Official RecordsOfficial Records consist of documents that are recorded with the County Recorder, which in most Florida Counties is the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller. Some of the various types of documents contained within the Official Records are: Deeds, Mortgages, Notices of Commencement, Liens, Declarations of Condominium, Declarations of Domiciles, Final Judgments, Military Discharges, Death Certificates, Probate documents, Satisfactions of Mortgage, Court Papers, Plats, Maps, etc., in the Official Records of Suwannee County. Documents recorded in the Official Records must meet statutory requirements, as set forth in the Florida Statutes. Recording fees and payment of any required documentary stamp taxes due are required when recording your document(s) in the Official Records. You may come in person or mail your document with the recording fees and documentary stamp taxes along with a self-addressed stamped envelope, for the return of your document. NOTICE The Suwannee County Clerk’s Office cannot accept documents or instruments for recording in the Official Records which are not authorized by Florida State Statute. Pursuant to Section 28.222, Florida Statutes, the Clerk of the Circuit Courts is the recorder of all instruments that may be required or authorized by law to record in the county which they serve as Clerk. Florida Statutes can be viewed on the web at http://www.leg.state.fl.US/Statutes. Additionally, the Florida Attorney General addressed the Clerk’s ministerial role as it relates to recording and the prescribed authority he has in regards to what instruments may be accepted for recording into the Official Records. Please see Florida Attorney General Advisory Option (AGO) 90-69: “The Statutory direction that only those instruments required or authorized by law may be recorded constitutes a prohibition against recording other types of instruments.” AGO’s can be viewed on the web at http://myfloridalegal.com/ago.nsf/Opinions If your document or instrument was refused for recording and you feel that it should be accepted, please provide in writing the legal authority that requires or authorizes recording in the Official Records for further consideration. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Barry Baker |
