Many types of documents are recorded in the Clerk’s Office. Mortgages, deeds, assignments, leases, agreements, notices, claims of liens, satisfactions and other instruments relating to the ownership, transfer, encumbrance of or claims against real or personal property or any interest therein. Other documents recorded are court documents, declarations of domicile, and certain federal instruments.
Recording Fees
The recording fee for recording a document is $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional. There is an indexing fee applied to all documents. If there are over 4 names to be indexed there is a $1.00 fee for each additional name. Recording a subdivision plat is $30.00 for the first page and $15.00 for each additional page.
Documentary Stamps
This office also serves as a collection agent for the Florida Department of Revenue. It is the duty of this office to collect the required documentary and intangible taxes on documents such as deeds and mortgages unless exempt. The current documentary stamp tax fee for a deed is .70 cents per $100.00 based on the consideration. Consideration may be the amount paid, amount of any encumbrance, value of a trade, or combinations of one or more of these. Please consult with this office or the Department of Revenue for assistance in determining consideration. The current documentary stamp tax fee for a mortgage is .35 cents per $100.00 based on the mortgage amount. When figuring the documentary stamp tax, you always round up to the next hundred. Also, on a mortgage intangible tax is due at the rate of 2 mills (.002) of the actual mortgage amount.
Documentary Stamp Tax Notice
Failure to pay the full amount of documentary stamps due will result in a penalty under §201.17(2)(b), F.S. The penalty is equal to 10 percent of any unpaid tax and may escalate to 50 percent of the unpaid tax, depending on the amount of time the tax is unpaid. Interest of one percent per month is charged based upon the amount of tax due from the date of recordation until the tax is paid. Additional penalties may apply.
There is a continuing obligation to pay documentary stamp taxes based on the consideration, as required by law and defined by code, on value paid for a deed transferring any interest in real property. If incorrect documentary stamp taxes are paid, penalty and interest may accrue. The definition of consideration may be highly technical and may require assistance. This office has very limited information and advises that in all cases you contact the Florida Department of Revenue for exact directions. They may be reached at Florida Department of Revenue Taxpayer Services, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 1 (800) 352-3671. Or you may want to contact James McAdams, Program Director, Property Tax Oversight, Florida Department of Revenue, PO Box 3000, Tallahassee, FL 32315-3000, (850) 488-3338, [email protected].
Submitting A Document For Recording
Documents may be submitted for recording in person, or by mail, at either of our locations.
Okaloosa County Courthouse
101 East James Lee Blvd., Crestview, FL 32536
Courthouse Annex Extension
1940 Lewis Turner Blvd., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
We also receive documents via e-recording vendors.
If submitted by mail, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the document to be returned. Our office cannot accept personal checks.