Why did the Clerk's South County Recording Division Close?
Bills passed by the Florida Legislature and signed by the Governor demanded that Clerks' offices across the state reduce their budgets by more than $46 million statewide. In St. Lucie County, that reduction was $546,000. Staff has worked diligently to create a plan that balances the need to fulfill our statutory responsibilities while providing the least inconvenience to our residents. State statute mandates that “ The Official Records of the county must be kept at the county seat ”, which is our main office in downtown Ft. Pierce . Anything else is not required, and like many businesses during these economic times, we had to make difficult decisions that are not popular but never-the-less right and will protect the institutional integrity of the Clerk's office. It is important to note that the Recording division public traffic has reduced dramatically in the last year. If and when that traffic increases and our budget allows us to do so, it is our intention to reopen the branch office in St. Lucie West.
How do I remove or add a name to the deed of my property?
In order to make any changes to a deed, a new document must be prepared and recorded. The Clerk's office does not provide forms or fill them out. When the new document is completed, it is then brought to the Clerk's office to be recorded.
My husband or wife is deceased. How do I take their name off of the house (deed)?
If the property is owned jointly, a death certificate can be recorded to clear the title. By recording the death certificate, anyone searching the property can see the person is deceased, and the remaining spouse is the sole owner. Per Florida statute, the death certificate cannot show the cause of death, and cannot be altered or covered up.
How long is it after I bring a document to be recorded before I get it back in the mail?
All documents are recorded upon receipt. They must then be microfilmed, indexed, verified and scanned to appear on public records before they are mailed back to the customer. The turn-around time is normally seven to ten days.
I have a deed to my lot, but not my house. How do I get it?
In the State of Florida, a deed to the land is the deed to your house. Anything you build on the property becomes a part of the property. There are not separate deeds to the land and to the house.
I am an agent for the owner of the property. Can I sign the Notice of Commencement?
Only the owner of the property can sign, per Florida statute. In the case that the owner is a business, an officer of that business can sign.
How can I pay for my recordings?
Recording deeds must be cash, certified check, money order, or business check (attorney, etc.). No personal checks will be accepted. Make checks payable to: Clerk of Court, PO Box 700, Ft. Pierce, FL 34954. You must include a self-addressed envelope for the return of the recorded documents. Anyone may also bring your documents to either the Courthouse or the South County Annex.
Can I mail my documents to the Clerk for recording, or do I have to come in person?
Documents can be mailed to the recording department. Always send a self-addressed envelope for the return of the recorded documents. Anyone can bring documents to the office to be recorded. It does not have to be you.
What are the recording fees?
Fees are $10.00 for the first page, $8.50 for each additional page. Documents having more than four names require an additional $1.00 per name. Copies are $1.00 per page. Certification is $1.50.
How much are doc stamps on a deed?
Doc stamps for deeds are $.70 per hundred dollars, rounded off to the next nearest hundred. For example, $101.00 consideration for a deed would be based on a $200.00 consideration. The recording fee for a one page deed with a consideration of $101.00, would be $11.40.
How much are doc stamps and intangible tax on a mortgage?
Doc stamps are $.35 per hundred dollars rounded off to the next nearest hundred. Intangible taxes are $ .002 of the actual amount of the mortgage.
Where is the Clerk's office located?
The main office is located at the 201 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. The mailing address is P. O. Box 700, Ft. Pierce, Florida 34954. There is a south branch office located at 250 N. W. Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie, Florida, 34986.
How can I obtain a copy of a recorded document?
Either come in to the office or mail in your request. Be sure to enclose a money order or business check for a fee per page, plus a fee per document for certification if needed, made payable to The Clerk of Circuit Court. Mail your request to: St. Lucie County - Clerk of Court, Research Department, P.O. Box 700, Ft. Pierce, FL 34954. You may also order copies online at CLICK HERE
How can I find out how much I paid in taxes for any given year(s)?
Make your request in writing for the number of years along with the parcel I.D. number and a fee per year, payable by money order or business check to the Clerk of Court, Research Dept., P.O. Box 700, Ft. Pierce, FL 34954
Can you tell me who owns a property if I give you the address?
No. We do not index by address. If you have only an address, contact the Property Appraiser's Office.
Can you tell me if something has been recorded?
Yes. If you can provide the name on the document and the year it was recorded.
Can you tell me if there are any liens on my property?
Yes, but our records would show only liens that have been recorded. Not all liens are recorded.
Can I get a copy of a birth certificate thru you?
No. Birth certificates are not recorded. You can obtain a copy of a birth certificate through the Health Dept.
What information do I need in order to obtain a copy of a plat?
You need to know either the subdivision name or the Plat Book and page number of the plat. If it is a multi page plat and you only need a specific lot and block, you need to provide us with that lot and block number.
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