A lien is a legal claim that secures the payment of a debt against a property. Since it becomes a cloud on the property’s title, the owner cannot sell or refinance it without a lien clearance. Conducting a lien search is paramount when engaging in real estate transactions. The process allows you to avoid serious financial consequences by identifying outstanding financial claims or restrictions.
Major Challenges in Conducting a Florida Lien Search
In Florida, a lien search can be challenging as it involves several parties and legal requirements. Some of the significant issues you’ll face when searching include:
Inaccurate or Incomplete Records
It is common to encounter wrong or missing information in public records due to human error, outdated databases, and other factors. This can make it difficult to understand the property’s lien status comprehensively. To overcome this challenge, working with experienced professionals specializing in lien searches is crucial. Engaging the services of a qualified title company or a real estate attorney can provide access to reliable and up-to-date databases.
Limited Access and Complexity
Depending on the property’s location, you should consult various county clerks’ offices and courthouses to obtain accurate information. Managing this multi-jurisdictional search process can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with each jurisdiction’s specific procedures and requirements. Identifying unrecorded liens, such as oral contracts or agreements, can also be another challenge. You might have to research multiple records and databases across different counties.
Determining Priority
In 2017, Florida’s Third District Court of Appeal issued a judgment granting tax liens the ability to extend retroactively, reaching as far back as ten years. With the records going back a decade, identifying the precise order of multiple liens recorded on a property can be a complex task.
If you suspect a property has liens from different creditors, you must meticulously examine and analyze the recorded dates to accurately establish the priority. You can overcome this challenge by consulting a lien search company to analyze the recorded dates and navigate potential complexities.
Legal Challenges
Conducting lien searches in Florida can also involve legal challenges, particularly with municipal liens. Municipalities may impose property liens for unpaid utility bills, code violations, or other infractions. These municipal liens often require specific procedures to resolve and may present complications during the search process. It’s also important to note that lien searches may be mandatory in some counties, like Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Seeking legal expertise or guidance can help you understand the requirements better.
Lien Release Process
Once you resolve a lien, the lien release process can become time-consuming and costly. Preparing the lien release documentation accurately and filing it with the appropriate authorities can be cumbersome. Delays or errors in the release process can impede the successful conclusion of a real estate transaction. Partnering with title companies or professionals who utilize streamlined processes and advanced tools can significantly reduce the time and effort required for lien release.
Identifying liens in Florida can be complex, so you might need a reliable partner to help you. Florida Lien Search specializes in providing professional lien search support for people in and around the state. We have a team of experienced professionals familiar with each jurisdiction’s procedures and requirements. Contact us to complete your lien search successfully!