If you're buying or selling property in Florida, at the end of the process you’ll attend the real estate closing. While many people assume this is just a formality, the closing process is one of the most important steps in a real estate transaction—and having an experienced Florida real estate attorney involved can make all the difference.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through what a real estate attorney does during a Florida closing, why it matters, and how working with the right legal partner can protect your interests from start to finish.

What Is a Real Estate Closing?

A real estate closing is the final step in a real estate transaction where ownership of the property is legally transferred from the seller to the buyer. It’s the moment when all necessary documents are signed, funds are transferred, and the deal becomes official.

In Florida, title companies typically handle closings, but real estate attorneys can—and often should—be involved to ensure everything is legally sound, especially in complex or high-value transactions.

Do You Need a Real Estate Attorney in a Florida Closing?

Unlike some states, Florida does not legally require a real estate attorney to be present at closing. However, many buyers, sellers, and investors choose to hire one to provide legal guidance and protect their interests—particularly in situations involving:

Contract disputes
Title issues
For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transactions
Commercial real estate
New construction
Investment properties

What a Real Estate Attorney Actually Does During Closing

Here’s a breakdown of the key roles a Florida real estate attorney plays during the closing process:

1. Reviewing and Drafting Contracts

Your attorney can review the purchase and sale agreement (or draft it if needed), ensuring that the terms are clear, enforceable, and aligned with your interests. They can also propose modifications, add contingencies, or identify red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed.

2. Conducting Title Searches and Clearing Title Issues

Attorneys can perform or review a title search to confirm that the property is free from liens, judgments, and ownership disputes. If any issues arise (e.g., unpaid taxes, HOA claims, or boundary disputes), your attorney will work to resolve them before closing.

3. Explaining Closing Documents

Closings involve dozens of documents, from deeds and affidavits to settlement statements and mortgage disclosures. Your real estate attorney will review these documents for accuracy and explain their significance so that you're not signing anything blindly.

4. Handling Escrow and Funds

In many cases, your attorney will coordinate the transfer of funds—such as deposits, loan proceeds, and final payments—ensuring that everything is handled securely and according to the closing timeline.

5. Coordinating With Other Parties

Your attorney acts as a liaison between the buyer, seller, realtors, lenders, title company, and inspectors—helping to resolve issues quickly and keep the transaction moving smoothly.

6. Attending and Overseeing the Closing

On the day of closing, your attorney will either attend in person or review documents in advance to ensure everything is legally correct. They will confirm that:

All paperwork is executed correctly
Deeds are recorded properly
Final payments are distributed accurately

7. Post-Closing Legal Support

If any disputes arise after the closing—such as problems with the title, undisclosed defects, or breaches of contract—your attorney can take swift legal action to protect your rights.

Why Having a Real Estate Attorney Matters

Real estate is one of the biggest investments most people make. Mistakes in closing documents or unresolved title issues can lead to costly legal problems down the road. A real estate attorney gives you:

Peace of mind
Legal protection
Professional oversight
A clear understanding of your rights and obligations

Get Legal Guidance for Your Florida Closing

At The Law Office of Adolphus Thompson, we help buyers, sellers, and investors across Florida navigate the real estate closing process with confidence. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or selling commercial property, we provide clear guidance, efficient document handling, and dependable legal protection at every step.

Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can help you close with clarity and peace of mind.

What Does a Real Estate Attorney Do in Florida Closings?