Palm Beach County deed records are the official files that prove who owns real property in the county. These records are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller of Palm Beach County.
Every time land, a house, or a building changes hands in Palm Beach County, a deed is filed with the county. The deed becomes part of the public record. Anyone can look at these records to check ownership, view transfer history, or confirm legal descriptions. This page explains how the system works, how to search it, and what to do when you need a certified copy of a deed.
What Are Palm Beach County Deed Records
Deed records in Palm Beach County are written documents that prove a transfer of property. Each deed lists the grantor, the grantee, the property location, and the date of transfer. The county keeps these records in a public index called Official Records. Florida law requires that all deeds affecting real property be recorded in the county where the property sits. Palm Beach County uses an online database that goes back many decades. Older paper records have also been scanned into the system for easier access.
Types of Deeds Recorded
Palm Beach County records several types of deeds. Each deed type has its own legal meaning. Knowing the type helps you pick the right search and read the document correctly.
- Warranty deed – the seller promises the title is clear of all liens.
- Special warranty deed – the seller only promises no liens arose during their ownership.
- Quitclaim deed – the seller transfers whatever interest they have, with no promises about the title.
- Trustee’s deed – used when property is sold from a trust.
- Personal representative’s deed – used in probate after someone dies.
- Tax deed – issued when the county sells property for unpaid taxes.
What Each Deed Record Shows
A typical Palm Beach County deed record contains specific data fields. Each field helps verify the transaction. Reading these fields carefully prevents errors in any title search.
- Recording date – when the clerk accepted the document.
- Instrument number – the unique ID assigned by the clerk.
- Book and page number – the older method of locating the document.
- Grantor name and signature.
- Grantee name and mailing address.
- Legal description – the exact property parcel.
- Parcel identification number.
- Consideration amount – the sale price.
How the Recording System Works in Palm Beach County
The Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office records deeds under Florida law. The clerk checks each document for basic format requirements before recording it. Once recorded, the deed is scanned, indexed, and made available online. Recording gives the public notice of the transfer. Recording also protects buyers from hidden prior claims on the property. The system works as a chain of title that any person can follow over many years.
The Clerk and Comptroller Office Role
The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the county recorder for Palm Beach County. The office handles all deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, and related land documents. The office also issues certified copies and maintains the official records archive. The clerk does not prepare deeds or give legal advice. The clerk only records documents that meet the legal format and collects the required fees.
Florida Statute Chapter 695 Requirements
Florida Statute Chapter 695 sets the rules for recording instruments that affect real property. The law lists what a deed must contain, who must sign it, and how it must be acknowledged. A deed that does not meet these rules can be rejected by the clerk. Common rejection reasons include missing notary seals, missing signatures, and incomplete legal descriptions. Recording under Chapter 695 gives the deed priority over unrecorded claims.
Public Access Under Chapter 119
Florida Statute Chapter 119 governs public records access. Deed records fall under this law because they are official public documents. Most fields in a deed are open to the public. A few sensitive fields, such as Social Security numbers, are redacted before scanning. The clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies as set by Florida statute and county rule.
How to Search Palm Beach County Deed Records
Searching Palm Beach County deed records is a step-by-step process. The county online portal lets you run a search from any computer. You can search by name, parcel, book and page, or document type. Most searches return results in seconds. You can view the image, save a copy, or order a certified copy. Knowing which search method to use saves time and money.
Search by Owner Name
Name searches are the most common way to find a deed. Enter the last name first, then the first name. The system returns all matching grantors and grantees. Use quotes around exact phrases for better accuracy. If a name has multiple spellings, try each one. A grantor-grantee search lets you look for both sides of a transfer at the same time.
Search by Parcel Number
A parcel number search is the most accurate way to find a deed. Every parcel in Palm Beach County has a unique parcel ID from the Property Appraiser. Enter the parcel number and the system lists every deed tied to that parcel. This method is best for title work and due diligence. A parcel search avoids name confusion from common names.
Search by Book and Page Number
Older Palm Beach County deeds are filed by book and page. A book and page search is needed when you have an old citation or a prior title search that uses this method. The clerk’s portal accepts a book and page entry for historical lookups. After a certain year, the system switched to instrument numbers. The portal accepts both methods today.
Search by Document Type
You can limit a search by deed type. The clerk’s index lets you pick warranty deed, quitclaim deed, mortgage, satisfaction, lien, or other types. Picking a document type cuts down on noise in busy name searches. This filter also helps when you want only a specific kind of record on a parcel.
Search by Date Range
Date range searches narrow results to a set period. You can set a start date and end date for any search. This filter helps when you know the rough year of a transfer. Date searches also help you skip unrelated records. Always check the year before paying for a certified copy.
Online Portal vs In-Person Records Request
Palm Beach County offers two ways to get deed records. Most users rely on the online portal from home. Some users need to visit the clerk’s office in person for certified copies or special requests. Knowing which path to pick saves time and money. Both paths lead to the same official record.
Official Records Online Portal
The online portal is run by the Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office. The portal address is mypalmbeachclerk.com/records/official-records. The portal is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can search, view, and print documents. Payment is by credit card or debit card. There is a small fee per page for non-certified copies.
The image above shows the main entry point for Palm Beach County deed records.
Visiting the Clerk Office in Person
The Main Clerk’s Office sits at 205 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. There are also branch offices in Palm Beach County. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In-person visits help with complex record lookups and certified copy requests. Bring a valid photo ID and payment for any fees.
Certified Copies and Document Fees
The Palm Beach County Clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies. The fees are set by Florida statute and county rule. The first page of a standard copy is $10. Each extra page is a lower rate. Certified copies cost more because they carry the clerk’s seal and signature. A certified copy is often required by banks, courts, and title companies.
Standard Copy Fees
Standard copy fees apply to non-certified copies. These copies are good for personal review and research. They cannot be used in court or for a title transfer.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First page (non-certified) | $10.00 |
| Each extra page | $2.00 |
| Online search (per name) | $2.00 |
| Online document image | $2.00 per page |
Certified Copy Fees
Certified copies cost more than standard copies. The clerk adds a certification fee on top of the page fee. A certified copy is the only copy accepted for legal use in most cases.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy first page | $10.00 |
| Certified copy each extra page | $2.00 |
| Certification fee | $1.00 |
| Federal tax lien | $30.00 |
How to Request a Certified Copy
You can request a certified copy online or in person. The clerk needs the instrument number, book and page, or other record data. Online requests go through the official records portal. In-person requests go through the records desk at the main office.
- Locate the deed using the online portal search tools.
- Click the certified copy option on the record page.
- Pay the page fee plus the $1.00 certification fee.
- Provide a mailing address if you want a paper copy mailed.
- Pick up the certified copy at the clerk’s office, or wait for postal delivery.
eRecording in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County accepts electronic recording, called eRecording. eRecording lets you submit a deed to the clerk through an approved vendor. The vendor sends the deed to the clerk for review. Once accepted, the clerk records the deed and returns an image. eRecording cuts out mail time and lets you confirm receipt faster.
Approved eRecording Vendors
The Palm Beach County Clerk works with a list of approved vendors. Each vendor charges its own fee for service. Common vendors include Simplifile, CSC, and eRecording Partners. Pick a vendor based on cost, support, and integration with your title software.
Documents Accepted by eRecording
Most deeds and mortgages are accepted by eRecording. Some documents must still be filed on paper. These include certain court orders and very old formats. The clerk’s website lists the documents accepted by eRecording and any size limits.
Palm Beach County Cities and Deed Records
Deed recording in Palm Beach County is a county function. All deeds for property in any city in the county go to the same clerk’s office. Cities do not record deeds. City halls handle zoning, permits, and local taxes only. Property owners in any city in Palm Beach County use the same county portal for official records.
Major Cities in the County
Palm Beach County has 38 cities and towns. All real estate in these areas is recorded by the county clerk. Some of the larger cities include:
- West Palm Beach
- Boca Raton
- Boynton Beach
- Delray Beach
- Jupiter
- Palm Beach Gardens
- Wellington
- Royal Palm Beach
- Lake Worth Beach
- Greenacres
Unincorporated Communities
Parts of Palm Beach County sit outside city limits. These unincorporated areas include The Acreage, Loxahatchee, and parts of Westgate. Property in these areas is still recorded by the county clerk. The Property Appraiser handles value and tax records for unincorporated areas.
Common Uses for Deed Records
People search Palm Beach County deed records for many reasons. The records serve as proof of ownership, help resolve disputes, and back up real estate deals. Below are the most common uses for these public files.
Property Purchase and Title Search
Before you buy property, a title search pulls every deed tied to the parcel. The search confirms the seller owns the property and that no other person holds a claim. Most title companies run a 30-year or longer search. The deed records form the spine of every title insurance policy.
Estate and Probate Research
When someone passes away, heirs and attorneys pull deed records to confirm the estate’s real property. Probate courts often require certified copies of deeds to settle an estate. Personal representative’s deeds are recorded after the probate court issues an order.
Mortgage and Lien Verification
Mortgage lenders check deed records before lending money. The records show if any prior mortgage or lien is still on the property. After a mortgage is paid off, a satisfaction of mortgage is recorded. The satisfaction removes the lien from the public record.
Boundary and Legal Description Checks
Property owners check deed records to verify lot lines and easements. The legal description in each deed gives a precise picture of the parcel. Surveyors use deed records to retrace the chain of title back many decades.
Troubleshooting Deed Record Searches
Most searches work on the first try. Some searches need a second or third pass. Common issues include name spelling, missing records, and redaction. The tips below help solve the most common problems users hit in Palm Beach County.
Name Variations and Spelling Issues
A simple spelling mismatch can hide a record. Search for nicknames, maiden names, and middle names. Use the asterisk wild card if the portal allows it. Run each spelling one at a time so you know which name matched. Some older records use initials instead of full names.
Missing Records or Gaps in Index
Some very old records are not fully indexed online. You may need to request a clerk search by year and book. The clerk can pull a microfilm or paper image for older records. Some older records have poor scans, so the text search may miss them.
Redacted Personal Data Rules
Florida law requires redaction of some sensitive data on recorded documents. Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and minor children’s names are redacted by the clerk. You cannot pull the redacted text from the clerk. The original unredacted document stays with the filer.
Errors in Recorded Documents
Mistakes can show up in a recorded deed. Common errors include wrong legal descriptions, misspellings, and wrong parcel IDs. A corrective deed must be recorded to fix most errors. The corrective deed references the original by book and page or instrument number.
Comparing Palm Beach County With Other Florida Counties
Florida counties use similar recording systems. Each county runs its own clerk office and own fee schedule. The list below shows key data for several nearby counties. The data helps you compare the Palm Beach County system with its neighbors.
Broward County Official Records
Broward County uses the Broward County Records Division. The portal is at browardclerk.org. Fees are similar to Palm Beach County. Certified copies cost $10 for the first page plus $1 certification. Broward County also uses eRecording through approved vendors.
Miami-Dade County Official Records
Miami-Dade County records are at miamidadeclerk.gov. Miami-Dade uses a slightly different fee structure. The portal offers a property search by folio number. Miami-Dade records go back to the early 1900s on microfilm.
Orange County Official Records
Orange County records are at myorangeclerk.com. Orange County handles Orlando-area properties. The portal accepts name, parcel, and instrument number searches. Orange County also offers recorded document images for free online viewing.
Hillsborough County Property Records
Hillsborough County records are at hillsclerk.com. Hillsborough covers the Tampa area. The portal uses a unified records system that covers deeds, mortgages, and court records.
Historical Records and Archive Access
Older Palm Beach County deed records go back to the 1800s. The county has scanned many of these older records into the online portal. Some of the oldest records are still on microfilm. The clerk’s archive room holds the original books. Researchers can request older records through the official records portal or by visiting the records desk.
Older Records and Book and Page System
Before 1997, Palm Beach County used a book and page system. Each recorded deed sat in a paper book with numbered pages. The clerk has scanned these books into the system. Book and page searches still work for any document recorded before that year.
Microfilm and Digitized Archives
Some records from the 1960s and earlier sit on microfilm. The clerk has converted much of the microfilm into digital images. A small number of older records are still only available on microfilm. You can view these at the records desk or order copies.
Contact Information for Palm Beach County Clerk
The Palm Beach County Clerk and Comptroller runs the recording system. Below is the main office contact data. Use this data to reach the records team for help with searches, certified copies, or eRecording. Always confirm current hours on the clerk’s website before you visit.
Office Address and Hours
The main Palm Beach County Clerk’s Office sits at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office closes on weekends and county holidays. The records desk on the first floor handles deed copy requests.
Phone Numbers and Online Help
Call the Official Records line at (561) 355-2996 for help with searches and certified copies. The eRecording team works through your chosen vendor. The website at mypalmbeachclerk.com has live chat during business hours. Live chat covers many common questions about searches, fees, and document types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are common questions about Palm Beach County deed records. Each answer covers a specific point in plain language. Use these answers as a quick reference. Always confirm fee data and hours on the clerk’s website before you visit, since fees and hours can change over time.
How much does a certified deed copy cost?
A certified deed copy in Palm Beach County costs $10 for the first page. Each extra page adds $2. The clerk adds a $1 certification fee on top of the page fees. A typical four-page deed costs $19 in total fees. Federal tax lien copies cost $30 per page. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most credit cards. Certified copies carry the clerk’s seal and signature. Courts, title companies, and lenders require certified copies for legal filings. You can order certified copies online through the official records portal. You can also order them in person at the records desk. The clerk mails certified copies if you cannot visit in person. Mailing adds postage time. Online orders are usually ready within one business day. In-person orders are ready the same day. Always check the current fee schedule on the clerk’s website before you order. Fees can change under Florida law.
Can I search Palm Beach County deeds for free?
The official records index is free to search. The Palm Beach County Clerk’s portal lets you search by name, parcel, book and page, or document type. Each search returns grantor name, grantee name, recording date, instrument number, and document type. The free search helps you confirm a deed exists. The free search does not show the deed image. Viewing the deed image costs $2 per page. Downloading the deed image costs the same. The clerk charges by page because each scan can be many pages. You can use the free index from any computer, 24 hours a day. You can also use the index at the records desk during business hours. The free index goes back to the 1800s. The clerk keeps the index up to date as new deeds are recorded. The clerk adds new documents within 24 hours of recording. Always check the index first to confirm a deed before you pay for an image.
What’s the difference between warranty and quitclaim deeds?
A warranty deed promises the grantor owns the property free of all liens. The grantor also promises to defend the title against any claim. A special warranty deed only covers the period when the grantor owned the property. A quitclaim deed transfers only whatever interest the grantor has at the time of recording. A quitclaim deed makes no promise about title quality. Warranty deeds are common in regular home sales between strangers. Quitclaim deeds are common in family transfers, divorce settlements, tax corrections, and quiet title actions. Mortgage lenders usually require a warranty deed for financed purchases. Title insurance premiums are lower with warranty deeds because the seller backs the title. Quitclaim deeds usually need extra title work before a lender will accept them. Quitclaim deeds are faster to record because the seller does not sign a long warranty statement. The clerk records both types the same way. The clerk charges the same fee for both. The type of deed affects your legal rights more than the recording cost.
How long does Palm Beach County keep old deed records?
Palm Beach County keeps deed records permanently. Florida law requires counties to keep Official Records forever. The clerk scans older paper records into the digital system. Records back to the 1800s sit in the online portal. Some older records sit on microfilm. The clerk has converted most microfilm records to digital images. A small number of older books are still in paper form. Researchers can pull a deed from any year through the portal. Researchers can also visit the records desk for older records. The clerk keeps records at the main office in West Palm Beach. The clerk also keeps backup copies in a secure offsite location. Florida law protects records from loss through fire, flood, or other damage. The clerk uses microfilm backup for the oldest records. The clerk uses digital backup for newer records. Always cite the recording date or instrument number when you request an old record. This helps the clerk find the right document faster. Old records take longer to pull from storage. Plan ahead if you need an old certified copy.
How do I remove personal data from public records?
Florida law requires the clerk to redact sensitive personal data before recording. The clerk redacts Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and minor children’s names. You cannot remove a recorded deed from the public record. A recorded deed is a permanent legal document. You can ask the clerk to redact personal data that was missed during recording. The clerk will update the record within a set time. Victims of certain crimes can apply to keep their home address off public records. Florida Statute Chapter 119 covers this protection. The protection applies to specific roles, such as law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence. You must file a sworn request with the clerk to claim this protection. You must also file a sworn request with the Property Appraiser. The protection does not remove the deed. The protection only keeps the home address off public websites. Lenders and title companies still see the address. You cannot remove a recorded deed for any other reason. Always talk to a real estate attorney about privacy concerns.
Do I need an attorney to read a Florida deed?
You do not need an attorney to read a Florida deed. Most people can read a standard deed without legal help. A Florida deed has clear sections that explain the transfer. The grantor block shows the seller’s name and address. The grantee block shows the buyer’s name and address. The legal description block shows the exact property. The signature block shows the grantor’s signature and the notary’s seal. Anyone who reads slowly can understand these blocks. Some parts of a deed need a professional. The legal description often uses metes and bounds language. A surveyor or title abstractor reads metes and bounds. Easement language can be hard to understand without legal training. A real estate attorney helps when there is a title dispute. A real estate attorney helps when there is a lien you do not understand. A real estate attorney helps when you file a corrective deed. A title company can also help with reading complex deeds. Always consult an attorney for high-value property transfers or estate matters. A quick attorney review can save money on future title issues.
How do I correct an error on a recorded deed?
You record a corrective deed to fix an error on a recorded deed. The corrective deed must be signed by the same grantor as the original deed. The corrective deed must also be signed by the same grantee as the original deed in some cases. The corrective deed must be notarized. The corrective deed must reference the original deed by book and page or instrument number. The corrective deed states the specific error being fixed. The corrective deed does not create a new transfer. The corrective deed only corrects the prior record. Most clerks charge the standard recording fee for a corrective deed. A title company or real estate attorney can prepare the corrective deed. A simple misspelling may only need a one-page corrective deed. A wrong legal description may need a new survey before the corrective deed is filed. The clerk checks the corrective deed for format and signatures. The clerk records the corrective deed with the original. Future title searches pull both deeds together. Always file a corrective deed as soon as you spot an error. This protects your title from future disputes.