Recording

A. Preparation of Instruments for Recording
Since changes cannot be made once the instrument has been recorded, please check the following:

  1. Clear, black print or typing for best reproduction by microfilm or photographing.
  2. Date the body of the instrument.
  3. Grantee's mailing address, if transfer of interest is real estate.(Example: Deeds, Agreements and Contracts for Deeds.) (F.S. 695.26 (f)).
  4. Affix the name and address of person to whom instrument is to be returned on the front of the instrument.
  5. On all the instruments by which the title to real estate or any interest therein or lien thereon is conveyed, created, encumbered, assigned or otherwise disposed of the name and address or the person who prepared the instrument must be printed, typewritten or stamped on the face of the instrument in a legible manner. (Instruments executed or acknowledged outside of the State are exempt.) (F.S. 695.26 (b)).
  6. Description of real or personal property, if any.
  7. Signatures should agree with names in the body of the instrument and should be legible and correctly spelled. The name and address of each person who executed the instrument should be printed, typed or stamped immediately below the signature (F.S.695.26 (a)).
  8. Signatures for the transfer of any property to be attested by two witnesses. The name of each witness should be printed, typed or stamped immediately below the signature (F.S. 695.26 (c)).
  9. Acknowledgement of person(s) executing the instruments.
  10. Notary public seal and expiration date (For out-of-state notary - if the acknowledgement or proof is made before a notary public who does not affix a seal, it shall be sufficient for the notary public to type, print or write by hand on the instrument, "I am a notary public of the State of ____________________, and my commission expires on (date)______________________.") Notary's name should be printed, typed or stamped immediately below the signature (F.S. 695.26 (d)).
  11. Corporate seal, if applicable.
  12. To insure fast and efficient handling of all mail transactions, envelopes should be addressed to the attention of the RECORDING DEPARTMENT.

B. Intangible tax, Class "C", on all real estate mortgages:
     This tax must be paid before the Clerk can accept any mortgage for record, and applies only to mortgages, agreements, or contracts for deed, deeds of trust or other liens pertaining to real property. (F.S. 199.052 (7)(a)).

  1. Rate of 2 mills (.002) per dollar on the amount of the mortgage, or the amount financed (i.e. $1.51 tax on $752.63)
  2. Amount is computed to the nearest cent (i.e. $2.00 on mortgage of $1000)


C. State Documentary Tax Stamps
     The proper amount of state tax must be affixed to an instrument before it can be recorded. Space for Documentary Stamps and the Clerk's time stamp should be provided in the body of the instrument, otherwise a charge of $8.50 will be made for an additional page.

  1. Documentary Stamp Tax Rate for Deeds (F.S. 201.02)
    • $.70 per $100 consideration applies to full consideration; this includes existing mortgages.
    • By law you must furnish or disclose to the Recording Clerk the TOTAL consideration paid for real estate, OR the amount of stamps to be affixed to the deed.
    • DR219 must be completed prior to recording a land conveyance. As of January 1, 1992 this form must include the parcel ID number.
  2. State stamps on Mortgages, Chattel Mortgages, Financing Statements, Security Agreements, Promissory Notes, Written Obligations to pay money (F.S.201.08)
    • Rate of Tax: $.35 per $100 or fraction thereof, on the TOTAL amount of the note or obligation. However, on installment notes, tax should be computed on the amount financed.

o        Consideration for the conveyance of an equitable interest in real property pursuant to an agreement or contract for deed includes the amount of any payments made and the unpaid balance of the agreement or contract.  Tax is therefore calculated on the full contract price and tax shall be paid on the contract when made.  No stamp tax is due on taxes have been paid on the contract.  The deed shall indicate, by notation on the contract, that the proper amount of stamp tax has been paid.  The agreement may also be subject to tax under s. 201.08, F.S.

D. Service Charges for Recording (F.S. 28.24)
     The service charge for recording ALL recordable instruments pertaining to real and personal property and any other miscellaneous papers by photographic process is as follows:

  1. One page instrument, 8 1/2" x 14"
    • $10.00

Each additional page, 8 1/2" x 14"

    • $8.50
  1. Examining, certifying and recording plats:
    • One Page
      • $30.00
    • Each additional page
      • $15.00
  2. For indexing instruments recorded in the official records which contain more than four names, per additional name
    • $1.00
  3. Issuing Clerks Certificate - certifying as to the authenticity of a Notary
    • $6.00
  4. For Copying any instrument in the public records by other than photographic process (i.e. plats), per page
    • $6.00
  5. For searching of records PER NAME for each year
    • $1.50
  6. For making copies of any instrument in the public records by photographic process, per page of not more than 14' x 8 1/2"
    • $1.00

Copies per page of more than 14" x 8 1/2"

    • $5.00

To certify the above

    • $1.50

To verify the above

    • $2.00