Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions buyers, sellers, and agents ask us most often about Florida title insurance, escrow, and closings on 30A.
At AquaRK Title Services we close on properties across 30A and the Emerald Coast every week. Buyers, sellers, and agents send us the same handful of questions before each closing. Here are the answers in plain language.
What does a title company do?
A title company runs the title search, issues title insurance, holds escrow funds, prepares closing documents, conducts the closing, and records the deed and mortgage with the county. We coordinate with the lender, the realtor, and the parties to bring everything together on closing day. On a 30A closing we also review HOA documents, resort association rules, and any community specific restrictions that affect the property.
Why use an attorney led title company?
Bryan Kiefer has been a Florida real estate attorney since 1992. When a title curative comes up during the search, an attorney can issue the legal opinion needed to clear it. A standard title agent has to send the file back to underwriting and wait. Attorney supervision shortens the timeline on complicated files and makes sure the legal work meets Florida standards.
Who chooses the title company in Florida?
In a buyer paid closing, Florida law gives the buyer the right to choose the title company. Builders and listing agents often recommend their preferred company, but you do not have to use them. If the seller is paying for owner's title insurance, the seller usually picks. Always confirm who is paying for title insurance in your contract before agreeing to a company.
How much does title insurance cost in Florida?
Florida sets the rate for owner's title insurance by statute. The premium runs roughly $5.75 per thousand on the first $100,000 of purchase price, then $5.00 per thousand above that. A reissue credit may apply if the seller bought a prior policy within the last three years. We provide a written quote at the start of every file.
Owner's versus lender's title insurance, what's the difference?
A lender's policy protects the bank for the loan amount and goes away when the loan is paid off. An owner's policy protects you for as long as you own the property. The owner's policy is the one that matters for the buyer. Most lenders require both, and the rates in Florida are set so buying them together costs less than buying separately.
How long does a 30A closing take?
A standard financed closing runs 30 to 45 days from contract. A cash closing can move in 7 to 14 days if the title search comes back clean. A refinance moves faster, often 21 to 30 days. The schedule depends on how quickly the title curatives clear, how the lender underwrites, and how fast the HOA estoppel and survey come back.
Can I close remotely on a 30A property?
Yes. Florida allows remote online notarization under specific rules. We use a remote closing platform when buyers cannot be in our office on closing day. The platform handles identity verification, document signing, and notarization through video. Most lenders accept remote closings on cash and conventional files.
Do you handle closings outside 30A?
We handle Florida closings across Walton, Bay, Okaloosa, and surrounding counties. Most of our volume is on 30A and the Emerald Coast, but we also close in Destin, Panama City Beach, and throughout the Panhandle. For closings further inland, we evaluate on a file by file basis.
What is a municipal lien search?
A municipal lien search pulls every code enforcement, utility, special assessment, and unrecorded lien tied to the property from the local government. These do not show up on the title search because they are not recorded with the county. Florida law requires a separate lien search to catch them. We order the lien search on every closing.
What documents will I sign at closing?
A buyer signs the Closing Disclosure, the deed if applicable, the title insurance policies, any lender documents including the note and mortgage, and a handful of affidavits. A seller signs the deed, the seller's affidavit, and the closing statement. We send the documents for review before closing day so there are no surprises.
Do you offer agent and lender resources?
Yes. Agents and lenders working repeated files with us get priority response times, a direct line to the closer, and an online status page for in progress files. Reach out through the Contact page or call the office at (850) 650-9737 to set up an account.