The Closing Itself
Who Attends a Florida Closing, and Who Can Sign Remotely?
Direct answer
A Florida closing needs a qualified closer or notary and every person whose signature the documents require — usually the buyers on the loan and deed, and the sellers on the deed. Realtors often attend but are not required. Lenders rarely sit at the table. If someone cannot appear, Florida allows a mobile notary, a power of attorney when the lender accepts it, or remote online notarization when the underwriter and the document type allow it. Deeds still need proper witnessing. Cash files are often the most flexible. Financed files follow the lender's signing rules.
Key takeaways
- Buyers and sellers sign. They do not have to sign in the same room or on the same day if the file allows a split closing.
- Realtors are welcome and useful. They are not a required signer.
- Remote online notarization is legal in Florida. The lender and title underwriter still have to permit it on that package.
- A Florida deed typically needs two witnesses and a notary, including on many remote signings.
- Bring government photo ID that matches the name on the documents.
Who actually has to be there?
Anyone the documents name as a signer. Buyers sign the note, mortgage, and closing package on a financed purchase. Sellers sign the deed and seller documents. If the property is homestead, a spouse may have to join even when that spouse is not on the current title.
The closer or notary runs the signing. Time to Close Title can do that at 3087 Anderson Snow Road in Spring Hill, send a mobile notary, or set up remote online notarization when the file allows it.
| Person | Must sign? | Usually attends? |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer(s) | Yes, or a permitted POA / remote signing | Yes |
| Seller(s) | Yes, on the deed | Often; can be a split or remote signing |
| Spouse on homestead | Often yes, even if not on title | When their signature is required |
| Realtor | No | Often, for keys and walkthrough issues |
| Lender | No | Rarely in person |
| Closer / notary | They take the signatures | Always, in person or online |
Who can sign remotely in Florida?
Florida authorizes remote online notarization. The signer is on a recorded audio-video session, presents identification the platform can verify, and the notary is commissioned for RON. Two witnesses can appear the same way when the deed requires them.
Permission is the limiter. The lender, the title underwriter, and the document type have to allow RON. Some loan packages still require wet ink. Some out-of-state signers are easier on RON than on a last-minute flight. Ask when you open the file, not the afternoon before the Closing Disclosure wait ends.
- Mobile notary: a notary comes to the hospital, office, or house. Wet-ink documents.
- Power of attorney: the agent signs. The lender must approve the POA before closing.
- Remote online notarization: video session, when the lender and underwriter allow it.
- Split closing: buyers sign here, sellers sign elsewhere, funds still have to balance.
What should each person bring?
Government-issued photo ID that matches the name on the contract and loan documents. If you are wiring funds, confirm instructions by phone at (352) 792-1214 — never from an email alone. See what to bring to a Florida closing.
Sellers should have keys, remotes, and any access codes the contract requires. Possession still follows the contract, not the moment the pen hits the deed.
Office
Sign at 3087 Anderson Snow Road in Spring Hill.
Mobile
A notary comes to you with the wet-ink package.
RON
Video notarization when the lender and underwriter allow it.
Tell us who cannot appear
Travel, hospital, out-of-state, or a spouse who needs to join.
We check the lender and the deed
RON, mobile, POA, or a split closing — only if the file allows it.
ID and names
The ID has to match the documents before the appointment starts.
Sign, fund, record
We disburse after good funds, then send the deed to the clerk.
How does Time to Close Title handle remote and split signings?
Tell us at file-open who will be in town. We close purchases, refinances, and cash deals from Spring Hill, including Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus properties. Contact us at (352) 792-1214 if you need a mobile or RON appointment on the calendar before the three-day CD window starts.
Frequently asked questions
Do the buyer and seller have to sit at the same table?
No. Split closings are common. Both sides still have to sign their documents, and we still need good funds before disbursement.
Can I close a Florida home from another state?
Often yes, by mobile notary where you are, overnight wet-ink, or RON if the lender allows it. Ask when the file opens.
Is remote online notarization legal in Florida?
Yes. The notary must be authorized for RON, and the lender and title underwriter must accept it on that package.
Does a realtor have to attend closing?
No. Many do. They are not a required signer.
Can Time to Close Title arrange a mobile or RON signing?
Yes, when the documents allow it. Call (352) 792-1214 and tell us who cannot come to the Spring Hill office.