Title History in Florida Abstracts
The history portion of an abstract of title is the chronological record of every recorded instrument affecting a Florida property's ownership. This documented trail allows title examiners, attorneys, and underwriters to verify that the current owner has clear, marketable title to convey.
What the History Reveals
A thorough title history exposes the full life of the property: original government patent, early land grants, subsequent conveyances by warranty deed or quitclaim deed, mortgages and their satisfactions, judgment liens, tax deed sales, probate proceedings, and any restrictions or easements imposed along the way. Each entry builds on the last, creating a verifiable chain that must be unbroken for title to be insurable.
Gaps and Defects
When the history reveals a break in the chain, such as a missing heir, an unreleased mortgage, or a deed with a defective acknowledgment, the defect must be cured before closing. Florida title companies will not insure over known defects. Common cures include corrective deeds, affidavits of heirship, and quiet title actions filed in circuit court.
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Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC