Protect Your Property with a Free Fraud Alert
Florida property owners can register for free recording notification services that provide an early warning when certain documents are recorded in their name in a county’s Official Records.
A simple step every Florida property owner should consider.
Fraudulent deeds and other unauthorized documents can be recorded in public records without a property owner immediately knowing about them. Florida’s property alert services help owners monitor recording activity and identify potentially suspicious documents sooner.
What is property fraud?
Property fraud can occur when someone records a fraudulent or unauthorized document involving property they do not own or do not have authority to transfer or encumber.
One example is deed fraud, where a fraudulent deed is recorded that appears to transfer ownership of property. Fraudulent mortgages, liens, assignments and other documents can also affect real estate records.
Because real estate documents become part of a county’s Official Records, unauthorized activity may not be immediately apparent to the property owner.
Documents worth monitoring may include:
- Deeds
- Mortgages
- Liens
- Assignments
- Satisfactions and releases
- Other documents recorded in the Official Records
How Property Fraud Alerts Work
Property alert programs generally monitor newly recorded documents using the name or other identifying information you register with the county’s notification service.
Property fraud alert services are notification tools. They generally do not verify ownership, determine whether a document is legitimate, block a recording or automatically correct a fraudulent document.
The benefit is early notice, allowing a property owner to investigate unexpected recording activity and respond more quickly.
Find Your County’s Property Alert Service
Property recording notification services are available through Clerks and Comptrollers throughout Florida.
Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers maintains a statewide resource that lets property owners locate the appropriate registration service for the county where their property is located.
View Florida Property Alert ServicesOrange County Property Owners
The Orange County Comptroller offers a Property Fraud Alert service for documents recorded in the Orange County Official Records.
Property owners can register names they want monitored and receive notification when a document matching the registered information is recorded.
Orange County Property Fraud Resources
Learn more about property fraud, monitoring Official Records and registering for Orange County’s Property Fraud Alert service directly through the Orange County Comptroller.
Orange County Property Fraud AlertWho Should Consider Registering?
Property monitoring can be useful for virtually any real estate owner, but it may be particularly valuable when property is not regularly occupied or closely monitored.
Official Records are maintained at the county level. Consider registering for the available property alert service in each Florida county where you own real estate.
What Should I Do If I Receive an Unexpected Alert?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the service cost anything?
Property recording notification services offered through Florida Clerks and Comptrollers are generally provided at no charge. Review your county’s specific service for current terms and features.
Does signing up prevent someone from recording a fraudulent deed?
No. A property alert is an early-notification service. It does not prevent a document from being presented for recording and does not guarantee that fraudulent activity will not occur.
Why can’t the Clerk simply reject a fraudulent deed?
Recording offices perform duties established by Florida law and generally review documents for applicable recording requirements. They do not adjudicate competing ownership claims or determine the ultimate legal validity of every document presented for recording.
Will one registration monitor all of my Florida property?
Generally, no. Official Records are maintained at the county level. If you own property in more than one county, consider registering with the property alert service available in each applicable county.
Should I register if I have a mortgage?
Yes. Property fraud monitoring can be useful whether your property is owned free and clear or is subject to a mortgage.
Should I register different versions of my name?
Review your county’s instructions. Depending on the system, it may be helpful to register name variations that appear in recorded documents, such as a full middle name, middle initial or prior name.
Is a property fraud alert the same as title insurance?
No. A property fraud alert is a public-record notification tool. Title insurance is separate protection governed by the terms, conditions, exceptions and exclusions contained in the applicable title insurance policy.
Take a Few Minutes to Monitor Your Property
Property alert services are available throughout Florida. Use the statewide directory to locate the Clerk or Comptroller service for the county where your property is located.
Find My County’s Property Alert ServiceProtecting Your Investment Doesn’t End at Closing
At The Closing Agent, we believe an exceptional closing experience includes helping property owners understand the resources available to them after the transaction is complete.
Staying informed about your property’s public record is one simple way to help monitor one of your most important investments.
TRUSTED. COMMITTED. ACCURATE.
Receiving or failing to receive an alert does not establish the validity or invalidity of a recorded document, guarantee ownership, prevent fraud or replace title insurance, legal advice or periodic review of public records.
The information provided is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. You should not act on or refrain from acting based on the information provided without first consulting with your legal and/or tax counsel.