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Property Fraud in Florida: How to Protect Your Real Estate Investments

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Property Fraud in Florida: How to Protect Your Real Estate Investments

Legal Risks, New Laws & Practical Tools for Homeowners and Investors

Florida’s booming real estate market has become a prime target for property fraud, with scammers exploiting loopholes to forge deeds, falsify ownership, and defraud unsuspecting property owners. Whether you're a homeowner, real estate investor, or property manager, understanding how to defend against property fraud is essential to protecting your real estate portfolio.

At Almazan Law, a tech-forward, results-driven law firm with offices in Miami, Tampa, and West Palm Beach, we believe that proactive legal guidance is the best line of defense against title theft, forged documents, and fraudulent real estate claims.

What Is Property Fraud in Florida?

Property fraud occurs when someone unlawfully files forged documents—such as quitclaim deeds or liens—to transfer property ownership or claim legal rights without the owner's knowledge.

Red flags include:

  • Receiving foreclosure or mortgage notices for fully paid properties.
  • Missing property tax bills or notices.
  • Discovering liens or ownership changes filed without your approval.

Why Florida Real Estate Is a Hotspot for Fraud

Due to high volumes of transactions, out-of-state ownership, and a large senior population, Florida ranks among the top states for real estate scams. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Lee counties have seen a rise in fraudulent deed filings.

Florida’s New Laws to Combat Real Estate Fraud

Florida has recently introduced laws and pilot programs aimed at curbing property fraud. Here’s what you need to know:

  1. Anti-Fraud Law (Effective July 2023)
  • Tighter rules for Quiet Title actions.
  • Mandatory standardized quitclaim deed to reduce forgery.
  1. ID Verification Pilot in Lee County
  • Deed recorders must now show photo ID.
  • May expand statewide by 2025.
  1. New Penalties for Squatters (Effective March 2024)
  • First-degree felony for falsely leasing or selling property you don’t own.
  1. Flood Disclosure Law (Coming 2025)
  • Sellers must disclose flood risks and history—boosting transparency and reducing buyer risk.

How to Protect Your Florida Property from Fraud

At Almazan Law, our real estate attorneys offer proven strategies to help prevent and respond to fraudulent real estate activity:

  1. Sign Up for County Property Fraud Alerts
    Free tools notify you when documents are filed under your name in:
  • Miami-Dade
  • Broward
  • Palm Beach (does it?)
  1. Monitor Your Title

Regularly review public records via your local Clerk of Courts site.

  1. Work With a Licensed Title Attorney

Avoid cutting corners—an experienced real estate law firm will vet your title and documents to ensure legal protection.

  1. Act Fast if You Suspect Fraud

If your title is compromised:

  • File a police report (Florida Statute §817.535)
  • File a Complaint to Quiet Title (§65.091)
  • Record a Lis Pendens
  • Contact the County Property Appraisers Office
  • Contact a real estate attorney immediately

The Bottom Line: Legal Help for Florida Property Owners

Real estate fraud is on the rise in Florida, but with new laws, smart monitoring, and proactive legal support, you can stay one step ahead.

Need help securing your property? Contact Almazan Law for trusted legal guidance.

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