sale By Owner” transaction with no listing agent. We handle FSBO closings across Florida.
Florida law requires that funds be collected and verified (“good funds”) before a closing agent can disburse at closing.
The grantor is the party conveying title (the seller); the grantee is the party receiving it (the buyer).
A document from a homeowners association stating the exact amounts owed on a property at closing. See HOA lien verification.
The older settlement statement, largely replaced by the Closing Disclosure for consumer loans but still used in cash and commercial deals.
A letter from the title underwriter protecting the lender against certain closing-agent errors or fraud. Request one on our CPL request page.
A one-time Florida tax of $0.20 per $100 on new mortgage debt. Estimate it with our intangible tax calculator.
A recorded court judgment that attaches to a debtor’s Florida real estate. We run a lien and judgment search on every file.
The precise survey-based description of a parcel used on the deed — distinct from the street address.
Title insurance that protects the lender’s mortgage interest only. Compare it in owner’s vs lender’s title insurance.
A legal claim against property as security for a debt — a mortgage, tax lien, or contractor’s lien.
Title free of reasonable doubt or material defects, such that a buyer would accept it without objection.
A claim filed by a contractor or supplier for unpaid work on a property, which clouds title until released.
The recorded instrument that pledges real property as security for a loan.
A notary public witnesses signatures; Remote Online Notarization lets Florida signers notarize by video. See RON closings.
The act of starting a new title file with the closing agent. Open a title order with us.
Title insurance that protects the buyer’s equity for as long as they or their heirs own the property. Learn whether you need it.
A statement from a lienholder showing the exact amount needed to release their lien at closing. See payoff authorization.
Florida’s state-set title insurance premium — identical across underwriters. See how much title insurance costs.
The fair division of taxes, HOA dues, and other costs between buyer and seller as of the closing date.
A deed that transfers whatever interest the grantor has — with no warranty of clear title. Common in divorces and family transfers.
Filing a deed or mortgage in the county’s public records to give legal notice of the transaction.
A discounted title premium when a property was insured within the prior few years. Estimate it with our reissue rate calculator.
The section of a title commitment listing exceptions and requirements — easements, liens, and items the policy will not insure.
The party (usually the title company) that conducts the closing and disburses funds.
A map of the property’s boundaries, improvements, and encroachments, often required by the lender or underwriter.
The legal right to own and use a property. Read what title insurance is.
Any issue — forged deed, missed lien, unknown heir — that impairs clean ownership. See what title insurance covers.
The examination of public records to confirm ownership and uncover liens or defects. We offer 30-year title searches.
The insurance company that backs the title policy (Old Republic, Stewart, WFG, Catic). Meet our underwriters.
How a buyer takes title — sole owner, joint tenants, tenants by the entirety, or a trust — which affects rights and inheritance.
A deed in which the seller guarantees clear title and will defend against claims — the strongest deed for a Florida buyer.
A scam in which criminals send fraudulent wiring instructions to divert closing funds. Always call a known number to verify before wiring. See how to prevent title theft.