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Property owners in St. Petersburg, Florida, have recently received letters requesting payment of $98 for copies of their recorded deeds, sparking concern and confusion among residents. The letters, which appear official, demand payment for documents that are, in fact, publicly accessible at no cost. Officials are urging homeowners not to respond to these solicitations, clarifying that obtaining copies of recorded deeds is not a paid service.
The issue centers around a practice where third-party companies send these requests, capitalizing on homeowner unfamiliarity with public record access. While not illegal, the practice is considered deceptive and preys on those unaware of their rights. Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Tara Diehl has publicly addressed the matter, emphasizing that residents do not need to pay for copies of their deeds.
According to reports, the letters are prompting unnecessary financial burden on homeowners. The letters request payment for a copy of the property deed, a document readily available through the Pinellas County Clerk’s office without charge. The Clerk’s office maintains an online portal for accessing official records, eliminating the need to engage with these third-party services.
Understanding Public Record Access in Florida
In Florida, property deeds are considered public records, meaning they are accessible to anyone. The Florida Statutes Chapter 119, known as the Public Records Law, guarantees access to these documents. This law ensures transparency in government and allows citizens to inspect and obtain copies of official records, including property deeds, mortgages, and other related documents. Pinellas County, like other Florida counties, adheres to this law, providing online access and in-person services for obtaining these records.
The Pinellas County Clerk’s office offers several ways to access recorded deeds. Homeowners can search and download documents directly from the Clerk’s official records website. Alternatively, they can visit the Clerk’s office in person to request copies. The Clerk’s office also provides options for ordering copies by mail or fax, all without incurring any fees.
The Rise of Deed-Related Scams
This incident in St. Petersburg is not isolated. Similar schemes have been reported in other parts of the country, including Blount County, Tennessee, where homeowners received suspicious letters requesting fees for deed copies. These letters often mimic official government correspondence, making them appear legitimate. The intent is to mislead homeowners into believing they are required to pay for a service that is freely available.
Authorities warn that these scams often target vulnerable populations, such as seniors, who may be less familiar with online resources or public record access procedures. The letters frequently create a sense of urgency, pressuring homeowners to respond quickly to avoid potential penalties or complications.
Protecting Yourself from Deed Scams
To avoid falling victim to these scams, officials recommend the following:
- Verify the Source: Do not respond to unsolicited letters requesting payment for property records.
- Contact Your County Clerk: If you receive a suspicious letter, contact your local County Clerk’s office to verify its legitimacy.
- Utilize Online Resources: Access property records directly through your County Clerk’s official website.
- Be Wary of Urgency: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.
Pinellas County Clerk Tara Diehl emphasized that her office will never request payment for copies of public records. She encourages residents to report any suspicious letters or solicitations to her office for investigation.
As awareness of these scams grows, local officials are working to educate homeowners about their rights and available resources. The focus remains on ensuring that residents have effortless and free access to their property records, protecting them from deceptive practices and unnecessary financial burdens. The Pinellas County Clerk’s office plans to continue its outreach efforts, providing information and assistance to homeowners throughout the county.
Looking ahead, continued vigilance and public awareness are crucial in combating these types of scams. County clerks across Florida are likely to reinforce their messaging regarding free access to public records, and residents are encouraged to share this information with their neighbors and family members. The ongoing effort to protect homeowners from deceptive practices will require a collaborative approach between government officials and the community.
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