Title Company vs. Closing Attorney: What’s the Difference in Florida Real Estate Closings?

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Title company vs closing attorney Florida

Title Company vs. Closing Attorney: What’s the Difference in Florida Real Estate Closings?

Buying or selling property is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make. In Florida, every real estate transaction must go through a closing process to transfer ownership, verify clear title, and ensure all funds are properly distributed. But when it comes to who handles the closing, many buyers and sellers ask:

Should I use a title company or a closing attorney?

At St. Johns Law Group, we provide both real estate and title services in St. Augustine and across Northeast Florida. Here’s what you need to know.

What Does a Title Company Do?

A title company focuses primarily on verifying and insuring the title to the property. Their responsibilities include:

  • Performing a title search to uncover liens, mortgages, or judgments.

  • Issuing a title insurance policy for buyers and lenders.

  • Preparing the settlement statement and distributing funds.

  • Recording the deed and mortgage with the county.

👉 Learn more about our Real Estate Closings at Title Company Prices.

However, title companies are not law firms. They cannot provide legal advice if a problem arises.

What Does a Closing Attorney Do?

A closing attorney can do everything a title company does — and more. At St. Johns Law Group, our real estate attorneys regularly:

In short, a closing attorney offers the same services as a title company plus the assurance of legal protection.

Why Many Buyers and Sellers Choose a Closing Attorney

While a title company may be fine for straightforward deals, real estate closings often involve complications:

Only an attorney can resolve these issues and protect your interests.

At St. Johns Law Group, you get the benefit of real estate closings at title company prices — plus the backing of St. Augustine’s largest law firm.

St. Johns Law Group: Closings with Full Legal Protection

  • Licensed Florida real estate attorneys with decades of experience.

  • Full-service title company offering efficient closings.

  • Local knowledge of St. Augustine, St. Johns County, and Northeast Florida.

  • The strength of a 12-attorney firm with 250+ years of combined legal experience.

Explore more of our real estate services:

📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a title company required for a real estate closing in Florida?
No. A closing can be handled by either a title company or a closing attorney. With an attorney, you get legal protection as part of the process.

2. Do closing attorneys also provide title insurance?
Yes. At St. Johns Law Group, our attorneys are licensed to issue title insurance and handle the entire closing process.

3. Is hiring a closing attorney more expensive than using a title company?
Not at our firm. We provide real estate closings at title company prices, giving you legal protection at no added cost.

4. What if a dispute arises after closing?
If you used only a title company, you may need to hire an attorney later. With a closing attorney, you already have representation built in.

5. Do I need a closing attorney for a cash deal?
Even in cash transactions, legal issues can arise — such as unpaid liens, boundary disputes, or probate complications. A closing attorney ensures the transaction is legally sound.

Areas We Serve

We proudly handle closings for clients in:

  • St. Augustine & St. Augustine Beach

  • Ponte Vedra Beach & Nocatee

  • Palm Coast & Flagler County

  • Jacksonville & Duval County

  • Clay, Nassau & Putnam Counties

  • Southern Georgia

Conclusion: Protect Your Real Estate Investment

When deciding between a title company and a closing attorney, consider the peace of mind that comes from having legal protection at no added cost.

📞 Contact St. Johns Law Group today at 904-495-0400 to schedule your consultation.