Florida Title Industry Alert: Important Legislative Updates

Recent changes to Florida title laws could have an impact on your real estate transactions. Our team at All American Document Services works to help you stay informed about the latest legislative changes. Within this post, we’ll explore several new updates to the Florida title laws and explain the impact they will have upon the local industry.

SB 248 Public Records Exemption Expansion – Law Enforcement Home Address

This legislation is designed to expand the current law prohibiting the publication of home addresses for law enforcement officials. The law removes the legal property description and the parcel identification number, as well as any other information that could be used to identify a person. However, it’s important to know that the person can waive their right to anonymity in cases where they wish to work with the Florida title industry.

HB 447 Building Permits

HB 447 requires local Florida governments to provide written notice to a property owner or contractor in no fewer than 30 days before a building permit is about to expire. It also allows the property owner to close a permit by assuming the role of owner-builder, upon follow-up approval from the local government. Another benefit of this update is that it sets out a clear process for property owners to close open or expired building permit by retaining the original contractor or choosing a new contractor to perform required work. 

HB 409 Electronic Legal Documents

HB 409 has been designed to streamline the notarization of electronic legal documents in cases where two parties are able to communicate with one another, allowing the recording the transaction via electronic media. 

This has ramifications on the Florida real estate industry, where title changes require a witness to the signing of transaction documents. Beginning January 1, 2020, Florida title documents can be signed and witnessed via digital communications technology such as Skype or FaceTime. The technology allows both parties to agree verbally and share their signed documents with a notary. Online notarizations will be recorded in full and preserved for historical record with state officials.

A key consideration within this legislation is the potential impact the new law will have on vulnerable people. In cases in which one party is deemed legally vulnerable or otherwise unable to consent to the signing of a legal document, there must be a witness physically present with the vulnerable person. This witness must be able to prove their relationship to the vulnerable person. 

Turn to All American Document Services for Guidance

Our experienced team can help you to streamline your real estate transactions and locate public records regarding local Florida properties. We have decades of experience in the industry and harness web-based tools as well as a nationally-based team to complete our work for clients. 

Experience a quicker turnaround time, smoother delivery, and superior customer care with the AADS Advantage. Place your order today!