To tackle the growing issue of real property fraud, the Florida Legislature has launched a pilot program in Lee County, effective from August 1, 2023. This initiative necessitates that all individuals involved in the conveyance of real estate – be they grantors, grantees, or any interested party – must present a government-issued photo ID when filing deeds, whether in person or by mail. The name on the ID should match the signature on the deed, in accordance with Section 28.2225
of the Florida Statutes. The Clerk of Court will retain a photocopy of this ID. While it won’t be accessible to the public, it can be provided to law enforcement for investigations related to property fraud.
Acceptable forms of identification include:
- U.S. State or Foreign Driver’s License
- U.S. State ID card
- U.S. Military ID
- Matricula Consular ID card
- U.S. Permanent Resident card
- A clear photocopy of any of the above IDs, showing the name, address, photo, and signature
Expired IDs are permissible, provided the name matches the one on the deed.
This requirement does not currently affect deeds submitted electronically. However, with upcoming technological advancements, it will soon apply to e-recorded deeds as well.
This program is set to run until July 1, 2025, after which there will be an evaluation to potentially expand it statewide.
For more detailed information on the new deed requirements in Lee County, refer to the “Lee County Identity Verification Pilot Program Information.”
