Sarasota County Recorder of Deeds: Official Records Search, Deed Copies, Fees & Office Guide
Sarasota County does not operate a separate office formally titled “Recorder of Deeds.” The Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller serves as the County Recorder and maintains Sarasota County’s Official Records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, satisfactions, judgments and other recordable instruments.
The official online database provides a permanent index from 1990 to present and offers PDF document images where Florida law permits online display. Older Sarasota County Official Records dating back to 1921 can be researched through the Clerk’s Public Access Department.
Who Is the Sarasota County Recorder of Deeds?
The recording function is handled by the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller. The current Clerk is Karen E. Rushing. Recording Services indexes and archives documents that become part of Sarasota County’s Official Records.
Need a Recorded Deed?
Search the Clerk’s Official Records database by name, instrument number, filing date, book/page or document type.
Need Parcel Information?
Use the Sarasota County Property Appraiser when you need parcel ID, assessed owner, property characteristics, exemptions or assessed value.
Need Property-Tax Information?
Property-tax billing and payment are separate from deed recording. Do not use the Official Records system as a tax-bill portal.
Clerk vs Property Appraiser vs Tax Collector
| Your Task | Correct Office | What It Handles |
|---|---|---|
| Find a recorded deed | Clerk — Official Records | Deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions, judgments, easements and other recorded instruments. |
| Record a new deed | Clerk — Recording Services | Accepts qualifying instruments in person, by mail or through registered eRecording providers. |
| Find parcel ID or assessed owner | Property Appraiser | Parcel identification, ownership display, property characteristics, exemptions and assessed values. |
| Apply for Homestead Exemption | Property Appraiser | Florida Homestead Exemption is not filed with Recording Services. |
| Pay property taxes | Tax Collector | Tax bills, payments and delinquent real-estate tax matters. |
| Tax deed auction | Clerk — Tax Deeds | Tax deed proceedings are separate from ordinary Official Records deed searching. |
How to Search Sarasota County Deeds Online
Sarasota County’s Official Records search supports several useful search fields. Choose the field that matches the information you already have instead of starting with an overly broad search.
Open Sarasota County Official Records
Use the Clerk’s own search rather than a paid deed-copy or people-search website.
Open Official Records Search ↗
Search by Last or Business Name
Enter the grantor, grantee, borrower, lender, trust or company name. The current search provides separate Last/Business Name and First Name fields.
When researching a deed chain, search both current and prior ownership names rather than relying on one party.
Search by Instrument Number for an Exact Record
Instrument number is usually the cleanest route when another document already cites the recording.
Use Filing Dates to Narrow Common Names
The search includes Date Filed From and Date Filed To fields. A narrow recording period helps separate unrelated people or companies that share the same name.
Use Book and Page for Older Online Records
The current portal includes book/page searching for the earlier portion of the electronic index, particularly 1990–1998 records.
Filter by Document Type
Use document type when you specifically need a deed, mortgage, satisfaction, release, lien, lease, judgment, notice or another type of recorded instrument.
Open the Result and Verify the Document
Compare the parties, filing date, instrument number and document type. Where permitted by law, the system provides PDF images.
Save the instrument number before leaving the record. It is useful for certification requests and later research.
What to Check Before You Rely on a Sarasota Deed Result
Instrument Number
Unique recorded-document identifier. Save it when requesting certification or citing the document later.
Recording Date
Date the instrument entered Sarasota County Official Records. It can differ from the execution or closing date.
Document Type
Confirm that you opened a deed rather than a mortgage, satisfaction, lien, affidavit or another similarly named record.
Party Names
Compare every relevant grantor, grantee or entity name. Name indexing is useful but does not replace review of the actual instrument.
Book / Page
Older indexed records may include book/page references that can be useful for exact lookup and copy requests.
PDF Image
Online images are convenient research copies, but the Clerk warns that images copied directly from the public website are not certified copies.
How to Find Sarasota County Deeds Recorded Before 1990
A failed web search does not mean the deed does not exist. Sarasota Public Access states that Official Records from 1921 to present are available through its records collection, while the searchable web index begins in 1990.
Visit Public Access
Older Official Records can be viewed through the Public Access Department, including microfilm material not exposed through the standard online index.
Submit a Record Search Request
Requests can be made by mail, phone or fax. Include the name, years to search, document needed and any instrument/book information you already have.
Public Access says properly funded requests are generally completed in approximately three business days.
How to Get a Sarasota County Deed Copy
Research Copy
For records where online display is allowed, open the PDF from Official Records and save or print it for research.
The Clerk explicitly warns that a copy taken directly from the Internet is not a certified true copy.
Certified Copy
Certified Official Records copies can be requested from the Clerk when an agency, lender, attorney, court or other recipient requires official certification.
The online Official Records system also provides a Certified Copy Login for current electronic certification requests.
Phone / Public Access Request
Public Access accepts record-search requests by phone at 941-861-7400 when payment is made by credit card.
Have the instrument number, names and recording year ready when possible.
How to Record a Deed in Sarasota County Florida
A document must satisfy Florida statutory requirements before the Clerk can record it. Sarasota County accepts qualifying documents through registered eRecording providers, by mail or in person. Recording documents are not accepted by ordinary email.
Use an Original or Certified Copy
Sarasota’s standard requirements say photocopies are not accepted for recording. Submit the original or an eligible certified copy.
Check Paper Size and Recorder Space
Standard documents generally may not exceed 8.5 × 14 inches unless the instrument is a plat.
Leave a 3 × 3 inch space in the upper-right corner of page one for the recording stamp and a 1 × 3 inch space in the upper-right corner of each later page.
Make the Instrument Legible and Complete
Use clear black printing or typing. Signatures, seals and images must be readable, and referenced attachments should be included.
Include Real-Property Party Information
For documents affecting real estate, Sarasota County highlights Florida Statute 695.26 requirements such as legibly printed preparer, executing party, witness and grantee information and appropriate notary details.
Include the Sarasota County Property Description or Recording Reference
Standard recording requirements call for a Sarasota County legal description, instrument number or applicable case number.
For a Deed, State the Consideration
Sarasota’s deed guidance says deeds and easements conveying real property must state the consideration. Documentary stamp tax is based on consideration unless a valid exemption applies and is clearly stated.
Calculate Recording Fees and Taxes
Page count, additional indexed names and Florida documentary taxes can all affect the total amount.
Choose eRecording, Mail or In-Person Filing
Qualifying documents may be submitted electronically through a registered provider, mailed to Recording Services, or presented at a Clerk office in Sarasota or Venice.
Sarasota County Deed Recording Fees and Documentary Stamp Tax
The final recording amount depends on page count, number of indexed names and taxes due on the transaction. Use the Clerk’s current fee schedule before submitting an original document.
| Charge | Current Clerk-Listed Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| First page | $10.00 | Recording, indexing and filing a standard-size instrument. |
| Each additional page | $8.50 | Each additional page or fraction. |
| Additional indexed names | $1.00 each | Each indexed name beyond the first four. |
| Deed documentary stamp tax | $0.70 per $100 | Generally applies to consideration for deeds or similar instruments conveying Florida real property, subject to exemptions and transaction-specific rules. |
| Mortgage documentary stamp tax | $0.35 per $100 | Applies to mortgages and certain mortgage modifications based on indebtedness or obligation. |
| Veteran discharge recording | No fee | Recording qualifying certificates of discharge, separation or service. |
Open Current Clerk Fee Schedule ↗
How Sarasota County Accepts Recording Documents
eRecording
Eligible instruments may be submitted through a registered electronic-recording provider.
This route is commonly used by title companies, law firms, lenders and other frequent submitters.
By Mail
Standard mailing address:
Sarasota County Clerk and Comptroller
Attn: Recording
P.O. Box 3079
Sarasota, FL 34230-3079
In Person
Recording services are available Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and office closures, at Clerk locations in Sarasota and Venice.
Original documents recorded in person are returned by First Class USPS mail.
Sarasota County Property Fraud Alert
The Clerk offers a free email-based fraud alert. It watches registered personal or business names and sends an alert when a matching document is recorded in Sarasota County Official Records.
What the Service Does
- Free registration.
- Requires a valid email address.
- Allows multiple names to be monitored.
- Alerts are generally sent within 24 hours after recording.
- Alert contains a route to review the Official Records document.
What It Does Not Do
- It does not stop a document from being recorded.
- It does not prove a filing is fraudulent.
- It only monitors Sarasota County Official Records.
- It does not replace legal or title advice.
Sarasota County Recorder Office Locations, Phone & Hours
Recording services are available at both the Sarasota and Venice Clerk locations. The main Sarasota office is also the overnight Recording address.
Sarasota Main Office
Sarasota County Historic Courthouse
2000 Main Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-861-7400
Recording menu: option 3, then option 2
General office hours:
Monday–Friday
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
excluding holidays and closures
Venice Full-Service Office
South County Courthouse
4004 S. Tamiami Trail, 2nd Floor
Venice, FL 34293
Phone: 941-861-7400
Recording services are available here Monday through Friday, excluding holidays and office closures.
Official Sarasota County Deed and Recording Resources
Sarasota County Official Records Search
Deeds, mortgages, liens, satisfactions and other recorded instruments from the searchable online index.
- Accept the current public-record terms.
- Search by party name, instrument number, filing date, book/page or document type.
- Open the result that matches the correct parties and date.
- View the PDF image when legally available.
- Save the instrument number before ordering certification.
Sarasota Recording Services
Official overview of documents handled by the County Recorder.
- Review the list of recordable instruments.
- Open Standard Recording Requirements.
- Open the requirements for your specific document type.
- Check the fee schedule before submitting payment.
Specific Recording Requirements
Detailed requirements for deeds, liens, Notices of Commencement, domicile declarations and other instruments.
- Find your specific document type.
- Check required parties and printed names.
- Confirm notary, legal-description and attachment requirements.
- Check whether eRecording is allowed for that document.
- Confirm taxes and Clerk fees before submission.
Sarasota Clerk Fee Schedule
Current recording, copy, certification, plat and documentary-stamp amounts.
- Scroll to the Recording section.
- Count document pages.
- Count indexed parties beyond the first four.
- Review documentary stamp tax when the instrument is a deed or mortgage.
- Call Recording Services if the total remains uncertain.
Public Access Department
Older records, record searches, plain copies and certified copies.
- Use this route when the Official Records web search does not cover the year you need.
- Review the Records Search Request options.
- Provide names, years, record type and instrument information where available.
- Specify whether you want a plain or certified copy.
If Sarasota Official Records Does Not Find the Deed
| Problem | What to Try |
|---|---|
| You only know the property address | Use the Property Appraiser first to identify the current owner and parcel information, then search Official Records by party name. |
| Common surname returns too many results | Add the first name and narrow the filing-date period. |
| Business or trust name is not finding the deed | Search fewer entity-name words and check alternate names used at closing. |
| You know the instrument number | Use instrument number instead of party-name searching. |
| The record predates 1990 | Use Public Access and request pre-1990 Official Records research. |
| The PDF image is unavailable | Some record images are restricted from online display by Florida law. Contact Public Access for lawful viewing options. |
| You need proof of clear title | Use a Florida title company or qualified real-estate attorney. Official Records search results are not a title opinion. |
Common Sarasota County Deed Search and Recording Errors
Search Mistakes
- Searching the Clerk when you only need parcel value or Homestead Exemption.
- Using only the current assessment owner when tracing a deed chain.
- Ignoring the instrument number already printed on a closing document.
- Assuming a copied PDF from the website is a certified copy.
- Assuming no online image means no record exists.
- Treating an Official Records search as a formal title search.
Recording Mistakes
- Submitting a photocopy instead of an original or eligible certified copy.
- Failing to leave Clerk recording-stamp space.
- Omitting printed party, witness or notary information.
- Leaving out a Sarasota County legal description or required reference.
- Calculating only page fees and forgetting documentary stamp taxes.
- Emailing a document to Recording Services instead of using an accepted filing route.
- Expecting Clerk staff to prepare or amend a quitclaim deed.
What Should You Do Next?
I Need the Latest Deed
Search Official Records by owner or instrument number, open the matching deed and save the instrument number.
I Need a Certified Deed
Find the correct recording first, then use the Clerk’s certified-copy process or Public Access Department.
I Need a Pre-1990 Deed
Contact Public Access for the older Official Records collection or submit a Record Search Request.
I Need to Record a Deed
Review standard and deed-specific requirements, calculate recording fees and documentary tax, then choose eRecording, mail or in-person filing.
I Need Homestead Exemption
Contact the Sarasota County Property Appraiser. A Declaration of Domicile recorded with the Clerk is not a Homestead Exemption application.
I Suspect a Fraudulent Deed
Review the document immediately, preserve its instrument number, contact law enforcement when appropriate and obtain Florida legal advice. Enroll in the Clerk’s free Fraud Alert service.
Independent Records Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website. It is not the Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, Sarasota County Property Appraiser, Sarasota County Tax Collector, State of Florida, a title company, law firm or Consumer Reporting Agency.
Recording fees, documentary taxes, forms, office hours, portal features and statutory requirements can change. Verify all time-sensitive filing requirements with the Sarasota Clerk before submitting an original instrument or payment.
Public deed and property records should not be used for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or another purpose regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Sarasota County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Does Sarasota County have a Recorder of Deeds office?
No separate office uses that title. The Sarasota County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller serves as County Recorder and maintains Sarasota County Official Records.
Where can I search Sarasota County deeds online?
Use the Clerk’s Official Records system at secure.sarasotaclerk.com. It supports searches by party name, instrument number, filing dates, book/page and document type.
How far back does Sarasota County Official Records search go online?
The online searchable index covers 1990 to present. Sarasota Public Access states that Official Records from 1921 forward are available through its broader records collection, including older records available on microfilm or by record-search request.
Can I view Sarasota County deed images online?
Yes, PDF images are available for many records where Florida law permits online display. Some restricted records cannot be displayed online and may require lawful in-person access through Public Access.
Is an online Sarasota deed PDF a certified copy?
No. The Clerk states that images copied from the public website are not certified true copies. Certified copies must be ordered through the Clerk’s certification or Public Access process.
How much does Sarasota County charge to record a deed?
The Clerk currently lists $10 for the first page, $8.50 for each additional page or fraction, and $1 for each indexed name beyond the first four. Documentary stamp tax and other transaction-specific charges may also apply.
What is the documentary stamp tax on a Sarasota County deed?
The Clerk currently lists documentary stamp tax on deeds at $0.70 per $100 or fractional part of the consideration amount. Exemptions and transaction-specific rules can change the amount due.
Can I email a deed to the Sarasota Clerk for recording?
No. The Clerk says recording documents are not accepted by email. Eligible documents may be submitted through a registered eRecording provider, by mail or in person.
Where can I record a deed in person in Sarasota County?
Recording services are available at the Sarasota Main Office in the Historic Courthouse, 2000 Main Street, Sarasota, and at the Venice Full-Service Office in the South County Courthouse, 4004 S. Tamiami Trail, 2nd Floor, Venice.
Does Sarasota County offer a free property fraud alert?
Yes. The Clerk offers a free email alert service. Subscribers can register personal or business names and generally receive notice within 24 hours when a matching document is recorded in Sarasota County Official Records.