Recording

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Recording Information

The Clerk of the Court is the County Recorder of all instruments required or authorized to be recorded into the Official Record.
​​​​​​​The recording of documents is limited to the types of documents that are authorized by law. Common examples of such documents are deeds, mortgages, liens, subdivision plats, declarations of condominium, judgments, and declarations of domicile.
​If a document is not authorized or directed to be recorded by statute, the document cannot be recorded. Though a document may be important to the person requesting recordation, the desire to have the document appear in the Official Records is not a sufficient legal basis for recording the document on its own.

How to Record

Recording can be done in a few ways.

In-Person

Bring the original document, or certified copy, to the Alachua County Family and Civil Courthouse, 201 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL, between 8:15 am – 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday (excluding holidays). No appointment is necessary. Cash, check, and debit/credit card are all acceptable forms of payment for required fees.​

By Mail

Mail the original document, or certified copy, to: Alachua County Clerk of Court, Attn: Official Records, 201 E. University Ave., Gainesville, FL 32601. Include payment for required fees or a cover letter directing a deputy clerk to call in order to obtain payment via debit/credit card. Also include a self-addressed and stamped envelope so the original document can be returned.

Online

Electronically record the original document, or certified copy, online using a third party vendor. Further information on e-recording and a list of approved vendors can be found at https://www.alachuacounty.us/depts/clerk/pages/e-recording.aspx​ Please keep in mind these are third party companies that require additional payment over the standard recording fees.​

Recording Electronically Signed Documents

Documents that are electronically signed can only be e-recorded online. The Clerk’s Office is prohibited from accepting mailed or delivered printed-out, electronically signed documents for recording. For more information about electronic recording, visit the "Official Records e-Recording page​”.

Fees

The most standard recording fee is $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page. There is a $1 indexing fee for each name over 4 names to be indexed. Documents stamps intangibles taxes are also required for recording deeds, mortgages, and similar documents.  View a full list of the fee schedule.

Calculators

Calculators to help determine the amount of required fees for recording deeds and mortgages can be found at http://www.alachuacounty.us/Depts/Clerk/Pages/FeeCalculators.aspx. ​​

Searching Official Records

You can search official records at Official Record Search​

Important Notes - Recording Instruments & State Taxes

Recording - Before recording instruments, please check for the following:

  1. Date
  2. Printed name and mailing address of each grantee and grantor (695.26 Fla. Stat.)
  3. Complete legal description
  4. Attachments, if any
  5. Two witnesses to signatures, including printed name of witnesses and printed address of witnesses (689.01 and 695.26 Fla. Stat.)
  6. Corporate name or (if applicable)printed correctly; corporate seal affixed; and officer's title(s) shown under signature(s) (692.01 Fla. Stat.)
  7. Notarial acknowledgment complete [ie., name(s) with title(s); date; notary's signature; notary's seal; expiration date of notary's commission] (695.03, 695.26(d) and ch. 117 Fla. Stat.)
  8. Preparation statement on all real estate conveyances (695.26 Fla. Stat.), appearing legibly on the face of the document, stating:
    • This instrument prepared by: Name of Individual
    • Firm (if any)
    • Address
  9. PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO PAY PROPER AMOUNT OF DOC STAMP TAX (201.17 Fla. Stat.):
    • Purchase of proper stamps not previously affixed.
    • Plus interest from date recorded to date affixed.
    • Plus payment of penalty to Florida Department of Revenue.
      (This penalty is in addition to and is not in lieu of any other penalty imposed by law.)
Documentary Stamp Tax - Real Estate Conveyances (Deeds)
Documenta​ry stamps must be paid on documents prior to recording, F.S. 201.01
  • Documentary stamp tax is paid on the total consideration cash, any unpaid balance on existing or new mortgage, plus anything having a monetary value) at $0.70 per $100 or fraction thereof.
    • ​Formula: .0070 x Total Purchase Price = Amount of Doc Stamps (needs to be in the bullet)
  • ​There is a minimum stamp tax on any conveyance having a total consideration of $100 or less.
  • Also due on deeds shown as corrective, given to clear title, and in lieu of foreclosure.
Documentary Stamp/Intangible Tax on Mortgages: Calculators to determine fees on mortgages and deeds can be found at​ Alachua Clerk Mortgage and Deed Recording Fee Calculators.​​
  • Documentary stamp tax is due on the total amount of indebtedness as shown on document, just as on real estate conveyances (deeds).​
  • Intangible Tax is also due on obligations for payment of money secured by a mortgage or other lien upon real property and must be paid at the time of recording. 199.133(1) and 199.135 Fla. Stat.
  • Reverse Mortgages:​
    • ​Documentary stamp tax is due only on the “principal” amount shown on the reverse mortgage.
    • Intangible tax is due on the full amount of the reverse mortgage shown on the face of the mortgage.​
Commonly Recorded Instruments Subject to Florida Documentary Stamp Tax​
  • Assumption of Mortgage: F.S 201.08(1), Rule 12B-4.053(19), F.A.C.
  • Construction Mortgage: F.S. 201.08, Rule 12B-4.013(26), F.A.C.
  • Deeds (all types): 201.02 Fla. Stat.
  • Mortgages: 201.08(1)(b) Fla. Stat.
  • Mortgage Modification or Extension F.S. 201.08(5), Rule 12B-4.053(33)(f), F.A.C.
  • Wrap-Around Mortgages: Rule 12B-4.013(20), F.A.C.​
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