What Happens After a Seller Accepts an Offer in Florida?

You've accepted an offer. Here's what happens next — and what you need to do at each stage.

Day 1–3: Contract execution and earnest money

Once both parties sign the contract, the buyer typically has 1–3 days to deliver the earnest money deposit to the escrow agent (usually the title company or closing attorney). The earnest money is held in escrow until closing. Confirm receipt with your agent.

The title company or closing attorney is typically selected at this stage if not already specified in the contract.

The inspection period (typically 10–15 days)

Under the Florida AS IS Residential Contract, the buyer has an inspection period — typically 10 to 15 days, negotiated in the contract — during which they can have the property inspected and cancel for any reason, receiving their earnest money back in full.

As the seller, you should:

• Provide access for inspections (general inspection, wind mitigation, 4-point, pool, termite, etc.)
• Not make any changes to the property during this period without the buyer's knowledge
• Be prepared for the buyer to request repairs or credits — or to cancel

If the buyer cancels during the inspection period, the earnest money is returned and the property goes back on the market.

If the buyer proceeds past the inspection period without canceling, the earnest money becomes harder for them to recover — they're more committed to closing.

Financing contingency (if applicable)

If the buyer is financing the purchase, the contract will include a financing contingency period — typically 30–45 days from contract execution. During this time, the buyer is working to secure their mortgage commitment. The lender will order an appraisal.

Appraisal: The lender's appraiser will visit the property and determine its market value. If the appraisal comes in below the contract price, the buyer may need to make up the difference in cash, renegotiate the price, or cancel (depending on the contract terms). As the seller, you can provide the appraiser with a list of comparable sales that support your price.

Loan commitment: Once the lender issues a loan commitment, the financing contingency is typically satisfied.

Title work

The title company conducts a title search — reviewing public records to confirm clear ownership and identify any liens, judgments, or encumbrances that need to be resolved before closing. If issues are found, they need to be cleared before closing can proceed.

As the seller, you'll need to provide:

• Payoff information for any existing mortgages
• HOA estoppel letter (if applicable)
• Any documentation related to known title issues

Condo document review (condo sales)

If you're selling a condo, the buyer has a right to review the condo association documents — financials, meeting minutes, rules and regulations, pending special assessments, and the budget. In Florida, the buyer typically has 3 days after receipt of the documents to cancel based on their review. Make sure the association provides the documents promptly.

Pre-closing walkthrough

The buyer typically conducts a final walkthrough 24–48 hours before closing to confirm the property is in the agreed-upon condition, that any agreed-upon repairs have been made, and that personal property included in the sale is present.

Closing day

Closing typically takes place at the title company or closing attorney's office. As the seller, you'll sign the deed and other closing documents. In Florida, sellers can often sign documents in advance or remotely if they can't attend in person.

The title company will:

• Pay off your existing mortgage(s)
• Deduct closing costs
• Disburse your net proceeds — typically by wire transfer on the day of closing or the next business day

What can still go wrong after acceptance

Buyer cancels during inspection period: Common — and within the buyer's rights under the AS IS contract. The earnest money is returned.

Appraisal gap: The property appraises below the contract price. Requires renegotiation or the buyer making up the difference.

Financing falls through: The buyer's loan is denied. Depending on the contract terms, the buyer may or may not recover their earnest money.

Title issues: Liens, judgments, or ownership disputes that need to be resolved before closing.

HOA or condo document issues: The buyer cancels after reviewing condo documents.

Your listing agent should be managing each of these milestones and keeping you informed throughout the process.

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Kinsey Haddock P.A. · Broker Associate · Coldwell Banker Realty — Panhandle · License #BK3253849