The way we close on real estate in Florida has changed dramatically. Digital closings are now a mainstream part of the real estate process. But with that convenience comes a growing threat: wire fraud. In 2026, real estate wire fraud remains one of the most costly cybercrimes in the country, targeting buyers, sellers, and title companies alike.

At Bosshardt Title, we believe that a smooth, secure closing starts with an informed client. We'll walk you through what digital closings look like in Florida today and exactly how to protect yourself from wire fraud every step of the way.

What is a Digital Closing?

A digital closing allows buyers and sellers to complete a real estate transaction remotely, without all parties needing to be physically present. Thanks to Florida's adoption of Remote Online Notarization (RON), signers can verify their identity via live video and sign documents electronically from anywhere with a stable internet connection. Florida was one of the first states to approve RON, and as of 2026, notaries must use state-certified RON platforms to ensure compliance. This means digital closings in Florida are convenient, legally recognized, and highly regulated.

How Digital Closings Work

1. Identity Verification: The signer connects with a certified notary via secure video call and verifies their identity using government-issued ID.
2. Document Review: All closing documents are reviewed electronically through a secure platform.
3. Electronic Signing: Documents are signed digitally in real time, with the notary witnessing the process via video.
4. Notarization & Recording: The notary electronically notarizes the documents, which are then recorded with the appropriate county office. 

Digital closings are often more secure than traditional paper-based closings, thanks to encryption, audit trails, and two-factor authentication required under Florida's updated cybersecurity standards.

The Growing Threat: Wire Fraud in Real Estate

As digital closings have grown in popularity, so have wire fraud attempts. Real estate transactions involve large sums of money transferred quickly, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. Scammers typically hack into email accounts of buyers, sellers, agents, or title companies and send fraudulent wire instructions that redirect funds to criminal accounts.

By the time the fraud is discovered, the money is often gone and recovery is extremely difficult. This is why vigilance is non-negotiable at every step of your transaction.

How to Protect Yourself: Wire Fraud Prevention Tips

Before Your Transaction

• Use strong, unique passwords for your email and enable multi-factor authentication.
• Don't post about your upcoming real estate transaction on social media because scammers actively monitor these platforms to identify targets.
• Ask your title company upfront how they will send wire instructions and what their verification process is.

During Your Transaction

• Never trust wire instructions sent solely via email. Treat any email with wire instructions as potentially fraudulent until verified.
• Call to verify using a phone number you look up independently (from the title company's official website or business card), never from a number provided in the email.
• Be highly skeptical of any last-minute changes to wire instructions. This is the #1 red flag for wire fraud.
• Avoid conducting financial transactions over public Wi-Fi.

After Wiring Funds

• Confirm receipt with your title company immediately after wiring funds.
• If something feels off, act fast. Contact your bank immediately to attempt a recall of the wire.

How Bosshardt Title Protects You

At Bosshardt Title, protecting our clients is at the core of everything we do. We follow strict cybersecurity protocols, use encrypted communication platforms, and verify all wire instructions through multiple channels before any funds are transferred. We also proactively educate our clients on fraud prevention at the start of every transaction.

Whether you're closing in person or digitally, you can trust that our team is watching out for you every step of the way.

Have questions about digital closings or wire fraud prevention? Contact Bosshardt Title today at (352) 240-9105 or visit bosshardttitle.com. We're here to make sure your closing is safe, smooth, and stress-free.