Florida’s real estate settlement industry has never been busier — or more complex. From regulatory expansions to rising fraud threats, 2025 is shaping up to be a year where adaptability isn’t just an advantage, it’s a necessity.

Whether you operate in Miami, Orlando, or a rural county, these are the shifts that will define closings in Florida this year.

FinCEN’s Rule Expansion: From Select Cities to Statewide

If you work in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, or other targeted metro areas, you’ve already been living under Geographic Targeting Orders (GTOs).

That changes on December 1, 2025, when GTOs will be replaced by a nationwide residential real estate reporting rule from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)¹.

What’s new:

• No minimum purchase price — even lower-value cash deals require reporting.
• Every Florida county is covered — not just the largest metros.
• Applies to all-cash residential purchases involving legal entities or trusts.

For title companies outside GTO markets, this will mean adopting new processes, staff training, and document handling. For companies already in GTO areas, the workflow may feel familiar, but the number of reportable transactions will likely increase. Stay tuned for more information coming from Capital Bank as these new regulations take effect. 

Wire Fraud Is Climbing — and Costs Are Rising

Florida’s strong in-migration, high percentage of cash deals (nearly 40% of all sales)², and fast-paced closings make it a prime target for wire fraud.

• Wire fraud attempts are up 18% year-over-year in Florida closings³.
• Nationally, losses exceeding $50,000 have risen 31%, and only 19% of stolen funds are fully recovered⁴.
• First-time buyers are three times more likely to be targeted — and Florida ranks at the top for attracting first-time and out-of-state buyers⁵.

Practical safeguards include multi-factor verification for wiring instructions, ongoing fraud awareness training for staff, and clear, pre-closing education for clients.

Deed Fraud: A Low-Cost, High-Impact Threat

Quitclaim deed fraud is gaining attention in Florida. Bad actors can forge signatures and record deeds for vacant or rental properties, sometimes for under $1 in filing fees⁶.

Several Florida clerk’s offices now offer free property fraud alert systems that notify owners when documents are filed in their name⁷. Title companies can add value by informing clients about these tools during or after closing.

Market Pressures and Insurance Challenges

Florida’s housing market continues to outperform the national average, but rising costs are adding complexity to the closing process.

• As of early 2025, Miami home prices are 60% above the state average⁸.
• Average annual home insurance premiums in Florida are approaching $6,000, more than triple the national average⁹.
• In some areas, insurance availability issues are delaying or derailing sales¹⁰.

These factors are contributing to extended negotiations, more complex underwriting, and last-minute deal changes, requiring flexibility and strong communication among all parties.

References & Resources:¹ALTA – Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)² Florida Realtors – Florida Cash Sales Trends  ³Florida Realtors – Wire Fraud Attempts in Florida ⁴ Qualia – 2025 Wire Fraud Special Report ⁵Florida Realtors – First-Time Buyer Vulnerabilities ⁶The Sun – Quitclaim Deed Fraud in Florida ⁷Florida County Clerk’s Offices – Property Fraud Alert Systems (varies by county) ⁸ Cotality – Florida Housing Market Analysis ⁹Wikipedia – Climate Change and Insurance in the United States ¹⁰Florida Realtors – Insurance Impact on Real Estate Sales