One of the simplest ways Flagler County property owners can watch for possible deed or property fraud is completely free: sign up for Recording Activity Notifications through the Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. The service can alert you by email when a document is recorded in Flagler County's Official Records using a name you've registered.
Property fraud can involve someone creating or recording a fraudulent document that appears to affect the ownership of, or a claim against, another person's property.
For example, a fraudulent deed could falsely appear to transfer ownership of a home or parcel of land. Other fraudulent documents could potentially create a lien, encumbrance or other claim involving the property.
Florida law makes it unlawful to knowingly file certain false documents or records involving real or personal property.
A good first step is to register for the Flagler County Clerk's Recording Activity Notification service.
Once registered, the system sends an email when a document is recorded in Flagler County's Official Records using the exact name you've chosen to monitor.
Think of it as an early-warning system. The alert gives you an opportunity to investigate a recording you don't recognize and take appropriate action if necessary.
Yes, if your name appears in different forms.
The Clerk's system looks for exact name matches. If official records could contain different versions of your name, register each variation you want monitored.
People with common names may receive alerts for documents belonging to someone else with the same name. Receiving an alert does not, by itself, mean fraud has occurred.
The notification provides information about the newly recorded document so you can determine whether it relates to you.
If you recognize the transaction, no further action may be needed. If you don't recognize the document, review the Official Records and determine what was recorded.
If you believe a fraudulent document involving your property has been recorded, don't ignore it. Contact the appropriate authorities and consider obtaining legal advice about the steps necessary to address the recording.
Florida enacted HB 1419, Real Property Fraud, in 2023. Among its provisions, the legislation addressed fraudulent real-property filings and recording notification services.
The law strengthened procedures surrounding suspected fraudulent recordings and required Florida clerks of court to operate opt-in recording notification services.
The notification system is useful because discovering a questionable filing quickly can give a property owner an opportunity to investigate and determine what action may be necessary.
The free notification service is one useful tool, but property owners can take a few additional practical steps.
Yes. The Flagler County Clerk provides Recording Activity Notifications as a free public service.
No. The notification service does not prevent a fraudulent document from being recorded. It provides an early warning so a subscriber can investigate unexpected activity.
For a personal-name registration, the Clerk says you need your first and last name and an email address. The system also allows registration of business names.
Yes. Because the system uses exact name matches, the Clerk recommends registering multiple variations when appropriate.
No. Flagler County's service monitors documents recorded in Flagler County Official Records. If you own property elsewhere, check with the clerk of court in that county for available notification services.
Flagler County's Recording Activity Notification service is free to register.
Sign Up for Free Alerts →Source: Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller and Florida Legislature. This article provides general information and is not legal advice.