Ask Lori Parrish on Appraisal: Copies of Deeds are Public Records and Free

Dear Lori,

We received a solicitation to get the deed to our property here in Deerfield Beach with a fee involved of course. My wife and I were wondering how to obtain a copy of our deed instead of through an intermediary. If you could direct us to the proper agency, either online or in person to get a copy, we would appreciate it.

The Levitt Family, Deerfield Beach, FL (via email)

Every year our office hears of new mailings aimed at Broward County homeowners. The latest scam seems designed to trick you into believing for a substantial fee, a company will send you a certified deed for your property. Unfortunately, this practice seems to be legal but is very misleading.

Your deed is a document or written legal instrument which, when executed and delivered, conveys an interest in or legal title to a property. Deed recordation is the process of registering a transfer of real property with the Broward County Records Taxes and Treasury Division.

The truth is deeds and many other important documents are already available online and free at Broward County s Records, Taxes and Treasury Division s website and linked from our office s website. Older deed prior to 1977 and recorded deeds utilizing social security numbers must be ordered in person or by written request. The county charges a nominal fee for reproduction ($1.00 a page/$2.00 certified).

Reviewing and obtaining a copy of your deed is simple: Go to www.broward.org/records and enter the public search field. Simply enter the name of the homeowner and you will be shown applicable property data enabling you to retrieve and print a copy of the recorded deed. On the www.bcpa.net website, simply click on the book number , located under the sales history chart on the property record page to locate deed information.

If you would like more information about deeds or to obtain a free copy, please visit our website at www.bcpa.net or contact our office directly at 954.357.6830.

Sincerely,

Lori Parrish, CFA

If you have a question for Lori, please email her at lori@bcpa.net or write to her at the Broward County Property Appraiser s Office, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111, and Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

(Feb. 2010)