When you convey or transfer ownership of a Florida property, the process is complete when the deed is recorded in the county where the property is located. The deed is the document that demonstrates someone legally owns a property.Ā
In this article, you will discover the period required to record a quitclaim deed in Florida.
What is a Quit Claim Deed? – The Basics
A deed is used to transfer ownership of an asset from one person (the grantor) to another (the grantee). With a quitclaim deed, the grantor transfers the title to the grantee with little to no buyer protection. In such cases, the document contains language expressly stating that:
- The grantee is accepting the title of the property as it isĀ Ā
- The grantor is not responsible for any title-related problems that may ariseĀ Ā
- The grantor is not liable if the grantee finds out he or she actually did not have ownership rights on the titleĀ
If the grantor is the property’s legitimate titleholder, the quitclaim deed will transfer the ownership rights of the property to the grantee named in the document.
However, if the grantor is not the legitimate titleholder or there are title clouds, the quitclaim deed does not protect the grantee. Considering there is no warranty of title, the grantee cannot file a lawsuit against the grantor for not transferring a clear title.
How Long Does it Take for a Quit Claim Deed to be Recorded in Florida? – The Verdict
If properly executed, a Florida quitclaim deed usually requires two weeks to three months to be recorded. The parties involved in real estate transactions generally seek to record the deed immediately after the closing process is concluded.Ā
Failing to record a deed to a Florida property may result in the new owner’s inability to sell the property, refinance a mortgage, or execute a home equity line of credit.
If the previous owner had unpaid debts or taxes, a quitclaim deed may expose the new owner to a lien or judgment attached to the property. As there is no possibility to sue the grantor, the grantee is responsible for facing the existing issues.
How to Find Out Whether a Florida Quit Claim Deed Was Recorded
When compared to other types of deeds, quitclaim deeds are riskier options. In most cases, this deed option is recommended only in property transfers involving family members or long-time friends.
If the grantor is not sure of the reliability and confidence involved in the transfer of property, executing a quitclaim deed is not a good idea. It is fundamental to identify whether the deed has been properly recorded.
In many Florida counties, anyone can access real property records online without any fees involved. It is possible to work with an experienced Florida attorney to ask for a copy of the document’s recording page. The recording page provides detailed information about the deed, including:
- The date on which the deed was recorded
- The volume and page number where it is possible to find the deed
Is a Executing a Florida Quit Claim Deed a Good Idea? – Contact Your Florida Probate Lawyer
Waste no time with uncertainty. Get in touch with Attorneys Romy B. Jurado and Diana C. Collazos by calling (305) 921-0976 or emailing [email protected] for an individual assessment.
