Miami Dade County deed records are the official papers that prove who owns real estate in the county. These records list the names of buyers and sellers, the legal description of the land, and the date the deed was filed.
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court keeps a public index of every deed so anyone can search and view the history of a property.
What Miami Dade County Deed Records Show
Each deed recorded in Miami-Dade County tells a small story about a piece of property. It shows the grantor (the person selling or giving the property) and the grantee (the person receiving it). It also shows the legal description, which is the official written boundary of the land. Recording a deed puts the public on notice that ownership has changed.
Key Parts of Every Recorded Deed
Most recorded deeds in Florida have the same basic parts. These parts help a reader know the deed is real and complete.
- Grantor name (seller or giver)
- Grantee name (buyer or receiver)
- Legal description of the property
- Recording date and instrument number
- Signature of the grantor
- Notary acknowledgment
- Document type (warranty, quitclaim, or special warranty)
Why Deed Records Are Public
Florida law makes deed records public under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. This rule means anyone can ask to see or copy a deed. Public access helps buyers check title before a sale. It also helps lenders check who owns a home before giving a loan. The open system cuts down on fraud and keeps property deals honest.
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court Office
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court runs the Official Records department. This office accepts new deeds for recording, stores old deeds, and gives copies to the public. Florida Statute 28.222 gives the clerk the duty to record documents that affect property. The clerk also keeps a public index that anyone can search online.
Main Office Location and Hours
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts main office sits at 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. The Official Records department works Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Phone lines open at the same time. Visitors can also search records online any time through the clerk website.
Official Website and Online Search
The clerk offers a free online search tool at miamidadeclerk.gov. Users can search by name, parcel number, or document type. The tool shows the recording date, book and page number, and names on the deed. For a fee, users can also view and print scanned images of the actual deed pages.
How to Search Miami Dade County Deed Records
Searching Miami Dade County deed records takes a few simple steps. The clerk website has a search page built for the public. Most people can find the deed they need using just a name or a property address.
Search by Grantor or Grantee Name
A name search looks for deeds where a person appears as grantor or grantee. The clerk search tool asks for the last name first. Then the user types a first name or business name. The result page shows a list of deeds tied to that name. Each line shows the recording date and document type.
Search by Property Address
An address search looks for deeds linked to a street address. The clerk system uses the official property appraiser data. Users type the house number and street name. The site returns a list of recorded documents for that parcel. Address search works well for home buyers who want to see past sales.
Search by Parcel Number
A parcel number search uses the folio number from the property appraiser. The folio is a 13-digit code unique to each piece of land in Miami-Dade County. The parcel search returns the cleanest list of records. Title companies often use parcel numbers because they avoid name spelling mistakes.
Search by OR Book and Page
Older deeds in Florida were filed in Official Record (OR) books and page numbers. A book and page search jumps right to a specific deed. Users enter the book number, then the page number. The system shows the deed image on screen. Many deeds before 1998 use this system, and the clerk keeps the old book numbers working.
Types of Deeds Recorded in Florida
Florida law allows several kinds of deeds. Each type gives a different level of protection to the buyer. Knowing the type helps a reader know what promises the seller made about the title.
Warranty Deed
A warranty deed is the most common type in a regular home sale. The grantor promises that the title is clear of liens and that no one else has a claim. The grantor also promises to defend the buyer if a past claim shows up. This full promise gives the buyer the strongest protection.
Special Warranty Deed
A special warranty deed only covers the time the grantor owned the property. The grantor does not promise anything about the time before they owned it. Lenders often use this deed when they take property back through foreclosure. Buyers get some protection but not as much as a full warranty deed.
Quitclaim Deed
A quitclaim deed gives up any interest the grantor may have in the property. The grantor makes no promises about clear title. Courts use quitclaim deeds to clear up title errors. Family members also use them to transfer property between relatives. Buyers should be careful because a quitclaim gives no protection.
Other Common Documents
Many other records appear in the official records index. These records also affect property and should be reviewed during a title search.
- Mortgages and satisfaction of mortgage
- Lis pendens (notice of pending lawsuit)
- Liens and judgments
- Easements and right-of-way grants
- Declarations of condominium
- Death certificates and probate records
Florida Recording Requirements
Florida has clear rules about what a deed must contain to be recorded. Following these rules keeps the deed valid and protects the buyer. Chapter 695 of the Florida Statutes covers most recording requirements.
Required Parts of a Florida Deed
Florida recording law requires specific items on every deed. Missing items may cause the clerk to reject the document. Both printed and digital deeds must meet the same rules.
- Grantor and grantee names written clearly
- Mailing address for both parties after recording
- Legal description matching the prior deed
- Tax parcel identification number
- Signature of the grantor
- Notary acknowledgment with seal
- Documentary stamp tax paid
Documentary Stamp Tax in Florida
Florida charges a documentary stamp tax on each deed at the time of recording. The tax rate is $0.70 per $100 of the sale price for deeds. The clerk collects the tax when the deed is filed. On a $300,000 home, the tax would be $2,100. Some transfers, like gifts between family members, may not owe the tax.
Recording Fees in Miami-Dade County
The clerk charges a small fee to record each deed. The fee covers indexing, scanning, and storing the document. Miami-Dade County follows the standard Florida fee schedule.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First page of a deed | $10.00 |
| Each extra page | $8.50 |
| Indexing each extra name (over 4) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Documentary stamp tax | $0.70 per $100 |
E-Recording in Miami-Dade County
E-recording lets users submit deeds online through approved vendors. The clerk accepts e-recorded documents from two main vendors. This method cuts down on mail time and speeds up recording.
- Simplifile (simplifile.com)
- CSC (erecording.com)
Most title companies and law offices use one of these vendors. E-recorded deeds often post the same day they are submitted. The clerk then stamps them with an official recording date.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a Deed
Some uses of a deed require a certified copy. A certified copy has a clerk stamp that proves the copy is a true copy of the original. Banks, courts, and title companies often ask for a certified copy of a deed.
Steps to Request a Certified Copy
Requesting a certified copy follows a clear path. The clerk can serve walk-in, mail, and online requests. Each path needs the same basic deed details.
- Find the deed using the name, address, or book and page number.
- Write down the official record book and page number.
- Fill out the certified copy request form from the clerk website.
- Pay the fee for each page plus the certification fee.
- Pick up the copy in person or wait for it to arrive by mail.
Cost and Time for a Certified Copy
The clerk charges $1.00 per page for a certified copy plus a small certification fee. A typical one-page deed costs around $2.00 to $3.00 total. Walk-in requests are ready the same day in many cases. Mail requests can take 5 to 10 business days. Online requests through the clerk portal often arrive in 3 to 5 business days.
Florida Title Search Using Deed Records
A title search is a full review of all records tied to a property. The goal is to confirm clear ownership before a sale or loan. Title companies, attorneys, and buyers all use deed records as part of a title search.
What a Title Search Reveals
A complete title search pulls records from many sources. The deed index is one key part. The search covers a set period, usually 30 to 50 years back. The search also looks at tax records, court records, and probate files.
- Past sales and transfers
- Mortgages that were paid off
- Open liens or unpaid taxes
- Court judgments against past owners
- Probate issues from past deaths
- Easements that limit the property use
Chain of Title Explained
The chain of title is the list of every owner from the present back to the first owner. A clean chain shows no gaps. Each link in the chain is a recorded deed. A broken chain can mean a past deed was missing, wrong, or never recorded. Title insurance protects buyers from problems a search may miss.
Miami-Dade Property Appraiser Records
The Miami-Dade Property Appraiser runs a separate office with parcel data. This data links the deed records to the official parcel map. The appraiser folio number matches the legal description on each deed.
How Parcel Data Connects to Deeds
Each parcel in Miami-Dade has a 13-digit folio number. The folio appears on the recorded deed as the tax identification number. The appraiser site lets users search by address or owner name. The search returns the folio, the legal description, and the latest sale date.
Property Value and Tax Records
The appraiser site also shows the assessed value of each parcel. This value helps set the annual property tax bill. Tax records are public, and the clerk also keeps a record of tax deeds. Tax deeds are used when a property owner fails to pay county taxes.
Other Florida Counties for Comparison
Florida has 67 counties. Each county has its own clerk office and official records system. The same Florida recording laws apply across the state. The rules for deeds, the OR book system, and the documentary stamp tax all match. The county websites may look different, but the records they hold follow the same state rules.
Broward County Clerk Records
Broward County uses the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The clerk site offers a similar online search tool. Recording fees in Broward match the state fee schedule. The county uses OR book and page numbers like Miami-Dade.
Hillsborough County Property Records
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court records property deeds for the Tampa area. The clerk search tool accepts names, parcel numbers, and book and page. The Hillsborough office offers certified copies online and in person. Documentary stamp tax rules match state law.
Orange County Florida Deed Search
Orange County Clerk of Courts records deeds for Orlando and the surrounding area. The Orange County official records search works the same way as Miami-Dade. Users can search by name or parcel number. Certified copies can be ordered online through the clerk portal.
Palm Beach County Official Records
Palm Beach County Clerk records deeds for the West Palm Beach area. The Palm Beach clerk search tool is free to use. Document images are available for a small fee. The county uses the same book and page system as the rest of Florida.
Pinellas County Deed Records
Pinellas County Clerk of Court records deeds for the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area. The Pinellas search tool accepts name and parcel searches. The county follows the same state recording rules and fees.
Duval County Official Records
Duval County Clerk of Courts records deeds for the Jacksonville area. The Duval search tool works by name and date range. The county follows state law for deed formats, documentary stamp tax, and OR book numbers.
Statewide Florida Deed Resources
Florida offers statewide tools that link to each county. These tools help when the user does not know which county holds a specific deed.
MyFloridaCounty Portal
MyFloridaCounty offers a statewide jump point to each county clerk. The site lists every county clerk office. Users can click into any county to start a deed search. The portal works well when a property sits on a county line or the owner lived in many counties.
Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers
The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers group runs the flclerks.com site. This site gives contact data for each county clerk. It also lists state rules that apply to recording. Many title searchers use this site to find the right county office for an older document.
Common Reasons to Search Miami Dade County Deed Records
People search Miami Dade County deed records for many reasons. Each reason has a clear goal. Knowing the goal helps the user pick the right search method.
Before Buying a Home
Home buyers search deeds before closing. The search confirms the seller really owns the home. The search also reveals past liens or claims. This step is part of a standard title search.
After Receiving an Inheritance
Heirs search deeds after a family member dies. The search shows what the deceased owned. The search also shows if a probate deed needs to be filed. A probate deed transfers title from the estate to the heirs.
For Title Insurance
Title insurance companies search deeds before issuing a policy. The policy protects buyers and lenders from past title issues. The search must cover the full chain of title.
For Legal Disputes
Lawyers search deeds during disputes over ownership. The search shows who held the title at a given time. The search also shows past mortgages that may still affect the property.
For Historical Research
Researchers and genealogists search old deeds to trace land history. Older Miami-Dade deeds go back to the early 1900s. Some records reach further back through the historical archives.
Miami-Dade Clerk Contact and Office Details
The Miami-Dade Clerk of Court serves the public from several locations. The main office handles most deed recording and search requests.
Office Address and Phone
Official Records Department, Miami-Dade Clerk of Court, 73 West Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. The main phone line is 305-275-1155. The official records phone line is 305-275-1111. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office closes on county holidays.
Official Website
The clerk website address is miamidadeclerk.gov. The official records section is under the Clerk menu. Users can search records, order certified copies, and view recording rules from this site.
Tips for Faster Deed Searches
A few simple steps can speed up any deed search. These steps work for name, address, and parcel searches. They cut down on time and help the user find the right deed on the first try.
Use Exact Spellings
Name searches work best with exact spellings. Try common spellings first, then add a middle name or initial. Wider date ranges also help when the spelling is unclear.
Match the Year of the Transfer
Date range searches cut down the list of results. Set the date range around the year the deed was filed. This step keeps the page from showing too many deeds.
Confirm the Parcel First
Parcel searches give the cleanest results. Pull the folio number from the property appraiser site first. Then use the folio to search the clerk records.
Save the OR Book and Page
Write down the OR book and page number of any deed you find. That number lets you pull the same deed again later without searching. Lenders and title agents often ask for this number.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common points users ask about Miami Dade County deed records. Each answer gives clear facts based on Florida law and clerk rules. The answers also point to the right office or tool for the next step.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Miami-Dade?
The recording fee for a one-page deed in Miami-Dade County is $10.00. Each extra page costs $8.50. The documentary stamp tax is $0.70 per $100 of the sale price. Indexing extra names costs $1.00 per name after four. Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a small certification fee.
How long does recording take in Miami-Dade?
E-recorded deeds often post the same day. Mailed paper deeds take 3 to 7 business days after the clerk receives them. Walk-in deeds are stamped the same day at the public counter. The recording date is the official date on the stamp, not the date the user mailed it.
Can I remove my name from public deed records?
Florida law does not allow removing a deed from public view. The records stay open under Chapter 119. The clerk cannot redact a name unless a court order says so. Identity theft victims may get a redaction under specific state rules. Most personal data on deeds stays public for the life of the record.
What is the OR book and page number?
The OR book and page number is the old system for finding deeds. Each deed was filed in a numbered book and given a page number. Modern deeds use a similar instrument number. The book and page still work in the clerk search tool for older records.
Do I need a lawyer to read a recorded deed?
You do not need a lawyer to read a basic deed. Most deeds have the same simple parts. A lawyer helps when the deed has a complex legal description or an easement. A title company can also explain the deed for a small fee.
How far back do Miami-Dade deed records go?
Miami-Dade County has deed records going back to the early 1900s. The county was created in 1836, but many early records were lost. Most users can pull digital images back to 1978. Older records may require a trip to the clerk archive room.
Are quitclaim deeds valid in Florida?
Yes. Quitclaim deeds are legal in Florida under Chapter 695. They are often used to clear up title errors, transfer property between family members, or add a spouse to a deed. They do not give the buyer any promises about clear title, so a title search is still wise.