Florida Finance
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)

Finance questions on the Florida real estate exam cover mortgage types, loan-to-value ratios, qualifying ratios, and federal lending laws. The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) tests both the mechanics of real estate financing and the regulatory framework — particularly RESPA, TILA (Truth in Lending), and the TRID rules that govern loan disclosures. Florida candidates often lose points on financing questions because they understand the concept but miss the specific numerical thresholds or disclosure timing requirements that appear on the FL exam. Pay particular attention to ARM vs. fixed-rate mortgage distinctions, the calculation of LTV ratios, and what information must appear in specific disclosure documents.

Practice Questions

Florida Finance — Practice Questions & Answers

134 questions on Finance from the Florida real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 134.

Q1. Florida is known for its heavy use of title insurance in real estate closings. Title insurance in Florida typically includes all of the following EXCEPT:

A.Owner's title insurance policy for the buyer
B.Lender's title insurance policy for the mortgagee
C.Coverage for defects that arise after the policy effective date
D.Coverage for unpaid liens that existed before closing

Explanation

Title insurance covers defects, liens, and encumbrances that existed before or at the time of closing but were not discovered during the title search. It does NOT cover defects that arise after the policy's effective date.

Q2. A Florida property is purchased for $450,000. The buyer makes a 5% down payment and finances the balance with a conventional loan. What is the loan amount?

A.$22,500
B.$382,500
C.$427,500
D.$450,000

Explanation

Down payment = $450,000 × 5% = $22,500. Loan amount = $450,000 − $22,500 = $427,500.

Q3. Under RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act), a 'kickback' or referral fee paid between settlement service providers is:

A.Permitted if disclosed to the buyer
B.Prohibited unless a bona fide service is provided
C.Always allowed between licensed real estate professionals
D.Only allowed in commercial transactions

Explanation

RESPA prohibits unearned fees and kickbacks among settlement service providers. However, referral fees are permissible only when they are for actual, bona fide services rendered and are properly disclosed.

Q4. Florida's documentary stamp tax on mortgages (intangible tax) is calculated based on the:

A.Appraised value of the property
B.Total purchase price of the property
C.Amount of the mortgage/loan
D.Net proceeds to the seller

Explanation

In Florida, the documentary stamp tax on promissory notes and mortgages (intangible tax) is calculated at $0.35 per $100 (or fraction thereof) of the mortgage/loan amount.

Q5. A wraparound mortgage in Florida is an example of:

A.A first mortgage issued by a conventional lender
B.A form of seller financing that encompasses an existing underlying mortgage
C.A government-backed loan program
D.A reverse mortgage available to seniors

Explanation

A wraparound mortgage is a form of seller financing where the seller holds a new mortgage that 'wraps around' and includes the existing underlying mortgage. The buyer makes payments to the seller, who continues paying the original lender.

Q6. In Florida, the documentary stamp tax on a mortgage (also called an 'intangible tax' or 'mortgage tax') is charged at:

A.$.35 per $100 of the mortgage amount
B.$.20 per $100 of the mortgage amount
C.$.70 per $100 of the purchase price
D.No documentary stamp tax is charged on mortgages in Florida

Explanation

Florida charges documentary stamp tax on promissory notes and mortgages (the intangible tax) at $0.35 per $100 (or fraction thereof) of the principal amount of the note. Separate doc stamps are charged on the deed at $0.70 per $100 of the consideration.

Q7. What does 'loan-to-value ratio' (LTV) represent in a Florida mortgage transaction?

A.The ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value or purchase price, whichever is lower
B.The ratio of monthly payments to monthly income
C.The ratio of the down payment to the annual interest rate
D.The ratio of closing costs to the purchase price

Explanation

LTV is the loan amount divided by the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price. For example, a $180,000 loan on a $200,000 property = 90% LTV. Higher LTV typically means more risk for the lender and may require PMI.

Q8. A Florida buyer obtains an FHA loan with 3.5% down. On a $250,000 purchase price, what is the required down payment?

A.$5,000
B.$7,500
C.$8,750
D.$12,500

Explanation

FHA requires a minimum 3.5% down payment for borrowers with qualifying credit scores. $250,000 × 3.5% = $8,750.

Q9. Which federal law requires lenders to provide borrowers with a Loan Estimate within 3 business days of receiving a loan application?

A.RESPA
B.TILA
C.TRID (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure)
D.ECOA

Explanation

The TRID rule (TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure), also known as the 'Know Before You Owe' rule, requires lenders to provide the Loan Estimate within 3 business days of receiving a complete loan application.

Q10. In Florida, a 'purchase money mortgage' is one where:

A.The buyer obtains financing from a conventional bank only
B.The seller accepts a mortgage from the buyer as part of the purchase price
C.The buyer uses cash from a sale of another property
D.The lender provides funds specifically for the purchase of consumer goods

Explanation

A purchase money mortgage (PMM) is created when the seller accepts a mortgage from the buyer as partial payment of the purchase price. The seller essentially acts as the lender. PMMs are also called 'seller financing' or 'owner financing.'

Q11. What is the maximum conforming loan limit for a single-family home in most Florida counties (as of recent FHFA guidelines)?

A.$417,000
B.$548,250
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