Earnest money deposits and settlement funds, held in our trust account with strict accounting and timely disbursement — the quiet backbone of every clean Florida closing.
Earnest money, settlement funds, and other deposits are received by wire or trust check, confirmed in writing, and matched to signed escrow instructions. Every deposit is logged the day it lands — no “we’ll get to it Monday,” no missing receipts.
Funds sit in our IOTA trust account — separate from operating accounts, governed by Florida Bar trust rules, and reconciled regularly. You’ll always know what’s held, on whose behalf, and for what purpose. Statements and confirmations on request.
When the deal closes or the conditions are met, funds disburse by wire or trust check exactly as the instructions and closing statement direct — to the seller, lender, lienholders, agents, and other proper payees. If a dispute arises, we follow the agreement and the trust account rules, never improvise.
A few of the things clients ask before reaching out.
Escrow holdings is the broad term for any funds we hold in trust — most often the buyer’s earnest money deposit and the settlement funds that flow through closing. A holdback is a specific kind of holding kept after closing for a defined condition, like repairs or permits.
In our IOTA trust account at a Florida-approved financial institution, separate from any operating account. Trust accounts are governed by The Florida Bar and audited under strict rules.
By wire (preferred) or trust check. Wiring instructions are confirmed verbally — never trust wiring instructions you receive only by email without calling our office to verify. Once funds arrive, we send a written receipt the same business day.
Earnest money is generally protected during contingency periods (inspection, financing, title) and refundable if you cancel within those windows. Once contingencies expire, the deposit becomes more exposed under the contract’s default terms — which is one of the things we walk through during contract review.
We don’t pick a winner. Florida and contract rules require us to hold the funds until the parties agree in writing or a court directs disbursement. We’ll explain the options — typically a written release, mediation, or interpleader — and protect the funds while you decide.
Always. Trust funds aren’t handed off. Every receipt, every disbursement, every reconciliation is reviewed by Gabrielle personally.
Share a few details and Gabrielle will reach out personally — usually within one business day.
Palm Beach County, Florida
(561) 345-3516
