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Notice of Commencement

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A Notice of Commencement is required for the construction of, improvements to, or alteration or repair to real property. The property owner must sign the Notice of Commencement and no one else may be permitted to sign in his or her stead.

The Notice of Commencement shall be recorded in the office of the Clerk where the real property is located. See Florida Statute 713 for detailed information, including posting requirements.

See Fees & Costs for current recording fees.

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Recording Services Available at Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Office

Recording services at Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building (PZB) are available only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Record Notices of Commencement and related documents
Get plain or certified copies of documents

Payment by credit card only at this location.

Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building
Vista Center
2300 N Jog Road, 1st Floor
West Palm Beach

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Submit documents to be recorded electronically|
Mail documents to:
Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County
Recording Department
PO Box 4177
West Palm Beach, FL 33402-4177

Full payment (no cash) and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents are REQUIRED.

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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

Royal Palm Beach Branch
(561) 784-1271

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Fees & Costs

Recording Fees

FAQs

Which documents require witness addresses to be included when recording?

All deeds and easements notarized in Florida require witness names and witness addresses. Other documents “by which title to real property or interest is conveyed, assigned, encumbered or disposed of” may or may not have witnesses, but an address is required if a witness is included. If there are no witnesses on these other documents, then no addresses are required. Learn more about witness address requirements.
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, Royal Palm Beach branch 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 of the Circuit Court & Comptroller
P.O. Box 4177
West Palm Beach, FL 33402

Express Mail Address
Clerk of the Circuit Court & 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 of the Circuit Court & 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 submitting hard copy documents for recording by mail. 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.
- Kindly limit your documents to no more than 20 documents per receipt.
The Clerk of the Circuit Court & 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 of the Circuit Court & 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.
- Documents that are copies or photographs.
- Documents that are not legible. Suggested font size is 10-point Times new Roman, or equivalent.
- Documents that are larger or smaller than 8 ½ x 11 or 8 ½ x 14, excluding plats.
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 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.

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Notice of Commencement

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Recording Services Available at Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building Office

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