Understanding Florida Real Estate Deeds

What’s in the guide

A deed is the written document that transfers an interest in real property from one owner (the grantor) to another (the grantee). In Florida a deed must be signed in front of two witnesses, and it must be notarized before it can be recorded.

This guide compares the main types of Florida deeds and covers recording, documentary stamp tax, homestead, property tax, and common mistakes in family deeds. It links to the Florida Statutes and Administrative Code so you can read the sources yourself.

What the 9-page guide covers

1. What a Deed Is
2. Requirements for a Valid Florida Deed
3. Types of Deeds Used in Florida
4. Recording and Why It Matters
5. How Co-Owners Hold Title
6. Documentary Stamp Tax
7. Homestead — Spousal Joinder and Devise Restrictions
8. Property Tax Consequences of a Deed
9. Federal Tax Notes (Information Only)
10. Common Mistakes Seen in Family Deeds
11. Title Insurance and Title Searches
12. Do Your Own Research — Primary Sources
13. Required Disclosures

Download the free guide (PDF)

Ready to start? For a Lady Bird deed, fill out the Florida Lady Bird Deed intake form (and see the Lady Bird deed guide). For any other deed, call or text 772-321-2290.

More free guides: see all free guides.

Ready to start your paperwork?

Fill out the Florida Deed intake form (quitclaim, warranty and others) or Florida Lady Bird Deed intake form, or call or text 772-321-2290. Your document is prepared from the information you provide in writing. See deed preparation.

Related free guides

• Florida quitclaim deed guide
• Lady Bird deed guide
• Florida small estate and probate guide

I am not an attorney. I am a nonlawyer document preparer and provide document preparation only, at your direction. I cannot give legal advice. This guide is educational information only.

Prepared by Jonathan Rexford, Nonlawyer Document Preparer and Florida Notary Public, Vero Beach, Florida · 772-321-2290 · jonathan@notarynearmenow.com