BRADENTON –The Office of Angelina "Angel" Colonneso, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, is warning homeowners of letters sent by private companies offering to provide a copy of their recorded deed for $89.
The official-looking letter is sent to new homeowners, informing them that a deed has been recorded in Official Records. The document identifies the mail recipient as the new property owner. The message continues with instructions on obtaining a copy of the recorded deed by filling out the bottom portion of the document and returning it along with a check or money order for $89 to Property Records Office, LLC.
A concerned resident alerted the Clerk & Comptroller’s office that a private company is trying to overcharge residents for copies of their recorded deeds. Image of the letter received by a Manatee County resident.
While the service this company provides is not illegal, it is unnecessary.
Homeowners who wish to receive a copy of their recorded deed can contact the Clerk & Comptroller's office at (941) 741-4045 to request a copy. A hard copy of a document costs $1.00 per page and $2.00 for certification if ordered. Additionally, residents can visit the Clerk & Comptroller's website at www.ManateeClerk.com to download a copy of their recorded deed for free through the Clerk's Public Records Hub.
While on the Public Records Hub, homeowners are encouraged to set up property fraud alerts.
The Clerk & Comptroller's office provides Property Fraud Alerts free of charge. This service notifies customers whenever an instrument of record, such as a declaration, lease, mortgage, or lien, is recorded in the Official Record. Subscribers create as many alerts as needed using different variations of their name, spouse's name, or business name. An email alert is sent when a record containing one or more of these names is recorded with the Clerk & Comptroller's office.
About the Clerk’s Office: The Clerk of Circuit Court was established as a public trustee by the Florida Constitution in 1838. The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the Clerk of Courts, the Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, Auditor, Recorder, and Custodian of all County Funds. In Manatee County, the Clerk’s office also administers a local child support enforcement program, violence protection advocacy program, and Teen Court programs. Located at 1115 Manatee Avenue West in downtown Bradenton, the Courthouse is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Residents can visitwww.manateeclerk.comand/or sign up for the Clerk's electronic newsletterhere.
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