Property Fraud Alert

PROPERTY FRAUD FAQ'S

Property and identity fraud is a nationwide problem. By filing fake deeds, scammers appear to own property, and can then fraudulently rent or sell property, without the knowledge of the true owner. This can seriously impact the true owner's credit rating, or ability to sell or rent the property.

To help protect property owners from fraud, the Leon County Clerk's office offers a free service to notify citizens if a document has been recorded in their name. Property Fraud Alert detects all documents being recorded and sends email notifications within 24 hours to registered users.


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Frequently Asked Questions

About Recording Notification Service

What is the Recording Notification Service?

Recording Notification Service is a service offered by the Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller that alerts citizens via email when a document is recorded in their name.

How does the Recording Notification Service work?

On the Recording Notification Service sign up page, you may enter up to 5 name variations per email address. When a document is recorded into the leon County Official Records with a name that is being monitored, an email will automatically be sent to the provided email address.

What documents will I be notified about through the Recording Notification Service?

The Recording Notification Service alerts you to newly recorded documents only, (i.e. documents recorded after you have signed up). To search documents already recorded under your name, click here.

How will the system notify me?

The System will send you an email, within 24 hours, each time it finds a match for a name that you have requested to be monitored.

How many names can I monitor?

You may monitor up to five (5) names per Email account. The names can either be an individuals name or a business name.

How do I edit the names being monitored?

You can edit the names you are monitoring at any time by selecting the link under the "Update Subscription" section on the Recording Notification Service page and entering your registered email address.

Can I unsubscribe from the Recording Notification Service?

Yes, you can unsubscribe at any time by selecting the "Unsubscribe" link on the Recording Notification Service page and entering your registered email address.

Is my Recording Notification Service registration subject to public records law?

Yes, email addresses and names used in registrations for the Recording Notification Service are subject to public disclosure per Florida public records law.


About Fraudulent Documents and Property Fraud

What can I do to protect myself from property fraud?

  • Check our Official Records to see what documents are recorded under your name and sign up for Leon County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller's Recording Notification Service for automated email alerts when your name is added to the Official Records index.
  • If your property is vacant, check often to make sure it is not occupied illegally.
  • Ask someone you trust to look after your property if you are away for an extended period of time.
  • Do not let mail pile up when out of town.
  • Make sure the Leon County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices have the correct mailing address for you or the person who should receive notices about your property.

Why do fraudulent documents get recorded?

The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller must record all documents that meet the requirements outlined in the Florida Statues. The Clerk has no authority to refuse to record a properly prepared document, even if it may be fraudulent.

If You Receive an Alert

If a document is recorded that matches your monitoring criteria, you will receive an email with a link to view the document.

If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, contact your local law enforcement agency.

  • Leon County Sheriff's Office: 850-606-3300
  • Tallahassee Police Department: 850-891-4200

If a document is proven fraudulent, can it be removed from the Official Records?

No document can be removed from the Official Records without a court order. Therefore, citizens are urged to contact local law enforcement and/or an attorney for prompt, appropriate action if fraud is suspected.

What should I do if I think I may be the victim of property fraud?

Contact your local law enforcement agency at 850-606-3300 and/or your attorney or legal advisor.

Neither the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Property Appraiser, or Tax Collector offices can take legal action on your behalf to reverse the fraudulent activity.