Monroe County Public Records /Monroe County Property Records

Monroe County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Monroe County in 2026

MonroeGERecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Monroe County. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, and encumbrance data. Available record categories include deeds and transfers, mortgage and lien filings, tax assessment records, plat maps, and building permit information. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the source and the age of the document.

Property records in Monroe County may be searched through several official channels, including the Monroe County Property Appraiser, the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, and the Monroe County Tax Collector. Each office maintains distinct categories of records, and members of the public are encouraged to use the appropriate resource based on the type of information sought.

Multiple Access Methods:

Online searches — The most convenient method; available through official county websites at no cost for basic information
In-person visits — Required for certified copies, older records not yet digitized, or documents requiring staff assistance
By mail — Written requests submitted with applicable fees and identifying information
Through professionals — Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers conduct comprehensive searches as part of real estate transactions

1. Property Appraiser Website

The Monroe County Property Appraiser maintains a publicly accessible online database for property information. Members of the public may search at no cost and without registration.

Search Options:

By property address
By owner name
By parcel ID / folio number
By subdivision name
By map or GIS location
By legal description

Information Available:

Current owner name and mailing address
Property site address and legal description
Parcel/folio number
Land use and zoning classification
Property characteristics: square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, year built, lot size, and building type
Assessed value (land and improvements separately)
Taxable value and exemptions applied
Sales history
Property photographs (where available)
GIS map location and link to detailed property card

How to Search:

Navigate to the Monroe County Property Appraiser website
Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, parcel number, etc.)
Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
Review the results list returned by the system
Select the specific property to view the full property card
Access maps, sales history, and valuation data from the property detail page
Print or save the information as needed

Monroe County Property Appraiser 500 Whitehead Street, Suite 101 Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 292-3420 Monroe County Property Appraiser Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

2. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search

The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller maintains the Official Records index for all recorded instruments affecting real property. Basic search access is available at no cost.

Searchable By:

Grantor name (seller)
Grantee name (buyer)
Document type
Recording date range
Book and page number
Instrument number

Documents Available:

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
Easements and declarations of restrictions
Plats and surveys
Powers of attorney affecting property
Affidavits affecting title
Lis pendens filings
HOA documents and condominium declarations

How to Search:

Visit the Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court Official Records portal
Select the preferred search type (grantor/grantee name, document type, date range)
Enter the search criteria
Review the results list
Select a document to view the image (fees may apply for downloads or certified copies)
Note the book and page number or instrument number for future reference

Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller 500 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 292-3550 Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

3. Tax Collector Website

The Monroe County Tax Collector provides online access to property tax information, including current bills, payment history, and delinquency status.

Search By:

Property address
Owner name
Parcel/folio number
Tax account number

Information Available:

Current tax bill and amount due
Payment history and outstanding balances
Exemptions applied
Millage rates by taxing authority
Tax certificate information for delinquent accounts
Installment plan status
Available payment options

Monroe County Tax Collector 3117 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Phone: (305) 289-6027 Monroe County Tax Collector Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

4. GIS / Mapping System

Monroe County maintains an interactive GIS mapping system that allows members of the public to conduct visual property searches.

How to Use:

Navigate the interactive map to the desired location
Click on a parcel to view property information
Access linked records from the property appraiser and clerk databases
View aerial photography, property boundaries, zoning layers, flood zones, and environmental features
Measure distances and toggle between multiple map layers

Members of the public may access the Monroe County GIS mapping portal through the county's official website.

In-Person Searches:

For records not available online, or when certified copies are required, members of the public may visit the following offices:

Monroe County Property Appraiser 500 Whitehead Street, Suite 101 Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 292-3420 Monroe County Property Appraiser

Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, maps and plats, and exemption applications.

Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller 500 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 292-3550 Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court

Services available in person include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, accessing record books, and receiving staff assistance with document searches.

Monroe County Tax Collector 3117 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Phone: (305) 289-6027 Monroe County Tax Collector

Services available in person include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.

By Mail Requests:

Members of the public may submit written requests by mail to the following offices:

Property Appraiser (Mail): Monroe County Property Appraiser 500 Whitehead Street, Suite 101 Key West, FL 33040

Requests should include the property address or parcel number, a description of the information sought, a return mailing address, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Copying fees may apply.

Clerk of Court / Recorder (Mail): Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court 500 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040

Requests for copies of recorded documents should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address with an approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must be included. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.

Through Professionals:

Title companies conduct comprehensive title searches, prepare abstracts of title, and issue title insurance commitments that identify all recorded interests affecting a property. Costs vary by transaction.
Real estate attorneys provide legal title opinions, assist with complex ownership issues, and represent clients in property disputes. Costs vary.
Real estate agents access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of their representation services.

Search Tips:

By address: Use the complete street address; try with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W); check spelling variations
By owner name: Try last name first; check variations with and without middle initials; consider married versus maiden names; try both business entity names and individual names
By legal description: Use the exact legal description from the deed, including subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section, township, and range where applicable
For historical records: Older records may not be digitized and may require an in-person visit; staff can assist with historical research using microfilm or original record books

Common Search Challenges:

Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording delays
Very old properties may not be digitized
Indexing errors or name spelling variations may affect search results
Property address changes over time may complicate searches
Common names or similar addresses may return multiple results; verify by parcel number or legal description

What Cannot Be Found Online:

Unrecorded documents and private agreements not submitted for recording
Current pending sales prior to closing and recording
Some pre-digital records not yet scanned
Documents filed under seal by court order

What Is Monroe County Property Records

Property records are official documents related to real property — land and the structures affixed to it — maintained by Monroe County government offices. These records constitute the legal foundation for establishing property ownership, documenting transfers, recording encumbrances, and assessing taxes. Under Florida Statute § 28.222, the Clerk of the Circuit Court is designated as the official recorder of all instruments required or authorized by law to be recorded in the county.

Purpose of Property Records:

Establish and verify legal ownership
Provide an unbroken chain of title
Record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens
Document property transfers and sale prices
Support property tax assessment and collection
Determine property values for lending and appraisal purposes
Protect property rights and enable title insurance
Facilitate real estate transactions

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records:

Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
Title documents and transfer records
Ownership history and chain of title
Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property

Encumbrance Records:

Mortgages and deeds of trust
Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
Easements, restrictions, and covenants
Homeowner association (HOA) documents
Lis pendens filings (notice of pending lawsuit)

Tax and Assessment Records:

Property tax assessments and tax bills
Payment history and exemption records
Millage rates and special assessments
Tax delinquency records and tax certificate information

Legal Descriptions:

Plat maps and subdivision plats
Surveys and metes and bounds descriptions
Lot and block information
Condominium declarations

Building and Permit Records:

Building permits and certificates of occupancy
Code violations and zoning information
Land use designations

Who Maintains Property Records:

Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller 500 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 292-3550 Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court

The Clerk records, indexes, and maintains all official instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats.

Monroe County Property Appraiser 500 Whitehead Street, Suite 101 Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 292-3420 Monroe County Property Appraiser

The Property Appraiser maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics, ownership information, and exemption applications.

Monroe County Tax Collector 3117 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 Phone: (305) 289-6027 Monroe County Tax Collector

The Tax Collector maintains tax bills, payment records, delinquent tax records, and tax certificate and tax deed information.

Monroe County Building Department 2798 Overseas Highway, Suite 300 Marathon, FL 33050 Phone: (305) 289-2501 Monroe County Building Department

The Building Department maintains permits, inspection records, certificates of occupancy, and code enforcement records.

Legal Framework:

Florida's property recording system operates under Florida Statute § 695.01, which establishes the constructive notice principle — that no conveyance of real property is valid against creditors or subsequent purchasers for valuable consideration unless the instrument is recorded in the public records of the county where the property is located. This statute forms the legal foundation for the public recording system and the requirement that all instruments affecting title be made available for public inspection.

Are Property Records Public Information in Monroe County?

Property records in Monroe County are public information. Under Florida Statute § 119.01, Florida's Public Records Law, all records made or received by a public agency in connection with official business are open for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law. Property records maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Property Appraiser, and the Tax Collector are subject to this law and are accessible to any member of the public without requiring a stated purpose, residency, or ownership interest.

As the Florida Legislature has affirmed, "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This principle reflects centuries of American common law tradition establishing that land records must be publicly accessible to provide constructive notice of ownership and encumbrances.

Why Property Records Are Public:

Transparency: The public has a recognized right to know who owns property, how it is assessed, and what encumbrances affect it. Public access prevents fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances.
Commercial necessity: Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on open access to recorded instruments.
Legal protections: The recording system provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors, establishing priority of interests and protecting against fraudulent transfers.
Public interest: Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, genealogical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records.

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

Current and historical property ownership
Legal descriptions and property addresses
Sale prices and transfer amounts
Recorded mortgage amounts
Liens and encumbrances
Tax assessments and payment history
Property characteristics (size, age, construction type)
Deeds and all recorded instruments
Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Certain personal information within property records is subject to protection under Florida law:

Social Security numbers are redacted from documents recorded after July 1, 2002, pursuant to Florida law
Bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents
Law enforcement officers, judges, court personnel, domestic violence victims, and stalking victims may request that their home addresses be kept confidential under Florida's Address Confidentiality Program
Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Property Appraiser's office for applicable policies

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any person may access Monroe County property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners reviewing their own records, investors, developers, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.

Commercial Use of Property Records:

The use of public property records for commercial purposes — including real estate marketing, property valuation services, title insurance, investment analysis, and market research — is permitted under Florida law. Commercial data aggregators such as CoreLogic and First American compile public records into subscription databases. Such use is legal, though anti-harassment laws, fair housing laws, and other applicable statutes continue to govern how information may be used.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Monroe County?

Members of the public may inspect property records online at no cost through the official websites of the Monroe County Property Appraiser, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and the Tax Collector. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested.

Standard Fee Schedule — Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court:

Service	Current Fee
Copies of recorded documents (non-certified)	$1.00 per page
Certified copies of recorded documents	$1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee
Recording a new instrument (first page)	$10.00
Recording a new instrument (each additional page)	$8.50
Documentary stamp tax on deeds	$0.70 per $100 of consideration
Documentary stamp tax on mortgages	$0.35 per $100 of obligation

These fees are established pursuant to Florida Statute § 28.24, which governs service charges for the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Fees are subject to legislative adjustment; members of the public should confirm current rates with the Clerk's office prior to submitting requests.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order (payable to Monroe County Clerk of Court)
Credit or debit card (in-person; processing fees may apply)
Online payment through the Clerk's portal for electronic copies

Property Appraiser Records:

Online access to property information: Free
Printed property record cards: Fees vary; contact the office for current rates
GIS map prints: Fees vary by size and format

Tax Collector Records:

Online tax information: Free
Copies of tax bills: Fees vary; contact the office for current rates

Fee Waivers: Florida law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. However, government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may be entitled to reduced fees in specific circumstances. Members of the public seeking fee waiver consideration should submit a written request to the applicable office with documentation supporting the request.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online viewing of property appraiser records
Online viewing of recorded document indexes
Online tax information
GIS map viewing
Basic property searches through all official county portals

What's Included in a Monroe County Property Record

A complete Monroe County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses ownership, physical characteristics, valuation, tax, sales history, encumbrances, and legal information.

Ownership Information:

Current Ownership:

Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
Ownership type: individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety (married couples), trust, LLC, or corporation
Ownership percentage where multiple owners hold undivided interests
Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
Mailing address for tax bill purposes

Previous Ownership:

Chain of title showing all prior owners
Transfer dates and historical deed references
Ownership timeline from original conveyance to present

Property Identification:

Site address (physical location) and mailing address if different
Legal description including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and section, township, and range where applicable
Parcel ID / folio number and tax account number
Condominium unit number where applicable

Physical Characteristics:

Land Information:

Lot size in square feet or acres
Lot dimensions, frontage, and depth
Corner lot designation
Land use designation and zoning classification

Building Information:

Total living area in square feet
Year built and effective year
Number of stories and building type (single-family, duplex, commercial, etc.)
Construction type (frame, masonry, concrete block)
Exterior wall material, roof type and material, and foundation type
Number of bedrooms, full bathrooms, and half bathrooms

Additional Features:

Garage type (attached, detached, carport) and number of spaces
Pool (in-ground or above-ground)
Porch and patio square footage
Fireplace, central air conditioning, and heating type
Water source (municipal or well) and sewer system (municipal or septic)
Additional structures such as sheds or outbuildings

Valuation Information:

Land value and building value (assessed separately)
Total assessed value and just value (full market value)
Capped value under Florida's Save Our Homes assessment limitation (where applicable)
Historical assessed values for prior years
Year-over-year percentage changes

Tax Information:

Total tax amount due for the current year
Taxable value after exemptions
Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, municipality, and special districts)
Payment status, due dates, and available discount periods
Tax payment history for prior years
Delinquency history where applicable

Exemptions Applied:

Homestead exemption (up to $50,000 in Florida for qualifying primary residences)
Additional homestead exemption for long-term owners under Save Our Homes
Senior, disability, veteran, widow/widower, agricultural, conservation, and historic preservation exemptions where applicable

Sales History:

Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers for recent transfers
Sale type (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance, divorce transfer, or trust transfer)
Grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) names
Qualified or unqualified sale designation for assessment purposes
Documentary stamp amounts

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded mortgages including lender name, recording date, book and page reference, and original mortgage amount
Tax liens (federal, state, and local), judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
Easements (utility, access, and conservation)
Deed restrictions and covenants
Lis pendens filings
Life estates

Legal and Regulatory Information:

Current zoning classification and permitted uses
Land use code and future land use designation
School district, fire district, water district, and other special taxing districts
Community Development District (CDD) membership where applicable
Flood zone designation (FEMA)
Wetlands and conservation area designations

Maps and Images:

Exterior property photograph
Aerial photograph and GIS map with property boundaries
Plat map and property sketch or floor plan
Historical aerial photographs where available

Building Permit Information (where integrated):

Building permits issued, permit dates, and descriptions
Contractor information and permit values
Certificate of occupancy and inspection records

What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:

Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at time of recording)
Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded documents
Interior photographs unless provided during an appraiser inspection
Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to Florida law)
Private agreements not submitted for recording
Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
Confidential exemption application details

How Long Does Monroe County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Monroe County are maintained permanently. The Clerk of the Circuit Court is required by law to preserve all recorded instruments affecting real property indefinitely, as these records form the legal foundation for chain of title and cannot be destroyed without eliminating the evidentiary basis for property ownership.

Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:

Florida's records retention requirements for official recorded instruments are established under the Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule, which designates deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and all instruments affecting title as permanent records. The necessity of permanent retention is further supported by the constructive notice principles embedded in Florida Statute § 695.01, which requires that recorded instruments remain accessible to protect subsequent purchasers and creditors.

Records Kept Permanently:

Deed Records: All recorded deeds are maintained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments. Monroe County's recorded deed history extends back to the county's formation in 1823, with some records predating Florida statehood.

Mortgage Records: All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.

Lien Records: All recorded liens — including judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic's liens, and releases thereof — are maintained permanently.

Plats and Surveys: All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently.

Other Recorded Documents: Easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are all maintained permanently.

Format and Storage:

Historical records in Monroe County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording:

Pre-1900s and early 1900s: Handwritten ledger books
Mid-1900s: Typed entries in bound record books and microfilm
Late 1900s to present: Digital scans and electronic document management systems

The Clerk's office maintains climate-controlled storage for original paper records and microfilm archives, with digital backups and off-site redundancy for electronic records.

Online Access by Time Period:

Time Period	Availability
Recent (last 20+ years)	Fully online; immediate free access
Moderate age (20–50 years)	Partially online; microfilm available in person
Historical (50+ years)	In-person access; staff retrieval required
Very old (100+ years)	Archive storage; advance notice may be needed

Property Appraiser Records: Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently. Online access through the Property Appraiser's website covers recent years; historical assessment information is available at the office.

Tax Collector Records: Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under Florida's records retention schedule. Tax deed records are maintained permanently by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Tax certificates are retained until redeemed or until a tax deed is issued.

Building Permit Records: The Monroe County Building Department retains permits for major construction permanently. Minor permit records are retained for varying periods depending on the nature of the work. The Building Department maintains records separately from the Clerk's official records.

Accessing Historical Records:

Members of the public seeking historical records not available online should contact the Clerk's office directly. Requests for very old records may require advance notice to allow staff to retrieve materials from archive storage. Standard copying fees apply regardless of the age of the record.

Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller 500 Whitehead Street Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 292-3550 Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court

Monroe County Property Appraiser 500 Whitehead Street, Suite 101 Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 292-3420 Monroe County Property Appraiser

Digitization Efforts:

Monroe County, in common with many Florida counties, has undertaken ongoing digitization projects to scan historical record books and microfilm and make them accessible through online portals. These projects are funded in part through state grants and are an ongoing process. Members of the public are encouraged to check the Clerk's online portal for the current scope of digitized records before planning an in-person visit.

How To Find Liens on Property in Monroe County?

Liens on property in Monroe County are recorded instruments and are therefore searchable through the Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court's Official Records database. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be satisfied before the property can be transferred with clear title. Common types of liens include mortgage liens, federal and state tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens.

Step-by-Step Search Process:

Navigate to the Monroe County Clerk Official Records Search portal
Select the grantor/grantee name search option
Enter the current property owner's name as the grantor to identify liens filed against that individual
Filter results by document type — select lien-related categories such as "Lien," "Judgment," "Federal Tax Lien," "State Tax Lien," or "Mechanic's Lien"
Review the results list and note recording dates, amounts, and lienholders
Click on individual documents to view the full instrument image
Cross-reference results with the property's parcel number to confirm the lien attaches to the specific property in question

Types of Liens and Where to Search:

Lien Type	Primary Search Location
Mortgage liens	Monroe County Clerk Official Records
Judgment liens	Monroe County Clerk Official Records
Federal tax liens (IRS)	Monroe County Clerk Official Records
State tax liens (Florida DOR)	Monroe County Clerk Official Records
Mechanic's liens	Monroe County Clerk Official Records
HOA liens	Monroe County Clerk Official Records
Code enforcement liens	Monroe County Code Compliance / Clerk
Municipal liens	City of Key West or applicable municipality

Federal Tax Liens: Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the property is located. Members of the public may also search the IRS lien database through the IRS Centralized Lien Operation for confirmation.

Code Enforcement Liens: Code enforcement liens arising from unresolved violations may be recorded with the Clerk or maintained separately by the Monroe County Code Compliance Department. Members of the public should search both the Clerk's Official Records and contact the Building and Code Compliance Department directly.

Monroe County Building and Code Compliance 2798 Overseas Highway, Suite 300 Marathon, FL 33050 Phone: (305) 289-2501 Monroe County Building Department

Municipal Liens: Properties located within the City of Key West or other incorporated municipalities may be subject to municipal liens not recorded with the county Clerk. Members of the public should contact the applicable city directly to request a municipal lien search.

City of Key West Finance Department 1300 White Street Key West, FL 33040 Phone: (305) 809-3900 City of Key West

Professional Lien Searches: Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A professional search covers all recorded instruments, municipal records, and pending assessments and is the standard method used in real estate transactions to ensure clear title prior to closing.

What Is Property Owner Rule in Monroe County?

The property owner rule in Monroe County refers to the body of Florida law and local regulations that govern who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, what rights attach to ownership, and what obligations property owners bear with respect to taxes, maintenance, and land use compliance.

Establishing Ownership:

Under Florida law, ownership of real property is established through a recorded deed. The recording of a deed in the Official Records of Monroe County provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and creditors of the owner's interest in the property. An unrecorded deed, while valid between the parties, does not provide constructive notice and may be defeated by a subsequent bona fide purchaser for value who records first, pursuant to Florida's race-notice recording statute.

Forms of Ownership Recognized in Florida:

Sole ownership: A single individual holds title in their name alone
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more persons hold equal undivided interests; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased owner's interest automatically
Tenancy in common: Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
Tenancy by the entirety: Available exclusively to married couples in Florida; provides protection from individual creditors of either spouse and includes right of survivorship
Trust ownership: A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
Entity ownership: LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities may hold title to real property in Florida

Homestead Rights and Protections:

Florida's homestead law provides significant protections to property owners who occupy their primary residence in the state. Under Article X, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution, a homestead property is exempt from forced sale by creditors (with limited exceptions for mortgage holders, tax authorities, and mechanics' lienholders). The homestead exemption also limits the annual increase in assessed value to three percent or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower, under the Save Our Homes cap established by Florida law.

To qualify for homestead status, the property owner must be a permanent Florida resident who occup