Frequently Asked Questions
How do I update the property records regarding the death of a property owner?
Certified copies of death certificates relating to real estate transactions can be recorded in the Official Records department. To obtain a certified copy of a death certificate for Marion County, contact the Marion County Health Department, Office of Vital Statistics, at 352-629-0137. Death Certificates for other Florida counties may be obtained by contacting the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, at 904-359-6900.
Note: Florida death certificates submitted for recording must be the short form that does not include the cause of death.
Cost: A one-sided death certificate is $10.00. A two-sided death certificate (out-of-state) is $18.50.
How do I make changes to my current deed?
The Official Records staff cannot provide legal advice, nor assist in the preparation of legal forms. It is strongly recommended that you consult with a real estate attorney or legal advisor if you wish to change ownership or correct, add, or remove a name on a deed. To obtain the name of a Florida real estate attorney, contact the Florida Bar Association, Attorney Referral Service at 1-800-342-8011. Once the appropriate documentation is completed and ready for recording, it must meet the recording criteria outlined in the Florida Statutes, Section 695.26.
Where can I obtain a blank deed form?
The Clerk’s office does not provide deed forms. These forms can be purchased from office supply stores or downloaded from on-line web sites that offer Florida deed forms, depending upon what you are trying to do. It is strongly encouraged for you to consult with an attorney or legal advisor to be sure that the form you use is appropriate for your situation. Once the appropriate documentation is completed and ready for recording, it must meet the recording criteria outlined in the Florida Statutes, Section 695.26. Other statutes may also apply.
What are the fees to record a document?
The per page cost to record a document is $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page. If there are more than four names on the document, each additional names costs $1.00, and any variation of the name is counted as a separate name. In most cases documentary stamp taxes must also be paid at the time of recording. A fee calculator is available on the Clerk’s website to assist in obtaining the correct fee due.
Documentary stamp taxes are taxes imposed by Florida law on transactions involving the transfer of ownership or interest in real estate. Documentary stamp tax is levied at the rate of $.70 per $100 (or portion thereof) on documents that transfer interest in Florida real property, such as deeds. Documentary stamp tax is also levied at the rate of $.35 per $100 (or portion thereof) on documents that are executed or delivered in Florida, for example:
- Mortgages
- Notes and other written obligations to pay
- Certain renewal notes
- Bonds (original issuance)
For more fee information, please refer to the Fees and Charges section listed in the Quick Links on the homepage.
How do I submit a document for recording?
Documents for recording can be submitted by mail or in person at the addresses identified below. A return self-addressed stamped envelope is required with all documents submitted for recording.
Mailing Address:
Clerk of Court and Comptroller
Attn: Recording
P.O. Box 1030
Ocala, FL 34478-1030
Physical Mailing Address (overnight mail):
Clerk of Court and Comptroller
Attn: Recording
110 NW 1st Avenue
Ocala, FL 34478
Physical Address:
Mail is NOT received at this location
Clerk of Court Annex
19 N Pine Avenue, Room 124
Ocala, FL 34475
If you submit documents frequently for recording, you may benefit from subscribing to electronic recording services offered by one of the third party eRecord vendors listed on our web site.
How do I know if there are any liens on my property?
The Clerk’s office does not search for multiple liens on a piece of property over the phone. You may, however, conduct an Official Records Search on our website to identify any lien recorded against a particular name. Liens are recorded and indexed using the property owner(s) name and legal description. The Clerk’s office will not provide any documentation (i.e., letter, etc.) indicating that there are no liens on a property.
Where can I obtain a copy of my property survey?
A property survey is a sketch or map of a piece of land, showing boundary lines, physical features, and permanent improvements (house, driveway, fences, sidewalks, sheds, pools, etc.). Property surveys are not recorded or archived in the Official Records. These documents are typically issued at real estate closings and included with the closing documents. If you want your property survey, please contact the people who handled you real estate closing.
Where can I obtain the paperwork showing my mortgage is paid?
Once your financial institution determines that your mortgage has been paid off (i.e. satisfied), that company will issue a satisfaction or release of mortgage document, which gets recorded in the Official Records. Once recorded, the company should send you the original document for your files. The company does not hold the deed to your property, it would have already been recorded when the property was purchased and returned to you at that time from your closing agent.
What does the state of Florida require for a Notary Acknowledgement Certificate?
Florida Statute 117.05(4)- what a jurat or notarial certificate should (and shouldn’t) include:
(a) The venue stating the location of the notarization in the format, “State of Florida, County of _________”;
(b) The type of notarial act performed, an oath or an acknowledgement, evidenced by the words “sworn” or “acknowledged”;
(c) That the signer personally appear before the notary public at the time of the notarization by means of physical presence or audio-video communication technology;
(d) The exact date of the notarial act;
(e) The name of the person whose signature is being notarized;
(f) The specific type of identification the notary public is relying upon in identifying the signer;
(g) The notary’s official signature;
(h) The notary’s name, typed, printed, or stamped below the signature; and
(i) The notary’s official seal affixed below or to either side of the notary’s signature.
Florida Statute 117.05(13)(a)-(e) also provides examples of sufficient notarial certificates for different purposes.