What Are Florida Deed Recording Requirements?

Recording puts the public on notice of the transfer. Before accepting an instrument that conveys, assigns, encumbers, or otherwise disposes of a real property interest, the clerk must see several items. Each signer's name must be printed, typed, or stamped immediately beneath the signature, and each signer's post office address must appear on the instrument.

The preparer's name and post office address must appear on the instrument. Each witness's name must be printed, typed, or stamped immediately beneath the witness signature, and each witness's post office address must appear on the instrument. The notary or other acknowledging officer must be identified beneath that officer's signature. The first page must reserve a three inch by three inch space at the upper right for the clerk, and later pages a one inch by three inch space in the same corner.

Except for mortgages, instruments that convey an interest must also show each grantee's name and post office address. If a name or address appears in a nonstandard position, the clerk may still accept it when the connection to the signature is apparent. The format rules do not apply to instruments executed before July 1, 1991, court decrees or writs, instruments executed, acknowledged, or proved outside Florida, wills, plats, or instruments prepared or executed by public officers other than notaries.

Where Melbourne deeds are recorded is covered in where deeds are recorded for property in Melbourne, Florida. Deed witness formalities are summarized in what the witness requirements are for a Florida deed.