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Florida eClosing and Remote Online Real Estate Closings: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

Rush Notary Team·

Buying or selling a home traditionally ends with everyone gathered around a conference table, signing stacks of paper while a notary watches. In Florida, that scene is increasingly being replaced by eClosings — fully digital real estate closings where buyers, sellers, lenders, and notaries connect through secure video technology.

This guide explains how eClosings work in Florida, what documents can be signed remotely, and what buyers and sellers should expect from the process.

What Is an eClosing?

An eClosing, or electronic closing, is a real estate transaction in which some or all documents are signed electronically rather than with pen and paper. There are three levels of eClosing:

Hybrid eClosing

Most documents are signed electronically, but certain documents — typically the promissory note and deed — are signed with traditional wet ink signatures. This is the most common type of eClosing in Florida today.

In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN)

All documents are signed electronically, but the notary is physically present with the signer. The notary applies an electronic seal while sitting in the same room.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) eClosing

All documents are signed electronically, and the notary participates via secure video call. This is the most flexible option and allows parties to close from different locations.

Is Remote Online Closing Legal in Florida?

Yes. Florida has permitted remote online notarization since 2019, and the practice expanded significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida Statute 117.285 governs RON and explicitly allows online notarization for real estate documents, including deeds, mortgages, and closing disclosures.

However, acceptance depends on:

  • The lender's policies
  • The title company's capabilities
  • The county recorder's technology
  • The underwriter's requirements

Not all lenders and title companies offer RON eClosings yet, but adoption is growing rapidly.

Documents Typically Signed at a Florida eClosing

A residential real estate closing involves many documents. Here is how they break down in an eClosing:

Electronic Signature Documents

These are commonly signed electronically in hybrid and RON eClosings:

  • Closing Disclosure
  • ALTA Settlement Statement
  • Title documents and affidavits
  • HOA disclosures
  • Insurance documents
  • Wire transfer instructions
  • Most lender disclosures

Documents Requiring Special Handling

These documents may still require wet ink signatures or additional verification:

  • Promissory Note — Many lenders require wet ink signatures on the note for securitization purposes
  • Deed — Some title companies and county recorders prefer or require wet ink deeds
  • Power of Attorney — If someone is signing on behalf of another party, additional verification may be required

The specific requirements vary by lender, title company, and county.

How a RON eClosing Works in Florida

Step 1: Document Preparation

The title company or closing attorney prepares all closing documents in electronic format. Each document is tagged with signature fields for the appropriate parties.

Step 2: Identity Verification

Before the closing, each signer completes:

  • Credential analysis — Scanning and validating a government-issued photo ID
  • Knowledge-based authentication — Answering identity verification questions

Florida requires both steps for all remote online notarizations.

Step 3: The eClosing Session

All parties join a secure video conference:

  • The buyer(s)
  • The seller(s)
  • The notary or notaries
  • The closing agent or attorney (optional, depending on platform)
  • The lender's representative (optional)

The notary guides signers through each document, confirms they understand what they are signing, and witnesses each electronic signature.

Step 4: Notary Seals and Document Distribution

The notary applies electronic seals to the notarized documents. All parties receive tamper-evident PDF copies immediately after the session.

Step 5: Recording and Funding

The title company submits the deed and mortgage to the county recorder. Funds are disbursed via wire transfer. The process typically completes within 24 to 48 hours of the closing session.

Benefits of eClosings for Buyers and Sellers

Convenience

Buyers and sellers can close from home, work, or even while traveling. There is no need to take time off work, arrange childcare, or fight traffic to reach a title company's office.

Speed

Electronic document preparation, signing, and delivery are faster than paper-based processes. Errors can be corrected in real time during the session.

Security

Digital signatures, tamper-evident documents, and session recordings create a stronger audit trail than traditional paper closings. Documents cannot be lost, stolen, or altered without detection.

Accessibility

eClosings benefit:

  • Buyers and sellers in different states
  • Military families relocating on short notice
  • Elderly or disabled individuals who have difficulty traveling
  • Busy professionals with demanding schedules
  • Snowbirds who are not physically in Florida at closing time

Challenges and Limitations

Not All Lenders Offer RON

While RON is legal in Florida, some lenders — particularly those who sell loans to government-sponsored enterprises like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — have specific requirements that may limit RON adoption.

County Recorder Variability

Florida's 67 county recorders have varying levels of technology adoption. Some accept electronically notarized and signed documents without issue. Others may require additional verification or have limited eRecording capabilities.

Technology Requirements

eClosings require:

  • A reliable internet connection
  • A device with a camera and microphone
  • Basic computer literacy

Signers who lack these resources may find traditional closings easier.

Complexity for Multi-Party Transactions

Transactions with multiple sellers, trusts, corporations, or Power of Attorney signers can complicate eClosings. Each party must complete identity verification, and coordination becomes more challenging.

Florida Counties and eRecording

Most Florida counties now accept eRecorded documents, but capabilities vary:

Full eRecording:

  • Miami-Dade
  • Broward
  • Palm Beach
  • Orange
  • Hillsborough
  • Pinellas
  • Duval
  • Lee
  • Collier

Partial or Limited eRecording:

  • Some rural counties accept electronic documents but require manual review
  • A few counties still require physical document submission for certain document types

Your title company or closing attorney will confirm the specific requirements for your county.

Cost of a RON eClosing in Florida

RON eClosing costs are comparable to traditional closings:

  • Notary fee: $25 per notary seal (same as traditional online notarization)
  • eClosing platform fee: Some title companies charge a technology fee of $50 to $150
  • Recording fees: County recording fees are the same regardless of document format
  • Title insurance: Unchanged by eClosing format

Some lenders and title companies absorb the eClosing platform fee to encourage adoption.

Tips for a Successful eClosing

Test Your Technology in Advance

Before closing day, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection. Make sure you can access the eClosing platform and understand how to navigate documents.

Review Documents Early

Most eClosing platforms allow you to review documents before the session. Read everything in advance so you can ask questions during the closing rather than delaying the process.

Have Backup Communication

Keep your phone nearby in case the video platform experiences technical issues. The closing agent can call you to resolve problems without stopping the session.

Ensure Privacy

Close in a private space where you will not be interrupted. Real estate closings involve sensitive financial information.

Ask Questions

The notary and closing agent are there to help. If you do not understand a document, ask before signing. You have the right to take your time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is an eClosing legally binding in Florida?

Yes. eClosings are fully legal and binding in Florida. Electronic signatures on closing documents are valid under Florida's UETA and the federal ESIGN Act.

Q: Can I use a RON eClosing for a cash purchase?

Cash purchases are often the easiest transactions for eClosings because there is no lender imposing additional requirements. Most title companies readily offer eClosings for cash deals.

Q: What if I change my mind during the eClosing?

You are not obligated to sign any document. If you have concerns, pause the session and consult your attorney. Once you sign and the notary applies the seal, the document is legally binding.

Q: Can Rush Notary handle my eClosing?

Rush Notary provides notary services for eClosings coordinated through title companies and closing attorneys. Contact your closing agent to confirm whether they offer RON eClosing, and request Rush Notary as your notary provider.