Can You Do a Transfer of Deed Without a Lawyer in Florida?
Can You Do a Transfer of Deed Without a Lawyer in Florida?
Quick Answer
Yes, you can generally transfer Florida real property by deed without hiring a lawyer. Section 689.01 of the 2026 Florida Statutes sets conveyance requirements but does not make hiring a lawyer a condition of transfer. That does not settle whether additional rules apply to your deed type, ownership situation, or transaction; ask a Florida real estate attorney before signing. Recording also requires the acknowledgment or other proof allowed by section 695.03, along with the applicable document requirements of section 695.26. Call me at 941.400.8735 or reach out directly to Michael Renick – I’ll share my approach with you.
Can you transfer your Florida home by deed without hiring a lawyer?
You generally can: section 689.01 of the 2026 Florida Statutes does not require you to hire a lawyer to convey real property. You still need to meet the applicable execution and recording requirements.
For a conveyance covered by section 689.01, the rule calls for an instrument in writing, signed by the conveying party in the presence of two subscribing witnesses. The section has exceptions for a will or other testamentary appointment duly made according to law, and it expressly excludes leases and instruments pertaining to leases from its subscribing-witness requirement.
Mike Renick represented us, in both a sell and buy transection. One of the transactions was complicated as the sell portion of the transaction involved a foreign buyer. Mike arranged that both transactions would close the same day. Which they did without a hitch.
– Lee Diznoff, Google Review
The distinction is straightforward: not being required to hire a lawyer does not establish that your particular deed meets every applicable requirement. If you are unsure which deed to use or whether your ownership circumstances trigger additional rules, ask a Florida real estate attorney before you sign.
Signing the deed and qualifying it for recording are different
Two witnesses do not, by themselves, satisfy every recording requirement. Section 695.03 requires execution to be acknowledged by the executing party, proved by a subscribing witness, or otherwise authenticated as the statute permits. An acknowledgment before an authorized notary is a familiar method; the statute also permits other specified officers and forms of proof. Arrange compliant execution and acknowledgment or proof before submitting the deed.
What information does your deed need for recording?
Section 695.26 of the 2026 Florida Statutes sets document requirements for instruments affecting real-property title submitted for recording. These include:
- The name and post-office address of the natural person who prepared the instrument, or under whose supervision it was prepared, printed, typed, or stamped on it.
- Printed names and post-office addresses for signers and witnesses.
- Notary identification beneath the notary signature.
- Reserved space for the clerk.
- Grantee names and addresses for instruments other than mortgages.
Signing and recording are separate checkpoints. Before you submit your deed, ask the clerk’s recording office to confirm the required information and document layout under section 695.26.
We bought two units from Mike and Eric and sold one over the last four years. One thing that made life much easier for us was how they understood our feelings and situation regarding pricing. They knew where the other party was coming from, which made the process faster without all the back and forth. Once the contract was signed, their staff was great; I literally had to do nothing other than decide what color pen to sign with. Eric wasn’t just out to make a sale; he was tremendously helpful to us. Every week, he checks our apartment without asking for money, and when we had a storm, he even moved our car to safety. It wasn’t just about the sale; he became a friend and helped us out after the sale, just because we don’t live here.
– Mindy and Joe, Customer Review
Let’s continue this conversation.
Call me at 941.400.8735 or schedule a 15-minute call. I’ll tell you what I would look for.
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Questions Clients Actually Ask
Can witnesses participate electronically?
Electronic witnessing may satisfy the requirement when the statutory conditions are met. Section 689.01 of the 2026 Florida Statutes allows witnesses to be present through audio-video communication technology and electronically sign under those conditions. Before arranging electronic execution, ask a Florida real estate attorney whether your proposed process satisfies them.
Whose information belongs in the preparer field?
The field identifies the natural person who prepared the instrument or under whose supervision it was prepared. Section 695.26 of the 2026 Florida Statutes requires that person’s name and post-office address to be printed, typed, or stamped on the instrument.
What To Do Right Now
Before signing, ask a Florida real estate attorney whether your proposed deed type and ownership situation require anything beyond the execution and recording rules described here.
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Michael Renick · Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
License #BK3241900 · Verify on Florida DBPR
Mangrove Realty Associates Inc / Team Renick · Serving Sarasota & Manatee Counties since 2011
About the Author
I’m Michael Renick — a Florida West Coast broker with over 15 years guiding families through some of the biggest decisions of their lives. I’ve built my practice on hard work, honesty, and total transparency. No shortcuts, no spin — just straight answers, deep market knowledge, and the dedication my clients deserve from start to close.
Equal Housing Opportunity. This article is general information only, not legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice. Market conditions, insurance requirements, and costs vary by property and transaction; confirm your specific situation with the appropriate licensed professional. Michael Renick, Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker, License #BK3241900, licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Mangrove Realty Associates Inc — each office is independently owned and operated.
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