How Early Should I Submit a Power of Attorney for a Florida Real Estate Closing?
Submit your power of attorney to the title company at least 2 weeks before closing — not the day before. Here is why early submission matters and what happens if you wait too long.
How Early Should I Submit a Power of Attorney for a Florida Real Estate Closing?
Submit your power of attorney to the title company at least 2 weeks before closing — ideally as soon as you know you will be using one.
Why Early Submission Matters
The title company must review and approve the power of attorney before it can be used at closing. This review takes time, and if the title company identifies a problem, you need time to fix it.
Common issues that require time to resolve:
- Defective execution: The POA was not properly witnessed or notarized. The principal must execute a new POA.
- Insufficient scope: The POA does not specifically grant authority for real estate transactions. A new POA may be needed.
- Missing affidavit: The title company requires an affidavit from the attorney-in-fact confirming the POA is still in effect.
- Out-of-state POA: A POA executed in another state may require additional review to confirm it meets Florida's requirements.
If you submit the POA the day before closing and the title company identifies a problem, the closing will be delayed.
The Recommended Timeline
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| As soon as you know you will use a POA | Notify your agent and the title company |
| Within the first week after contract | Submit the original POA to the title company |
| 2 weeks before closing | Confirm the title company has reviewed and approved the POA |
| 1 week before closing | Confirm all additional documentation (affidavit, ID) is ready |
What to Submit
- The original power of attorney (not a copy)
- A copy of the principal's government-issued photo ID
- A copy of the attorney-in-fact's government-issued photo ID
- Any supporting documentation (affidavit, if required)
FAQ
Can I submit a copy of the POA initially and bring the original to closing?
The title company needs the original for recording. You can submit a copy for initial review, but the original must be available before closing.
What if the principal is overseas and cannot easily execute a new POA?
This is exactly why early submission is critical. If the POA has a problem and the principal is overseas, fixing it takes time. Do not wait until the last minute.
What if I am using a military power of attorney?
See our post on military powers of attorney for Florida real estate closings.
Using a power of attorney for your Emerald Coast closing? I can help you coordinate with the title company to ensure everything is submitted and approved on time.
— Kinsey Haddock P.A., Broker Associate | Coldwell Banker Realty — Panhandle | License #BK3253849
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Written by
Kinsey Haddock P.A.Kinsey Haddock P.A. is a Broker Associate and REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Realty, specializing in coastal real estate across the entire Florida Panhandle — from St. George Island and the Forgotten Coast to Panama City Beach, Scenic Highway 30A, and Destin.