Saint Johns County Recorder

The Recording Division of the County Clerk of Courts Office is responsible for recording and maintaining real property records in Saint Johns County.

To record the first page of an instrument, the fee is $10. Each additional page is $8.50.

For each name over four to be indexed, the fee is $1 per name.

Deeds are subject to documentary stamps. The tax rate for transfer of an interest in real property is $0.70 per each $100 of sale/transaction price. A minimum tax of $0.70 is required on all deeds. (Formula: .0070 x Total Purchase Price = Amount of Doc Stamps)

When the consideration paid or exchanged for the real property is other than money, the consideration is equal to the fair market value of the real property.

The clerk's office requires a self-addressed stamped envelope for all documents that are to be returned through the mail.

County recording fees are subject to change without notice. For the most current fees and further information, contact the local clerk's office directly.

* The paper should be 8.5 x 11 inches or 8.5 x 14 inches. Originals are accepted for recording.

* In the upper right corner of the first page, provide a 3 x 3 blank space. On each subsequent page, provide a 1 x 3 blank space in the upper right corner. Other margins should be at least 1 inch.

* Legible black print or typing is needed to ensure reproduction. A font size of at least 12 point can be used to ensure legibility.

* Date the body of the instrument. On the front of the instrument, include the name and address of the person to whom the document is to be returned.

* An acknowledgment is needed for the person executing the instrument. A notary public signature, seal, and expiration date is required. The name of each person who executed the instrument should be legibly printed, stamped or typed beneath the signature and the post office address should be printed, typed, or stamped on the instrument. Additionally, the name of the notary public should be written, stamped, or typed beneath the notary public's signature.

* Signatures should agree with names in the body of the instrument and should be legible and spelled correctly. Signatures are to be attested by two witnesses. Corresponding names should be written beneath the signatures of the witnesses.

* The grantee's mailing address should be included in any document that transfers interest in real estate.

* On the face of the instrument, include the name and address of the person who prepared the instrument.

* Include a legal description of the real property. The property appraiser's parcel identification number is not considered part of the legal description. Previous recorded information can be referenced by book and page.

* The form for a warranty deed of conveyance to land should include a blank space for the property appraiser's parcel identification number describing the property. The number, if available, should be entered on the deed before it is presented for recording.

When the consideration paid or exchanged for the real property is other than money, the consideration is equal to the fair market value of the real property.