Manatee County Homeowners: Don’t overpay for your records

The Office of Angelina "Angel" Colonneso, Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, is warning homeowners of letters sent by private companies offering to provide a copy of their recorded deed for $89.

The official-looking letter is sent to new homeowners, informing them that a deed has been recorded in Official Records. The document identifies the mail recipient as the new property owner. The message continues with instructions on obtaining a copy of the recorded deed by filling out the bottom portion of the document and returning it along with a check or money order for $89 to Property Records Office, LLC.

While the service this company provides is not illegal, it is unnecessary.

If you wish to receive a copy of your recorded deed, you can contact the Clerk & Comptroller's office at (941) 741-4045 to request a copy. A hard copy of a document costs $1.00 per page and $2.00 for certification if ordered. Additionally, you can visit the Clerk & Comptroller's website at www.ManateeClerk.com to download a copy of your recorded deed for free through the Clerk's Public Records Hub.

While on the Public Records Hub, you are encouraged to set up property fraud alerts.

The Clerk & Comptroller's office provides Property Fraud Alerts free of charge. This service notifies customers whenever an instrument of record, such as a declaration, lease, mortgage, or lien, is recorded in the Official Record.

Subscribers create as many alerts as needed using different variations of their name, spouse's name, or business name. An email alert is sent when a record containing one or more of these names is recorded with the Clerk & Comptroller's office.

For more information about property fraud alerts, visit https://www.manateeclerk.com/online-services/property-fraud-alerts/.