What Is a Special Warranty Deed?

A special warranty deed is a legal document that transfers the title of real estate from the grantor, or seller, to the buyer, or grantee. A Florida special warranty deed offers protection to the buyer with a limited guarantee from the seller that the title to the property legally belongs to them and that there are no outstanding liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances against it during the period of time the seller owned the property. 

Florida warranty deeds are typically used when the property is being transferred between two unrelated parties and when a sale is taking place. Keep in mind that this type of deed is limited to the time the seller owned the property. Any problems on the title caused by a prior owner are not warranted by the seller.

A special warranty deed guarantees the grantee, or buyer, that: The grantor is the property’s lawful owner, and they have the legal right to sell it The title is clear of any liens, mortgage, or other encumbrances during that grantor’s ownership only.