Frequently Asked Questions

We know the closing process can feel overwhelming, especially if you're buying or selling a home for the first time. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often. If you don't see what you're looking for, contact our team and we'll be happy to help.

What is title insurance?
Title insurance is a one-time policy that protects property owners and lenders against financial loss caused by defects in a property's title. There are two types: an owner's policy, which protects the buyer's equity in the property for as long as they or their heirs own it, and a lender's policy, which protects the mortgage lender's interest in the property. Unlike other forms of insurance that cover future events, title insurance covers issues that already exist in the public record but may not have been discovered yet — such as liens, easements, forgeries, or errors in prior deeds. In Florida, both policies are issued at closing and require only a single premium payment.
Who pays for title insurance in Florida?
In most Florida counties, the seller customarily pays for the owner's title insurance policy, while the buyer pays for the lender's title insurance policy required by their mortgage company. However, this is not set in stone — it is a negotiable item in the purchase contract, and local customs can vary by county. In some parts of South Florida, for example, the buyer may pay for both policies. Your real estate agent and closing team can help you understand what is typical in your area. At Meridian Title, we work with buyers and sellers to make sure everyone understands their costs well before the closing date. See our title premium calculator for an estimate.
How much does title insurance cost in Florida?
Florida is a rate-regulated state, which means title insurance premiums are set by the Florida Department of Financial Services. Every title company in the state charges the same premium for the same coverage amount — there is no shopping around for a lower rate on the insurance itself. The premium is based on the purchase price or loan amount, whichever applies to the policy being issued. For a simultaneous issue — when both an owner's and lender's policy are issued at the same closing — a discounted rate applies to the lender's policy. You can estimate your premium using our title premium calculator, which uses the current Florida promulgated rate schedule.
What does a title company do?
A title company manages the closing process from start to finish. Our responsibilities include ordering and reviewing the title search, identifying and resolving any issues found in the public record, coordinating with lenders and real estate agents, preparing closing documents, conducting the closing itself, disbursing funds to all parties, and recording the deed and mortgage with the county. We also issue the title insurance policies that protect both the buyer and the lender. Think of the title company as a neutral third party that makes sure everyone's interests are protected and every detail is handled correctly. Learn more about what we do on our services page.
How long does a closing take?
There are two ways to think about timing. The overall process — from signed purchase contract to the day you sit at the closing table — typically takes 30 to 45 days for a financed purchase and can be faster for cash transactions. During that time, the title search, inspections, appraisal, and loan underwriting are all happening in parallel. The closing appointment itself, when you come to our office to sign documents, usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes depending on the complexity of the transaction. We schedule closings during our regular business hours and are happy to walk you through every document.
What should I bring to closing?
Every signer should bring a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. If you are bringing funds to closing, they must be in the form of a cashier's check or wire transfer — personal checks are not accepted for closing funds. Your closing team will provide the exact amount and wiring instructions ahead of time. If you are married and your spouse is not on the transaction, they may still need to attend and sign certain documents depending on Florida homestead law. We send detailed closing instructions before your appointment so there are no surprises. If you have questions, call us at (352) 567-1241.
What is a title search?
A title search is a thorough examination of the public records related to a specific property. Our team reviews deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, tax records, easements, and other recorded documents to trace the chain of ownership and identify any issues that could affect the buyer's rights. The search typically covers at least 30 years of records and is performed before closing to ensure the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership and that no outstanding claims exist against the property. If problems are found — such as an unsatisfied lien or a missing heir — they must be resolved before the transaction can close and title insurance can be issued.
What is an escrow account?
An escrow account is a secure, neutral holding account managed by the title company or closing agent. When a buyer makes an earnest money deposit after signing a purchase contract, those funds are placed in escrow rather than given directly to the seller. The money is held safely until closing, at which point it is applied toward the buyer's purchase price. Escrow accounts protect both parties: the buyer knows their deposit is safe, and the seller knows the buyer has committed funds to the transaction. Meridian Title maintains its escrow accounts in strict compliance with Florida regulations, and every dollar is tracked and accounted for throughout the process.
Do I need an attorney at closing in Florida?
Florida does not require an attorney to be present at a real estate closing, but having one is strongly recommended. Real estate transactions involve complex legal documents, and an attorney can review the contract, explain your rights, and identify potential issues that a non-lawyer might miss. At Meridian Title, every transaction is directed by a licensed Florida attorney through our affiliation with Auvil Walters Attorneys at Law. This means you benefit from attorney oversight on every closing we handle, whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing. It is one of the key advantages of working with an attorney-directed title company.
What is a closing disclosure?
The closing disclosure is a five-page document that itemizes every cost associated with your mortgage loan and real estate transaction. Federal law under the TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure rule requires that borrowers receive the closing disclosure at least three business days before their scheduled closing date. This three-day review period gives you time to compare the final numbers against the loan estimate you received earlier, ask questions, and flag any discrepancies. If significant changes are made after the disclosure is issued, the three-day clock may restart. Our team prepares the closing disclosure in coordination with your lender and ensures you have time to review everything before you sign.
What does "clear title" mean?
A clear title means that the property's ownership history has been thoroughly examined and no outstanding claims, liens, or legal disputes exist that could challenge the new owner's rights. Before a title insurance policy can be issued, the title must be cleared of any defects found during the title search. Common issues that can cloud a title include unpaid taxes, contractor liens, child support judgments, errors in public records, or unresolved estate matters. Meridian Title works to identify and resolve these issues before closing so the buyer receives a clean transfer of ownership. A clear title gives both the buyer and their lender confidence that the property can be owned and sold without legal complications.
How do I contact Meridian Title Company?
We would love to hear from you. You can reach us by phone at (352) 567-1241 or by email at . Our office is located at 37837 Meridian Avenue, Suite 100, Dade City, FL 33525, in the historic Centennial Building in downtown Dade City. Office hours are Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm (Closed 12:00pm - 1:00pm), and we are available weekends: by appointment for closings when needed. You can also reach out through our online contact form and a member of our team will respond promptly. Whether you have a question about a current transaction or want to start a new order, we are here to help.