Question 1

How do I secure a real-estate contract in Manatee?

Accepted Answer

Record a memorandum of contract in the Manatee real-property records. It puts the public on notice of your equitable interest so the seller can’t cleanly sell to someone else. Notarized online, recorded with the county, and returned to you.

Question 2

Does Manatee allow electronic recording of a memorandum?

Accepted Answer

Manatee supports electronic recording (via Simplifile, CSC, ePN), so a compliant memorandum can be on record quickly.

Question 3

What does it cost to record a memorandum in Manatee?

Accepted Answer

One flat price that includes the county fee ($10.00 (instruments not exceeding 14"x8.5"; per F.S. 28.24) first / $8.50 per additional page (standard size); $15.00 per additional page for plats/exhibits exceeding 14"x8.5" (first page $30.00 for oversized) add'l (+$1.00 per additional name indexed beyond 4 names)), your online notary session, and tracking to a recording number.

Memorandum filing isn't available in Florida yet