Palm Beach County Recorder: Deeds, Official Records Search, Recording Fees & Office Guide
The Palm Beach County Recorder function is handled by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County. The Recording Department records deeds, mortgages, notices of commencement, claims of lien, satisfactions, assignments, declarations of domicile and other instruments that become part of the county’s Official Records.
Use this guide to search Palm Beach County deeds online, understand the Official Records system, record a deed or mortgage, estimate fees and documentary stamps, order certified copies, use Property Fraud Alert, and visit the correct courthouse office.
Who Is the Palm Beach County Recorder of Deeds?
Palm Beach County does not use a separate “Register of Deeds” office like some states. Deed recording and Official Records are handled by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County. For in-person recording, the Main Courthouse location is 205 N. Dixie Highway, Room 4.2500, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Search Deeds and Official Records
Use the Clerk’s Official Records search for deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, marriage licenses and other recorded documents. The system lets many users view and print uncertified copies online at no charge.
Best identifiers: party name, recording date, legal description, PCN/folio number, book/page, instrument number or case number.
Record Documents
You can record by eRecording, in person at listed Clerk locations, or by mail. Some documents can only be recorded at the Main Courthouse, so verify the document type before using a branch.
Required: proper formatting, fees, signatures, notary where required and return envelope for hard-copy submissions.
Use the Right Office
The Clerk records documents. The Property Appraiser maintains ownership, PCN, parcel maps and assessment data. The Tax Collector handles property-tax bills and payments.
Tip: start with PAPA if you only know an address, then use the Clerk’s records search for deeds.
Palm Beach County Recorder Office Address, Phone and Main Courthouse Map
The Main Courthouse provides Recording and Official Records services in Room 4.2500. The Clerk’s location page lists general office hours as Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding designated holidays.
Main Courthouse — Recording Department
Address:
205 N. Dixie Highway, Room 4.2500
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Recording Department phone: 561-355-2991
Main Courthouse phone: 561-355-2996
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding designated holidays.
Open Main Courthouse Map ↗How to Search Palm Beach County Deeds and Official Records Online
The Clerk’s Official Records Search is the right starting point for recorded deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, judgments and other Official Records. If you only know the property address, first use the Property Appraiser’s PAPA system to find the PCN or owner name, then return to the Clerk search.
Open the Official Records Search
Start with the Clerk’s official Landmark search page, not a third-party deed lookup site. Read the disclaimer because the Clerk warns that online information is not a title opinion and should not be used as official support for legal title or lien satisfaction.
Choose the Best Search Method
Search by complete party name when you know the grantor, grantee, lender or borrower. Use book/page or instrument number when a closing statement, prior deed or title report already lists the recorded reference.
Use the PCN Without Hyphens When Needed
Palm Beach County property records often use a Parcel Control Number, also called PCN or tax folio number. The Clerk’s Official Records FAQ says the PCN can be used for online records searching without hyphens.
Open the Correct Document Result
Review the document type, recording date, party names, book/page, instrument number and legal-description clues before opening or printing. A mortgage satisfaction, deed, lien and judgment can involve similar names but different legal effects.
Print Uncertified Copies or Order Certified Copies
Many Official Records images can be viewed and printed online as uncertified copies. For court, closing, estate, refinance or official filing use, order a certified copy through the Clerk’s certified-copy options.
Use Broad Search Parameters if Nothing Appears
Try name variations, remove punctuation, widen the recording-date range, search the prior owner, search by PCN without hyphens, or search by book/page. A missing result may also mean the document has not been recorded with the Clerk.
What a Palm Beach County Official Records Result Means
A Clerk record and a Property Appraiser record are different. Use this decoder to understand which field helps with a deed search, copy request, mortgage satisfaction check or property-identification task.
| Field or Record Clue | What It Means | Best Use | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instrument number | A Clerk recording identifier for a specific recorded document. | Fast lookup when requesting a certified copy or confirming a recording. | Confusing it with the PCN/folio number from the Property Appraiser. |
| Book and page | An Official Records reference shown in the recording stamp, especially useful for older records and title chains. | Following deed history, mortgage records and satisfactions. | Ignoring the top-right recording stamp on the document image. |
| Party names | Names indexed to the document, such as grantor, grantee, borrower, lender or claimant. | Searching by buyer, seller, lender, business name or lien claimant. | Searching only one spelling or only a current owner name. |
| PCN / tax folio number | A Property Appraiser parcel identifier that can help connect a recorded document to a parcel. | Moving between the PAPA property record and Clerk Official Records search. | Assuming the Clerk certifies assessed value or tax exemptions. |
| Legal description | The formal property description, often lot/block/subdivision or metes-and-bounds language. | Confirming you opened the correct property document. | Using the street address alone for title work. |
| Document image | The scanned or electronic image of the recorded document when available online. | Reviewing signatures, notary, recording stamp, legal description and documentary stamp information. | Treating an uncertified printout as a certified copy. |
How to Record a Deed, Mortgage, Satisfaction or Notice of Commencement in Palm Beach County
The Clerk records documents into Official Records, but staff cannot provide legal advice or choose the correct form for you. Review formatting, statutory requirements, taxes and fees before submitting a deed, mortgage, lien, satisfaction or Notice of Commencement.
Prepare the Correct Recordable Document
For a deed transfer, enhanced life estate deed, quitclaim deed, correction deed, trust transfer, estate transfer or name change, get professional legal or title guidance. The Clerk’s recording forms are examples and do not replace legal advice.
Leave the Required Recording Stamp Space
The Clerk’s FAQ says the first page must have a blank 3 inch by 3 inch space for the recording stamp, and all other pages must have a 1 inch by 3 inch space. Documents can be rejected if the stamp area is missing.
Check Signatures, Notary and Legibility
Documents can be rejected if they lack required signatures, notary information or fees, are copies or photographs, are not legible, or are outside accepted paper-size rules. The Clerk suggests a readable font, such as 10-point Times New Roman or equivalent.
Add Witness Addresses When Required
The Clerk’s recording page explains that all deeds and easements notarized in Florida require witness names and witness addresses. Other real-property instruments may require witness addresses if witnesses are included.
Include a Prepared By Statement When Required
The Clerk cites Florida Statute 695.26 for a Prepared By Statement requirement on documents affecting real property, with exceptions for certain older instruments, court orders, out-of-state acknowledgments, wills, plats and instruments prepared or executed by certain public officers.
Calculate Recording Fees and Taxes
Use the Palm Beach County Recording Fee Calculator before filing. Deeds and other transfers may also require Florida documentary stamp tax, and mortgages or other obligations involving real estate may require documentary stamp and intangible tax.
Submit by eRecording, In Person or Mail
The Clerk accepts many documents by eRecording, at listed courthouse locations, or by mail. Per the Clerk’s FAQ, documents originally created and executed with an electronic signature must be electronically recorded.
Include Return Postage for Hard-Copy Documents
For hard-copy submissions, include a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope. The Clerk says original documents are returned to the party submitting the documents unless separate return envelopes are included for other parties.
Palm Beach County Recording Readiness Checklist
This checklist is not legal advice. It helps you catch common rejection risks before you submit a deed, mortgage, satisfaction, claim of lien, Notice of Commencement or other real-property document.
Palm Beach County Recording Fees, Documentary Stamps and Intangible Tax
Recording cost depends on document type, page count, names, legal descriptions, certified-copy requests, documentary stamp tax and intangible tax. Always use the Clerk’s official fee calculator before mailing payment or sending an eRecording package.
Base Recording Fees
The Clerk’s posted fee page lists $10.00 for the first page of a recordable instrument not larger than 8.5 by 14 inches and $8.50 for each additional page or fraction.
Copies: posted copy fees include $1.00 per page and $2.00 per instrument for certification.
Abstract and Search Fees
Documents referencing property may include abstract fees by legal description. A search fee may apply if a recordable document lacks a legal description but cites a book/page or Clerk’s File Number.
Tip: legal-description count can affect the final fee.
Doc Stamps and Intangible Tax
Florida documentary stamp tax generally applies to deeds and other documents that transfer Florida real property interests. In counties outside Miami-Dade, the deed tax rate is generally 70 cents per $100 or portion of consideration.
Mortgage note: written obligations secured by Florida real property may also require documentary stamp and nonrecurring intangible tax.
Palm Beach County Clerk Recording Locations
The Clerk’s recording page lists several in-person recording locations, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some document types are Main Courthouse only, so verify before using a branch.
| Location | Address Listed by Clerk | Best Use | Important Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Courthouse | 205 N. Dixie Highway, Room 4.2500, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | Recording, Official Records, copies, record searches and document types that may be Main-only. | Use this location for the safest recording path when the document is time-sensitive or unusual. |
| South County Courthouse | 200 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach | Convenient south-county recording option for accepted document types. | Check whether your document is accepted before visiting. |
| North County Courthouse | 3188 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens | Convenient north-county recording option for accepted document types. | Use wait-time and location tools when available. |
| West County Courthouse | 2950 State Road 15, Room S-100, Belle Glade | Convenient western-county recording option for accepted document types. | Good option for Belle Glade and western communities when document type is eligible. |
| Royal Palm Beach Branch | 200 Civic Center Way, Suite 400, Royal Palm Beach | Branch recording service for accepted document types. | Confirm Main-only restrictions before going. |
| PZB Vista Center on Wednesdays | 2300 N Jog Road, 1st Floor, West Palm Beach | Notices of Commencement and related documents on Wednesdays. | The Clerk states payment is accepted by credit card only at this location. |
eRecording, E-Certified Copies and Property Fraud Alert
Palm Beach County offers several services that can save a courthouse visit. Use eRecording for eligible documents, e-certified copy options for official copies, and Property Fraud Alert to monitor new recordings that may involve your name or property.
eRecording
eRecording is the secure electronic submission of documents to the Clerk for recording in Palm Beach County Official Records. Common eRecorded documents include deeds, mortgages, assignment of mortgages and satisfaction of mortgages.
Important: some document types cannot be eRecorded, and vendor-specific issues must be handled through the vendor.
Certified Copies
Uncertified Official Records can often be printed online for free, but official use may require a certified copy. The Clerk allows electronically certified Official Records copies to be ordered online.
Have ready: name, recording year, book/page, instrument number, case number or legal description.
Property Fraud Alert
Property Fraud Alert is a free Clerk service that monitors documents recorded in the Official Records and can notify registered users about potential matching activity.
Reminder: alerts do not block recording; they help you notice and respond faster.
Recorder vs Property Appraiser vs Tax Collector in Palm Beach County
Deed, property value and tax-bill questions are split across different offices. Use the correct office first to avoid delays.
| Office / System | Use It For | Do Not Use It For | Practical Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller — Recording | Recording deeds, mortgages, satisfactions, liens, notices of commencement, declarations of domicile and Official Records copies. | Property-value disputes, homestead exemption approval, tax-bill payment or legal advice. | Use Official Records Search, eRecording, certified copies or Main Courthouse Room 4.2500. |
| Palm Beach County Property Appraiser / PAPA | PCN, owner name, property address, assessed value, exemptions, parcel maps and tax-roll property data. | Recording a new deed or certifying a recorded document image. | Search by address or owner, copy the PCN, then search Clerk Official Records. |
| Palm Beach County Tax Collector | Property-tax bills, tax payments, receipts and tax-account payment status. | Recording deeds or changing legal ownership records. | Use after verifying the PCN and tax year from the property record. |
| Attorney / Title Company / Surveyor | Title opinions, deed drafting, ownership disputes, estate transfers, liens, closings and boundary/survey issues. | Replacing the official Clerk recording process. | Use when the document affects legal rights or property boundaries. |
Official Palm Beach County Recorder and Deed Record Links
Open these official resources before paying a third-party website or mailing a document. Each link includes exactly what to do after opening it.
Palm Beach County Clerk — Recording Department
Official starting point for recording services, eRecording, mailing instructions, forms, same-day locations, Notice of Commencement guidance, fee calculator and Property Fraud Alert.
- Open the official Recording page.
- Choose eRecording, mail/delivery, forms, fee calculator or Property Fraud Alert based on your task.
- Read the same-day recording and Main Courthouse-only warnings before visiting a branch.
- Use the posted phone number if your document is time-sensitive or unusual.
Palm Beach County Official Records Search
Official Clerk database for deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, marriage licenses and other recorded Official Records.
- Read the disclaimer on the search page.
- Accept the terms if you agree.
- Search by party name, date, legal description, PCN without hyphens, book/page, instrument number or case number.
- Open the document image if available and save the instrument number or book/page.
- Order a certified copy if an official certified record is required.
Palm Beach County Clerk — Official Records Help
Official explanation of Official Records, search methods, records research, CD-ROM/index services, privacy/confidential information and copy options.
- Scroll to the FAQ section for search methods and copy instructions.
- Use the listed information types: name, recording date, legal description, physical address, PCN, book/page or instrument number.
- Use the privacy/confidential information section if sensitive information appears online.
- Use Records Research contact options if you cannot locate a document online.
Palm Beach County Recording Fee Calculator
Official calculator for deeds, mortgages, lis pendens and other documents, including fees and documentary stamps.
- Select the document type you plan to record.
- Enter page count, names, legal descriptions, consideration and mortgage/obligation details when requested.
- Review the calculator estimate before preparing payment.
- Remember that the Recording Department verifies actual fees, taxes and costs at the time of recording.
Palm Beach County Clerk — eRecording
Official eRecording page with vendor information for secure electronic submission of eligible documents.
- Review the list of eRecording vendors.
- Confirm whether your document type can be eRecorded.
- Create an account with the vendor that fits your recording volume and document type.
- Contact the vendor for vendor-specific submission problems or rejection requests.
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser — PAPA Search
Use PAPA when you need the Property Control Number, owner name, address, assessment data or parcel clues before searching deeds.
- Search by owner name, property address or PCN.
- Open the correct parcel detail page.
- Copy the PCN exactly, then remove hyphens if the Clerk search requires that format.
- Return to Official Records Search to find deeds, mortgages or related recordings.
Florida Department of Revenue — Documentary Stamp Tax
Official state guidance for documentary stamp tax on deeds, real-property transfers, notes, obligations and recorded mortgages.
- Open the Documentary Stamp Tax page.
- Review the section for deeds and other real-property transfer documents.
- Check the tax-rate section for counties outside Miami-Dade.
- Review mortgage, lien or written obligation sections if the document secures a debt.
Common Palm Beach County Deed Search and Recording Mistakes
Mistakes That Cause Problems
- Looking for a separate “Recorder of Deeds” office instead of the Clerk’s Recording Department.
- Searching by street address only when the Clerk search works better with name, PCN, book/page or instrument number.
- Confusing the Property Appraiser’s PCN with the Clerk’s instrument number.
- Mailing a deed without the required self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Forgetting the 3 inch by 3 inch first-page recording-stamp space.
- Recording without checking documentary stamp tax and intangible tax.
- Assuming Property Fraud Alert prevents a fraudulent recording instead of only alerting you.
- Using an uncertified online printout when a certified copy is required.
Better Local Workflow
- Use PAPA first when you only know the address.
- Copy the PCN, owner name and legal-description clues.
- Search Official Records by name, PCN, book/page or instrument number.
- Use the Clerk’s fee calculator before payment.
- Record time-sensitive documents in person when possible.
- Use eRecording for eligible documents when you have the right vendor setup.
- Order certified copies for official use.
- Use legal or title help before changing property ownership.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Use This Office or Link |
|---|---|---|
| You need a deed, mortgage or satisfaction. | Search the Clerk’s Official Records by name, book/page, instrument number or PCN. | Official Records Search |
| You only know the property address. | Find the PCN and owner name in PAPA, then search the Clerk’s Official Records. | Palm Beach County Property Appraiser / PAPA |
| You need to record a deed or mortgage. | Check recording format, legal preparation, fees, taxes and whether eRecording or in-person filing is best. | Clerk Recording Department |
| You need a certified copy. | Use the Clerk’s certified Official Records copy option or contact Records Research with the document reference. | Official Records / Records Research |
| You are filing a Notice of Commencement. | Confirm owner signature, recording method and whether Wednesday PZB recording is convenient. | Recording Department / PZB Vista Center |
| You suspect deed fraud. | Sign up for Property Fraud Alert and contact the Clerk or qualified legal professional if a suspicious document appears. | Property Fraud Alert |
Palm Beach County Recorder FAQs
Who is the Palm Beach County Recorder?
The recorder function is handled by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County. The Clerk’s Recording Department records deeds, mortgages, notices of commencement, liens, satisfactions and other documents into the county’s Official Records.
Where is the Palm Beach County Recording Department located?
The Main Courthouse Recording Department is at 205 N. Dixie Highway, Room 4.2500, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The Recording Department phone number is 561-355-2991.
How do I search Palm Beach County deeds online?
Use the Clerk’s Official Records Search. After accepting the disclaimer, search by party name, recorded date, legal description, PCN or tax folio number without hyphens, book/page, instrument number or case number.
Are Palm Beach County Official Records images available online?
The Clerk’s online Official Records system allows users to view and print many document images filed with the Clerk since January 1, 1968. Some documents may not be viewable online because of privacy laws.
Can I record a deed electronically in Palm Beach County?
Yes. Many documents can be submitted by eRecording through approved vendors. Common eRecorded documents include deeds, mortgages, assignment of mortgages and satisfaction of mortgages, but some document types cannot be eRecorded.
What documents can the Palm Beach County Clerk record?
The Recording Department records deeds, bills of sale, agreements, mortgages, notices or claims of lien, and other instruments relating to the transfer, ownership, encumbrance of or claims against real property or interests in it.
What are the basic recording requirements?
Documents must meet formatting and legal requirements, include required fees, signatures and notary information, be legible, use acceptable paper size, and leave blank recording-stamp space. Hard-copy submissions by mail require a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Palm Beach County?
The posted fee page lists $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page or fraction for many recordable instruments, but final cost can include legal-description fees, search fees, documentary stamp tax, intangible tax, copies and certification. Use the official fee calculator before paying.
What is the difference between the Clerk and the Property Appraiser?
The Clerk records and indexes documents in Official Records. The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser maintains parcel ownership, PCN, assessed value, exemptions and property maps. Use PAPA for parcel information and the Clerk’s system for recorded documents.
Is County-Appraisal-District.org the Palm Beach County government website?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource. It is not the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector, a title company, a law firm or a consumer reporting agency.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, the Palm Beach County Tax Collector, the Florida Department of Revenue, any title company or any law firm.
Recorded documents, ownership rights, lien priority, documentary stamp tax, intangible tax, recording acceptance, certified copies, deed corrections and title issues can affect important legal and financial rights. Verify current requirements with the Clerk and consult a qualified professional when a document affects ownership, inheritance, financing, construction, closing or litigation.
Public land records should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or other regulated consumer-reporting purposes. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.