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Notice of Commencement

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Documents to be Recorded Must Be Submitted Electronically or By Mail

Our offices are closed for non-essential, in-person services. To record documents, you may:

Submit documents electronically, or
Mail documents to:
Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County
Recording Department
PO Box 4177
West Palm Beach, FL 33402-4177

Full payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents are REQUIRED.

A Notice of Commencement is required for the construction of, improvements to, or alteration or repair to real property. See Florida Statute 713 for detailed information.

The Notice of Commencement shall be recorded in the office of the Clerk where the real property is located. A certified copy of the Notice of Commencement must be posted on the property. The property owner must sign the Notice of Commencement and no one else may be permitted to sign in his or her stead.

See Fees & Costs for current recording fees.

Notice of Commencement Form

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Contact

Main Courthouse
(561) 355-2991

South County
(561) 274-1588

North County
(561) 624-6622

West County
(561) 996-4843

Midwestern Communities Service Center
(561) 784-1271

Email Us

Fees & Costs

Recording Fees

FAQs

What documents can be recorded?
The Recording Department records a variety of documents, including but not limited to:
- Deeds
- Bills of sale
- Agreements
- Mortgages
- Notices or claims of lien
- Other instruments relating to the transfer, ownership, encumbrance of or claims against real property or any interest in it.
Refer to Florida Statute 28.222 (3) for additional details.
How can I record a document?

You can electronically record documents online (eRecording) or you can bring your original documents to the Main Courthouse, South County Courthouse, North County Courthouse, West County Courthouse, Midwestern Communities Service Center or mail your documents.

Please include the Recording Transmittal Form when submitting documents to be recorded.

Some documents can only be recorded at the Main Courthouse.
What is the mailing address?

Regular Mail Address
Clerk & Comptroller
P.O. Box 4177
West Palm Beach, FL 33402

Express Mail Address
Clerk & Comptroller
205 N. Dixie Highway, Room 4.2500
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
What are the requirements to submit a document for recording?
- Your document must be formatted correctly:
  - A blank space must be available on the top right corner of each page of your document for the Clerk & Comptroller’s official Recording Stamp.
  - The first page must have a 3 inch by 3 inch space.
  - All other pages must have a 1 inch by 3 inch space.
- A self addressed postage paid envelope must be provided if recording hard copy documents. It is not necessary to supply one envelope per document if all documents are to be returned to the same address, provided envelopes and postage meet the U.S. Postal Service guidelines.
- Documents will only be distributed to other parties if a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope for each party is included with the request. Otherwise, all documents will be returned to the party submitting the document for recording.
- You must pay the required fees. See Fees and Costs.
The Clerk & Comptroller's office is unable to accept modified, certified copies of any document for re-recording. We will not record an uncertified copy of any document, with or without changes. If you need to record a document which has changes from the original, please provide either a new document or make the modification to the original document.
Can the Clerk & Comptroller reject a document?
Yes. Documents that may be rejected include:
- Documents that are not covered by Florida Statute 28.222.
- Documents that do not include information required by Florida Statute 695.26.
- Documents that do not include the required fees, signatures or notary.
Florida Statutes specify what documents may be recorded and the legal requirements for documents (such as signatures that require notarization).
Why did I not get my documents back after they were recorded?

Self-addressed, stamped envelopes are required for hard copy documents submitted for recording. See the mailing fees chart for more information.
What is a “Notice of Commencement” and who must sign it?
- Florida law requires a “Notice of Commencement” to be recorded by the county and/or city before activities begin (such as renovations, building of a pool, etc.).
- Only the owner can sign this document for recording.
What is a “Sale/Transfer of Real Property” DR-219 form?

Effective June 1, 2008, customers will no longer complete the DR-219 Form (Return for Transfers of Interest in Real Property) when submitting a document for recording.
What documents require State Documentary Stamps?
- Bonds
- Deeds / all conveyances
- Notes and written obligations to pay money
- Mortgage, liens and other evidence of indebtedness
Additional information is available online at from the Florida Department of Revenue.
When is intangible tax required?

Obligations to pay money involving real estate.

More FAQs