The Recording Office is responsible for receiving and indexing all documents presented by the public and the Court. Documents are recorded and preserved on 16mm microfilm and accessed through film reader-printer retrieval units. Locating documents is aided by a computer-generated index system. A declaration of domicile can be obtained from this office. Recording processes applications on delinquent tax certificates, advertises and conducts auctions of real estate. Personnel assist the public with information on land, subdivision plats, land restrictions, tax rolls, and other recorded instruments, issue marriage licenses and assist the United States Passport Services in processing applications for U.S. Passports.
The Lee County Official Records are open to the public and anyone may obtain copies. If you cannot supply the book and page of the instrument you want, you may either locate that information in the alphabetical indexes by name of owner or business name, or you may pay a $2.00 per year, per name, fee for a search. There is no charge for you to search the public records. We do not conduct searches over the telephone.
COPIES OF DOCUMENTS: Document images can be printed from your PC. Printed images are also available from our office located at 2115 2nd Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901 or send a self addressed stamped envelope to PO Box 2278, Fort Myers, Florida 33902. Include $1.00 per page for image copies. Certified copies require an additional $2.00 per document.
If you are requesting a copy of your deed, please send or bring as much identifying information as possible, such as the name as it appears on the deed and the legal description of the property, or the book and page of the deed. If you can bring or send a copy of your tax bill, it supplies the information we need. Mail to Clerk of Courts, Attention Land Records, Post Office Box 2278, Fort Myers, Florida 33902. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
The Recording Office is responsible for receiving and indexing all documents presented by the public and the Court. Documents are recorded and preserved on 16mm microfilm and accessed through film reader-printer retrieval units. Locating documents is aided by a computer-generated index system. A declaration of domicile can be obtained from this office. Recording processes applications on delinquent tax certificates, advertises and conducts auctions of real estate. Personnel assist the public with information on land, subdivision plats, land restrictions, tax rolls, and other recorded instruments, issue marriage licenses and assist the United States Passport Services in processing applications for U.S. Passports.
The Lee County Official Records are open to the public and anyone may obtain copies. If you cannot supply the book and page of the instrument you want, you may either locate that information in the alphabetical indexes by name of owner or business name, or you may pay a $2.00 per year, per name, fee for a search. There is no charge for you to search the public records. We do not conduct searches over the telephone.
COPIES OF DOCUMENTS: Document images can be printed from your PC. Printed images are also available from our office located at 2115 2nd Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901 or send a self addressed stamped envelope to PO Box 2278, Fort Myers, Florida 33902. Include $1.00 per page for image copies. Certified copies require an additional $2.00 per document.
If you are requesting a copy of your deed, please send or bring as much identifying information as possible, such as the name as it appears on the deed and the legal description of the property, or the book and page of the deed. If you can bring or send a copy of your tax bill, it supplies the information we need. Mail to Clerk of Courts, Attention Land Records, Post Office Box 2278, Fort Myers, Florida 33902. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Proper preparation of documents lies with the customer, pursuant to Florida Statute 695.26.
Every document presented for recording must have a three-inch by three-inch (3” x 3”) blank square at the top right corner, for use by our office. If not enough space is available, you will be charged an additional fee for another page. Official Records/Land Records Fees.
Use legible writing, black print or typing for best reproduction by microfilming or photographing techniques. Be sure to date the body of the instrument.
All instruments, except mortgages, that transfer any interest in real property, must contain the correct mailing address of the grantee, the person who is buying the property.
The name and address of the person who prepares a document that pertains to the transfer of real property must be shown on that document.
All items to be recorded must come with a self-addressed stamped envelope. The name and address (with zip code) of the person to whom the recorded instrument will be returned must be written on the back of the document. The information on the back of the document and on the envelope must agree. Include firm name, if there is one.
Be sure that the legal description of any real or personal property is accurate.
The spelling of names should be carefully verified. The form and spelling of any names in the instrument should be identical with the names and signatures in the document. The name must be typed or printed below every signature.
Any document transferring any property requires two witnesses for each signature. However, the signature of a corporation uses a corporate seal instead of witnesses.
A person signing a document to be recorded must sign before the proper authority, such as a notary public. A notary must state what form of identification was used, affix his seal and state the date that his appointment expires, as well as printing his name.
To ensure fast and efficient handling of all incoming mail transactions, envelopes should be addressed to the Clerk of Courts, attention of the Recording Department, Post Office Box 2278, Fort Myers, Florida 33902.
If you have a time restriction for recording your documents, it is recommended that you bring the document in to either the Cape Coral or Fort Myers Office to be recorded the same day. Otherwise, we cannot guarantee that your document will be recorded timely.
The Recording office is located on the second floor in the County Administration Building.
Intangible tax on notes, bonds, or other obligations for payment of money secured by mortgage, deed of trust or other written specific lien in the nature of a mortgage upon real property shall be paid, at the time of recording, to the Clerk of Circuit Court. (F.S. 199.051(7)(a))
Rate of 2 mills ($ .002) per dollar on the amount of the mortgage, or the amount financed (i.e. $2.00 on mortgage of $1,000.00).
Amount is computed to the nearest cent.
Penalty and interest charged if not recorded within 30 days after creation of obligation (F.S. 199).
