What documents do I need to sell my Keys home?

Property ownership documents

• Current deed or other ownership documentation
• Information for everyone listed on the title
• Mortgage or lien information, if applicable
• Homeowners association or condominium documents, if applicable

Property and improvement records

• Building permits
• Records for major renovations or additions
• Roof permits and documentation
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other significant improvement records
• Documentation for permitted additions or structures
• Warranties that may transfer to the buyer

Monroe County allows property owners and others to search active permits by address or parcel ID, along with completed and expired permit records.

Waterfront property records

If your property is waterfront, gather whatever documentation you have for:

• Dock
• Boat lift
• Seawall
• Shoreline improvements
• Waterfront permits
• Canal or access information
• Elevation documentation
• Previous engineering or inspection reports

Waterfront features can be a significant part of a Keys property's appeal and value. Having documentation available can help buyers and their inspectors understand what exists and whether improvements were properly permitted.

Insurance and flood information

It can also be helpful to have:

• Current homeowners insurance information
• Flood insurance information, if applicable
• Wind mitigation documentation
• Elevation certificate, if available
• Recent inspection reports
• Information about known repairs or claims

Monroe County provides floodplain-management resources, including information regarding elevation certificates and floodplain maps.

Closing documents and the deed

Your title company or closing agent will coordinate the documents required for the actual closing and can identify anything missing from the file.

The deed transferring the property is one of the key documents involved in the sale. Florida's Department of Revenue states that deeds and other documents transferring an interest in Florida real property are subject to documentary stamp tax, with the amount generally calculated based on the consideration for the transfer.

Because closing requirements can vary depending on the transaction, title, liens, ownership structure, and property type, your closing or title professional should confirm the documents required for your specific sale.

What if I don't have all of my documents?

Don't panic.

Start with the property's official records and work backward. Monroe County provides online resources for researching active, completed, and expired permits.

If you're missing an old permit, survey, elevation certificate, insurance document, or other record, it's better to discover that before you have a buyer under contract.