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
newWitnessaddressrequirements forrealestateacrossflorida
WhattoknowbeforeyouvisitusatthehillsboroughCountyClerk ofCourtandComptroller ’ soffice .
Equity , transparency , and independence drive our office — whether it ’ s serving the function of the Court , providing important records , or being stewards of County dollars . Our organization focuses on four strategic priorities , including Customer Experience . We are dedicated to serving the public , every hour of every day , in an equitable way .
The Clerk of Court Recording Department records , indexes , and archives all documents that create the Official Records of Hillsborough County . Approximately 25 million documents have been recorded in the Official Records since 1846 , and 2,000 new documents are recorded each day .
In addition to recording documents , the Recording Department collects money for documentary stamp taxes , intangible taxes , recording fees , and other miscellaneous fees .
Florida Statutes are amended from time to time to reflect the changing needs and concerns of Florida citizens . To curb the rise of property fraud , a recent amendment to Florida Statute Section 695.26 , regarding the recording of documents affecting real property , went into effect at the first of the year . The changes are a result of Chapter Law 2023-238 , which was House Bill 1419 .
As of January 1 , 2024 , certain documents presented for recording in Hillsborough County Official Records require two witnesses , along with the name of each witness . These documents must also include the post office address of each witness in addition to the witness ’ s name . The post office address of each witness must be a physical address or post office box ; an email address will not suffice .
Section 695.26 authorizes the Clerk ’ s office to not accept documents submitted for recording without the required witness address information . Documents that do not meet the statutory requirements of Section
695.26 are non-recordable documents , and presenters of those documents for recording will be given notice of rejection and removal .
What documents are affected ?
The new requirement applies to any “ instrument by which the title to real property or any interest therein is conveyed , assigned , encumbered , or otherwise disposed of …”
Section 695.26 will apply to , but is not limited to , the following document types :
• Affidavits “ by which the title to real property or any interest therein is conveyed , assigned , encumbered , or otherwise disposed of …”
• Agreements , Affidavits , Notices , or Memorandums for Deed
• Deeds
• Easements
• Agreements , Affidavits , Notices , or Memorandums of Interest in Land You can visit us online at www . hillsclerk . com for more information or follow us on social @ hillsclerk . com . n
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