F R O M T H E C L E R K O F C O U R T & C O M P T R O L L E R C i n d y S t u a r t – C l e r k o f C o u r t & C o m p t r o l l e r , T h i r t e e n t h J u d i c i a l C i r c u i t
ClerkofCourt & Comptrollerworkingwith LocalPartnerstoCombatPropertyfraudnewlawwillchangethewaydeedsarerecordedstatewide .
Protecting citizens from property fraud is a top priority for my office . We work closely with the Hillsborough County Sheriff and State Attorney to ensure Hillsborough County citizens and government agencies are well prepared to fight property fraud .
House Bill 1419 ( HB 1419 ), entitled “ Real Property Fraud ,” will affect attorneys and real estate professionals . HB 1419 creates statewide changes establishing new requirements for recordings associated with real property in the Official Records in the State of Florida .
According to the FBI , Florida ranks # 3 in the nation for this type of whitecollar crime . The intent of
HB 1419 is to refine recording guidelines to impede criminal activity associated with real property recordings .
Beginning July 1 , 2023 , anyone recording a deed must include the legal description of the real property . For example , a legal description may include details such as lot numbers , subdivision names , etc .
Also effective July 1 , 2023 , HB 1419 establishes a new “ quiet title ” action . The Quiet Title action is available to pro se litigants and attorneys to file in instances where there is an allegation that a fraudulent conveyance of property occurred . The filing would give a legitimate property owner the opportunity to correct that fraudulent
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