Florida Quit Claim Deed: How to Sign & Record
Transferring ownership of real estate in Florida using a Quit Claim Deed is one of the quickest ways to change title between family members or business partners. However, the process is highly technical, and failure to meet the state's signing and recording standards can void the transfer and lead to costly legal trouble down the road. This article breaks down the exact steps you must follow for a valid Quit Claim Deed: ensuring it is signed correctly with the required witnesses and notary, and properly recorded with the Florida county clerk's office.
Signing the Quit Claim Deed:
Grantor's Signature: The property owner (grantor) must sign the deed in the presence of two witnesses.
Witness Signatures: These witnesses must also sign the deed in the presence of the grantor and the notary public. The grantee or notary cannot be a witness to a Quit Claim Deed in Florida
Notarization: The grantor's signature must be notarized by a notary public. The notary public will verify the grantor's identity and witness their signature, along with the witnesses.
Recording the Quit Claim Deed:
Option 1: In-Person Recording:
Obtain Necessary Forms: Contact your county clerk's office to obtain the required recording forms. You may also be able to download them from the county's website.
Complete the Forms: Fill out the required forms, including the Real Property Transfer Information Sheet and any other applicable forms.
Pay Recording Fees: The recording fees vary by county. Contact your county clerk's office to determine the exact fees.
Submit Documents: Take the original signed Quit Claim Deed, the completed forms, and the payment to your county clerk's office.
Provide a Return Address: Indicate where you want the recorded deed to be returned after the recording process is complete.
Option 2: Online Recording:
Choose an eRecording Vendor:
Research and select an eRecording vendor that is compatible with your county's eRecording system. Popular vendors include:
eRecording USA
File and Go
Record-Nation
Create an Account:
Sign up for an account with your chosen eRecording vendor.
Prepare Your Documents:
Ensure your quitclaim deed is signed and notarized correctly.
Scan the document to create a clear digital copy.
Upload Documents:
Log into your eRecording vendor's portal.
Upload the scanned quitclaim deed and any necessary supporting documents.
Provide Indexing Information:
Input the required indexing information, such as the names of the grantor and grantee, property address, and other relevant details.
Pay Fees:
Pay the recording fees and vendor fees online through the eRecording portal.
Submit Documents:
Review your submission and submit the documents for processing.
Monitor the Process:
Use the eRecording vendor's tracking system to monitor the status of your document.
Receive Recorded Document:
Once the document is recorded, you'll receive a digital copy with the county's recording stamp.
Additional Tips:
County-Specific Requirements: Check with your county clerk's office for specific eRecording guidelines and requirements.
Document Quality: Ensure the scanned documents are clear and legible.
Security: Use strong passwords and secure internet connections to protect your documents and personal information.
Technical Support: If you encounter any issues, contact your eRecording vendor's technical support for assistance.
By following these steps and adhering to county-specific guidelines, you can efficiently e-record your quitclaim deed in Florida.