Question 1

What is a plat in Florida?

Accepted Answer

A plat is a recorded map that divides a parcel of land into lots, blocks, streets, and other elements of a subdivision. In Florida (Chapter 177): all subdivisions must be platted (recorded with the county) before individual lots can be sold. The plat includes: a survey map showing the boundaries of each lot, the location and dimensions of streets, easements, and common areas, legal descriptions of each lot, and dedications (land dedicated to the public for streets, parks, and utilities). The plat is reviewed by: the local government (for compliance with zoning, land use, and subdivision regulations), and recorded in the official records of the county.

Question 2

What is the platting process in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Process: the developer submits the plat to the local government for review. The review includes: compliance with the comprehensive plan (land use, density, and infrastructure), compliance with subdivision regulations (lot sizes, setbacks, street standards, and utility requirements), engineering review (drainage, stormwater management, and utility design), and environmental review (wetlands, protected species, and coastal setbacks). After approval: the plat is signed by the developer, the local government, and the surveyor. The plat is recorded in the official records of the county (Section 177.081). Each lot then has its own legal description based on the plat.

Question 3

What is an unplatted property in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Unplatted: a property that has not been subdivided and recorded as a plat. Unplatted properties are described by: metes and bounds (a legal description using compass directions and distances), or government survey (section, township, and range). Issues with unplatted property: the property may not have: dedicated streets (the owner may need private access), utility easements (the owner may need to obtain easements from neighbors), and defined lot boundaries (surveys may be needed to establish boundaries). In Florida: selling unplatted lots as a subdivision without recording a plat is illegal (Section 177.031).

Plat

Plats in Florida

Contents

Platting Process

Unplatted Property

Related Terms

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