In Florida, the documentary stamp tax is a tax excised on
certain documents that are executed, delivered, or recorded. The
documentary stamp tax primarily applies to real estate and
financial documents. Documents that require the documentary stamp
tax include deeds, bonds, promissory notes, mortgages, or liens.
Upon recording of the document, the documentary stamp tax is paid
to the county clerk of court. If the document is not recorded, then
the tax is paid to the Florida Department of Revenue. Like all
taxes, the purpose of the documentary stamp tax is to collect
revenue.
How to Calculate the Documentary Stamp Tax:
The price of the documentary stamp tax varies based on the type
of document. For instance, the documentary stamp tax rate for real
estate deeds is $.70 per $100, rounded up, based on the total
purchase price. For instance, if you purchase a property for
$300,000, the tax would be $2,100 ($300,000 / $100 x $0.70).
