Recording Information

Recording is the assignment of sequential “instrument” numbers to documents, as they are presented. Many different document types are recorded concerning real property mortgages, deeds, satisfactions, assignments, leases, etc., as well as documents from court cases and other sources. The recorded documents create the Official Records. The process of Recording gives “constructive notice” to the public.

Official Records

Official Records are comprised of all recorded documents. These include real estate documents and particular court documents if they are required to be recorded in the Official Records. They are public records, but not all public records are Official Records. Official Records are available online from 1981 to the present.

Go to the “Resources” tab to learn more about how to record electronically.

Recording Requirements

• Originals or certified copies may be recorded.
• Documents concerning “real property” must be notarized.
• Customer must provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of their original documents.

Legibility of Documents

It is extremely important that the images we create and place in the Official Records are legible and of the highest quality. The quality of our images depends upon the quality of the documents that you present to us for recording. Please ensure that the print and writing is legible and dark. It is important that you do not highlight text on documents, as color shows up black on scanned images.

Declaration of Domicile

This document may be recorded and is your “sworn affidavit of your intent of Florida residency”. Visit the Forms page of this section for the form, fill it out, sign it when in front of a Notary Public, then send it to the Recording Department with appropriate fees.