Tamarac City deed records are the official documents that show who owns each piece of property in Tamarac, Florida. These records are kept by Broward County, not by the city of Tamarac itself.
Anyone can look up a deed in Tamarac by using the county’s online search tools or by visiting the county office in person. This page explains how the system works, what forms of deed you may find, and how to get certified copies for legal use.
How Tamarac Deed Recording Works
When someone buys, sells, or transfers land in Tamarac, the deed must be filed with the county recorder. Broward County holds this role for all properties inside city limits. Once filed, the deed becomes part of the public record and anyone can request a copy. The recording process protects buyers, lenders, and heirs by giving them written proof of ownership changes.
Broward County as the Recording Office
Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division serves as the official recording office for Tamarac. The division keeps deed books, indexes by name and parcel, and stores scanned images of every recorded instrument. Their main office sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale, but most searches happen online through the county portal. The office accepts new recordings, processes copies, and issues certified copies that carry the county seal.
Tamarac falls fully inside Broward County boundaries. This means every deed filed in Tamarac appears in the Broward County index, not in a separate Tamarac-only database. The city of Tamarac has no recording authority over property deeds. City departments handle building permits, planning, and zoning, but never the title transfer itself.
What Gets Recorded in Tamarac
Several types of documents are recorded at the county office for properties in Tamarac. The most common include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, special warranty deeds, trustee deeds, and mortgage documents. Liens, satisfaction of mortgages, easements, and certain court orders also get recorded. Each recording creates an entry in the official index that ties the document to a parcel and to the people named on it.
Recording serves two main purposes. First, it gives public notice that a transfer or claim has occurred. Second, it sets the order of competing claims if more than one party claims an interest in the same land. Florida law sets clear rules about how this priority system works.
Florida Recording Laws That Apply
Three Florida statutes guide how Tamarac deed records work. Chapter 695 of the Florida Statutes covers the rules for recording real property documents. Section 28.222 gives county clerks and recorders their authority and duties. Chapter 119 declares that official records must be open to the public, with limited redactions for sensitive personal data. Knowing these rules helps users understand why certain documents are kept private and others are open to all.
The recording statutes also set standards for what a valid deed must contain. This includes proper signatures, notary acknowledgment, a legal description of the property, and the names of the grantor and grantee. If any of these elements are missing, the county recorder may reject the document. A rejected deed does not show up in the index until it is corrected and refiled.
Searching Tamarac Deed Records Online
Most Tamarac deed records can be searched without leaving home. The Broward County portal leads to the same database that clerks use in the office. Statewide portals also feed into the county system. With the right details, you can pull up a deed image, see the recording date, and print a copy for personal use. Knowing which tool to use for which search saves time.
Using the Broward County Official Records Portal
The Broward County Records Division runs a public search portal at broward.org/RecordsTaxesTreasury. Users can search by name, document type, recording date, book and page, or instrument number. Results show the names of the parties, the legal description, the recording date, and a link to the scanned image. Search accounts are free, but a small fee applies to view or download full document images once you pass the free preview page.
For best results, enter the owner’s full legal name and a date range. Searching by name alone across all years often returns too many results. Narrowing the date window cuts down on false matches caused by people with the same name. If you only know the property address, use the property appraiser site first to confirm the parcel ID, then search by parcel in the county records.
MyFloridaCounty Statewide Portal
MyFloridaCounty.com is the statewide jump page that links to every county’s official records system. If you are unsure which county holds a particular deed, or if you need to switch counties mid-search, this portal helps. It does not store the records itself. It simply points you to the correct county database. For Tamarac properties, the portal redirects to the Broward County system.
The statewide portal also lists clerk contact details, recording fees, and eRecording options. This makes it useful for title agents and law firms that file across many Florida counties. For regular users doing a one-time search, going straight to Broward’s portal is faster.
Search by Owner Name (Grantor or Grantee)
One of the most common search methods is by owner name. In deed language, the grantor is the person selling or giving the property. The grantee is the person receiving it. Both names appear in the index. You can search either party alone, or both together. Searching only by last name may return too many results, so adding a first name or middle initial helps.
Name searches fail most often because of small spelling errors. Old deeds sometimes show names spelled differently than they appear on later records. Married names, legal name changes, and typos from the original filing can all create confusion. If a search returns no results, try alternate spellings and check for prefix or suffix changes like Jr., Sr., or III.
Search by Parcel Number or Book and Page
If you have the property’s parcel ID, you can search by that number. The parcel ID is the same number used by the Broward County Property Appraiser. Older deeds may not link directly to a parcel, but you can still search by the legal description. Many tools let you paste the legal description into the search field.
Book and page numbers come from the older recording system that Florida counties used before instrument numbers became standard. Older Tamarac deeds still carry book and page references. The county portal keeps these indexes active. Entering the book and page gives a direct hit on the right document, with no need to filter by name.
| Search Method | Best For | Required Info |
|---|---|---|
| Owner Name | Title history checks | Full name, date range |
| Parcel Number | Current property lookup | Parcel ID from appraiser |
| Book and Page | Older deeds | Book number, page number |
| Document Type | Mortgage or lien search | Date range, party name |
| Instrument Number | Recent filings | CFN or OR number |
Types of Deeds Filed in Tamarac
Different deeds serve different legal purposes. The type of deed on file tells you what kind of transfer took place and what warranties the grantor gave. Knowing the type helps you understand the strength of the title claim. Below are the most common deed types found in Tamarac records.
Warranty Deeds
A warranty deed is the most common form of transfer in Florida. The grantor promises that the title is clear and that no other party has a claim to the property. If a hidden defect shows up later, the grantor is legally responsible. Warranty deeds give buyers the strongest protection. Most arms-length sales between unrelated parties use this form.
The grantor warrants against all defects, even those that arose before the grantor owned the property. This is why title insurance is cheaper for property sold through warranty deed. The seller has already accepted full responsibility for any past problems.
Quitclaim Deeds
A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor has, with no warranty at all. The grantor does not promise clear title. If the grantor owns nothing, the grantee receives nothing. Quitclaim deeds are common between family members, in divorce transfers, or when clearing up a cloud on title.
Quitclaim deeds move quickly through recording because they carry no title guarantee. Lenders often refuse to fund loans based on a quitclaim alone. Buyers who accept a quitclaim accept the risk of title problems that the grantor did not disclose.
Special Warranty Deeds
A special warranty deed is a middle option. The grantor only warrants against defects that arose during the time the grantor owned the property. Past defects from earlier owners are not covered. Commercial deals, foreclosure sales by banks, and certain estate transfers often use this form.
Special warranty deeds appear often in Tamarac because the city has many condominium and homeowner association transfers. Associations and their management companies use this deed type when selling or conveying common elements or limited common elements within a planned community.
Trustee and Mortgage Deeds
A trustee deed is used when property is transferred by a trust, often after the death of the grantor. The trustee signs on behalf of the trust and conveys title under the trust terms. Mortgage deeds are recorded alongside the actual mortgage, which creates a lien against the property.
Foreclosure sales produce a different document called a certificate of title or a trustee’s deed after sale. These are recorded in the same county index and serve as the buyer’s proof of ownership after auction. They appear frequently in Tamarac records during economic downturns.
Requesting Certified Deed Copies
A plain copy of a deed shows the recorded image but does not carry the county seal. For court filings, real estate closings, and many legal purposes, you need a certified copy. Certified copies include a stamp or seal and the signature of the county recorder or clerk. They prove that the copy matches the official record. Both plain and certified copies can be requested through the county office.
In-Person Requests at Broward County
Walk-in customers can request certified copies at the Broward County Records office. The staff pulls the document, makes a certified copy, applies the seal, and hands it back, often within the same visit for older records. Faster service is possible for documents already in the digital system.
Bring a valid photo ID, the document number if you have it, and payment. Cash, checks, and cards are accepted. For high-volume needs, the office offers customer service windows with shorter wait times during early morning hours.
Online and Mail Requests
Online requests work through the same county portal used for plain searches. Select the document, choose certified copy, and pay the fee. The certified copy arrives by email as a stamped PDF or by mail as a paper copy. For mail requests, send a written request that includes the document number, party names, recording date, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Mail requests take longer than online orders because of postal delivery time. Plan ahead for closings or court deadlines. Always keep a backup plan in case the mail is delayed.
Fees and Processing Time
Fees for certified copies in Florida are set by statute and are the same across most counties. Broward County posts the current fee schedule on its website. Certified copies cost more than plain copies because of the seal and extra handling. Online certified copies often arrive faster than mail orders, but they carry a small service charge.
Processing times depend on document age and staff workload. Documents recorded in the last 20 years are usually available the same day. Older documents that need to be pulled from microfilm or offsite storage may take several business days.
| Copy Type | Best For | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Image Copy | Personal research | Same day online |
| Certified Copy | Closings, court filings | Same day to 3 days |
| Mail Certified Copy | No local access | 7 to 14 days |
| eRecording | New filings by attorneys | 1 to 2 business days |
Tamarac Property Research Tools
Deed records give the legal picture of ownership, but other public records give the physical and tax picture. Combining multiple sources produces a stronger property history. Tamarac residents and researchers should use city, county, and state tools together for the clearest picture.
City Building and Planning Records
The city of Tamarac runs its own Building Department and Planning Division. These departments hold permit history, zoning data, and land use information. Permits can reveal past additions, demolitions, or changes that affect property value. Planning records show the future land use map and any pending zoning changes.
City records do not control title, but they help confirm that the property matches the description on the deed. If a permit shows an addition that is not on the legal description, it may signal an unrecorded change. Title companies use this layered research to spot problems before closing.
Broward County Property Appraiser
The Broward County Property Appraiser maintains a free online database of every parcel in the county. Tamarac parcels are included. The appraiser site shows the owner of record, assessed value, legal description, sales history, and parcel map. This data comes from recorded deeds but is updated more often for tax purposes.
The appraiser site is the fastest way to confirm the current parcel ID. Once you have the parcel ID, you can switch back to the county records portal and search for the full chain of title. Many research tasks start and end on the appraiser site, with a quick stop at the records portal for the actual deed images.
Statewide Land and Title References
For state-owned land, sovereignty submerged land, and certain conservation parcels, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection runs a Bureau of Title and Land Records system. BTLDS handles state land transactions, not private Tamarac deeds. Still, it serves as a useful cross-check when researching adjacent parcels or boundary disputes.
The Florida Department of Revenue local officials directory helps confirm the correct county contact for recording questions. Together, these state tools round out the research chain that begins at the county level.
Common Problems When Searching Tamarac Deeds
Even with strong online tools, searches sometimes fail or return poor results. Most failures trace back to small errors in the search input or to gaps in the recorded index. Knowing the common pitfalls helps you finish the search faster.
Name Mismatches and Spelling Errors
Names spelled differently across documents create the most confusion. A grantor named Catherine on one deed may appear as Cathy or Kate on another. The county records index does not auto-correct spelling. Each variation must be searched separately.
Married names add another layer. A woman who married and then divorced may appear under three or four name versions across her property history. Searching by parcel ID avoids this problem because the parcel stays the same across all name changes.
Outdated Parcel Numbers
Parcel numbers change when land is split, merged, or replatted. A parcel ID from a 1990 deed may not match the current ID for the same land. The old number still works in the records portal, but it returns documents from before the split, not after. Newer documents are filed under the new parcel ID.
When you find an old parcel ID, use the appraiser site to look up the current parcel. The appraiser’s parcel map shows how old parcels relate to new ones. With both numbers in hand, you can pull a complete ownership history.
Missing or Delayed Index Entries
Newly recorded documents sometimes take time to show up in the online index. Counties index in batches, and some documents require extra review. A document recorded yesterday may not appear online until the next business day.
If you just closed on a property and the deed is not yet visible online, wait one full business day and try again. If the deed still does not appear after several days, contact the county office with the closing agent’s reference number. Most missing entries trace back to a clerical delay, not a lost document.
Broward County Records Office Contact
The Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division is the official office for all Tamarac deed recording and copies. The office sits in downtown Fort Lauderdale and serves walk-in customers during business hours. Phone lines open early and run through the end of the business day.
Address: 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone: 954-831-4000. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on weekends and county holidays. Online search is available 24 hours a day at broward.org/RecordsTaxesTreasury/Records.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common issues that Tamarac property owners and researchers raise when working with deed records. Each answer gives direct, practical steps you can take right away. Use them as a quick reference before starting a search or requesting a certified copy.
Can I search Tamarac deed records for free?
Yes. The Broward County records portal lets you search by name, parcel, date, and document type at no charge. You can view a thumbnail or preview of the document without paying. A small fee applies when you want to see or download the full scanned image. Certified copies cost more because they include the county seal and signature. For free title chain checks, use the parcel ID with the property appraiser site first, then pull the deed image from the county portal for a small fee.
How long does it take to record a new deed in Tamarac?
eRecording submissions are usually indexed within one to two business days. Paper recordings submitted by mail or in person may take longer, often three to five business days, depending on volume. After recording, the document appears in the public search portal the next morning in most cases. If the deed is not visible after that window, contact the county office with the recording receipt number.
What is the difference between a warranty deed and a quitclaim deed?
A warranty deed promises that the title is clear and that the grantor will fix any defects, even from past owners. A quitclaim deed transfers only whatever interest the grantor has, with no promise about the quality of title. Quitclaim deeds move quickly and are common between family members. Warranty deeds are used in most arm’s-length sales and offer stronger buyer protection.
Do I need a certified copy or is a regular copy enough?
It depends on the purpose. For personal research and casual review, a regular copy works. For real estate closings, court filings, and most legal actions, the county or court will require a certified copy with the official seal. Banks, title companies, and government agencies almost always ask for certified copies. When in doubt, request the certified version to avoid delays.
Can a deed search show mortgages and liens?
Yes. Mortgages, satisfaction of mortgages, liens, and lien releases are all recorded in the same county index as deeds. A full title search pulls deeds together with mortgages and liens to show the complete claim picture. Some users run a stand-alone mortgage search by limiting the document type to mortgages or by searching the lender name directly in the index.
What if the owner’s name on the deed does not match the appraiser site?
This is a common issue after a sale or death. The county records index updates as new deeds are recorded. The appraiser site updates for the next tax year. The two systems may show different owners for several months around a sale. To find the gap, search the county records for the most recent transfer. That document will show the new owner as of the recording date.
Are historic Tamarac deeds available online?
Most deeds recorded after the late 1990s are fully indexed and scanned. Older deeds are also scanned but may need a manual search by book and page. Very old records, including those from the original 1960s founding of Tamarac, are often available in digital form but require staff assistance to pull. For research going back more than 50 years, contact the county office ahead of time so staff can prepare the records before your visit.