Bradford County, FL Property Records

    Located in Northeast Florida, Bradford County is a rural county spanning 294 square miles. According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a population of over 27,000 residents. Bradford County reflects a median home value of around $236,768, which is down 1.5% from the previous year. At $236,768, the county's median home value is below Florida's statewide average of $369,996, pointing to a more affordable local housing market.

    Federal Reserve Economic Data indicates that 30% of households spend more than 30% of their average income of $58,527 on housing. This scenario leaves limited money for essentials such as food, education, and healthcare.

    To access or verify property assessments and parcel data in Bradford County, FL, contact the county Property Appraiser's Office. The office is responsible for determining fair and equitable market value on every parcel of property, both real estate and tangible, in the county.

    Who Keeps the Official Land Records?

    The Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the recorder of all instruments required or authorized to be recorded in the Official Records books. The clerk's office oversees the sale of tax deeds in Bradford County.

    The clerk's contact addresses, record portal, and service area are listed below:

    • Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller's Office: 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091

    • Phone: (904) 966-6283, Record Search

    • Coverage: All municipalities in Bradford County

    What Bradford County Property Records Include

    In Bradford County, the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller manages property records. Upon payment of the statutory fees, the clerk records and indexes various important documents that are related to real estate transactions. Such documents include deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, affidavits, subdivision plats, easements, contracts, foreclosure notices, judgments, declarations of condominiums, bills of sale, and declarations of domicile.

    In Bradford County, Florida, you can track land ownership via the Recorded Land System. The public is notified of property ownership claims through this system, but it does not guarantee a title. To confirm property ownership, you can either contact a title insurance company or perform an official title search.

    Bradford County property records dating back to January 5, 1969, are accessible online. For records before 1969, physical documents can be accessed in person at the Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller's Office in Starke.

    How to Access Bradford County Property Records

    Property records in Bradford County can be accessed online, in person, or through remote request methods.

    Online Access

    Use the Official Records Search to access copies of Bradford County property records. This platform enables you to search for records by using various criteria, including name, location, document type, instrument number, book/page number, and date range. You can view or print document images online for free. To purchase or verify certified property records, visit the clerk's ecertify website.

    In Person

    If you are unable to access the online platform, you may visit the clerk of court's office to search and retrieve property records in person. The contact information is listed below:

    • Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller's Office: 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091

    • Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays (excluding holidays)

    To search property records in person, you will need the owner's name, property address, or parcel identification number. It costs $1 per page to obtain photocopies of property records and an additional $2 per document for certification.

    By Phone or Email

    You may contact the Bradford County Clerk of Court and Comptroller's Office at (904) 966-6283 for guidance on how to access property records.

    By Mail/Overnight

    To obtain property records from Bradford County, FL, by mail, send a written request to Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Attn: Official Records, P.O. Drawer B, Starke, FL 3209. Make sure to provide the owner's name, property address, parcel ID, book and page number, or other identifying information in the request. Clearly state which documents are required in the request, include a self-addressed stamped envelope, and remit payment for copy fees.

    E-Recording (Professionals)

    Electronic recording of land documents is available in all Florida counties, including Bradford. This service is readily available to professional bodies, such as attorneys, banks, and real estate companies.

    Documents can be electronically recorded through approved third-party vendors, allowing for secure online submission to the Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court's Official Records Division. Common e-recording vendors for land documents in the county include Simplifile, eRecording Partners Network, CSC, and File and Go.

    What's Not at the Registry (But Matters for Property Research)?

    The Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller maintains official records such as deeds and mortgages, which establish property ownership. However, these records do not include property assessments, zoning classifications, payment records, or tax rates, which are available from other county offices.

    Records of property assessments, parcel cards, tax exemptions, GIS maps, and plat maps in Bradford County are available on the property appraiser's website or office. The Tax Collector sends property tax bills, records payments, and issues receipts for property in the county. For payment history or tax statements, contact the tax collector's website or office.

    To verify zoning information, contact the Bradford County Zoning Department for properties in unincorporated areas. Properties located within incorporated cities in Bradford County are subject to local zoning regulations. For zoning ordinances, maps, and property-specific restrictions, contact the city's government or municipal department.

    To find the current tax rates for Bradford County, visit the property appraiser's website. For state-level data, you can access the Florida Department of Revenue's Property Tax Data Portal.

    Step-by-Step: How to Pull a Deed Online

    To pull up a Bradford County deed online, follow these steps:

    • Visit the Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller and choose the “search official records” option.

    • Use the official records search to find recorded deeds.

    • Conduct a precise search by using the instrument number or book/page number. You may also search the portal by using the party name, legal description, standard document type, instrument type, and date range.

    • Once the search results appear, click on the “view image” icon to open the document image.

    • After viewing the image, you can examine the full legal description and verify the notary seal. It is free to save or print a copy of the image.

    Cities & Towns in Bradford County (and Their Registry Districts)

    The Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is the official custodian of all recorded property records in the county. Its jurisdiction covers the following areas:

    • Brooker, Hampton, Lawtey, and Starke.

    City/Town Resources for Assessments & Taxes

    There are several resources available to the public on the property appraiser's website. Individuals can obtain general information about exemptions and tangible personal property. If users want to purchase, sell, or lease a property in the county, they can search for property information on the property appraiser's website. Through the portal, you can obtain sales reports, GIS maps, plat maps, and even tax estimates.

    You may search for or pay property taxes online through the tax collector's website. The tax collector supports installment payments for property taxes through a quarterly payment plan. To qualify, the estimated tax must exceed $100, and you must complete the application for installment payment of property taxes form. The completed form should be submitted to the tax collector's office before April 30. For further assistance, contact the office by phone, email, or in person.

    For local property tax information and financial data, visit the Florida Department of Revenue's website.

    Bradford County-Specific Nuances

    Be aware of the following unique features when conducting property research in Bradford County, FL:

    • Bradford County operates a unified recording system that is managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. There are no separate recorders at the municipal level.

    • For property-related services, visit the county government complex in Starke. The property appraiser, tax collector, and clerk of the circuit court are co-located, making it easier to complete multiple tasks in a single visit.

    • The Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller's Office provides online access to property records filed from January 5, 1969, to the present. For records before 1969, visit the clerk's office to search the paper and microfilm archives.

    • Property ownership is governed by the Recorded Land System in Bradford County.

    • No Land Court exists in Bradford County, FL. The Bradford County Circuit Court, which is part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court, handles property-related legal matters.

    Typical Contents of a Bradford County Property Record

    The following details are found in a typical Bradford County, FL, property record:

    • Owner names (grantor/grantee)

    • Deeds, leases, and notices of completion

    • Trust deeds, reconveyances, and notices of default

    • Subdivision maps, parcel maps, and surveys

    • Mining claim records

    • Homestead declarations

    • Mechanics' liens and tax liens (county, state, and federal)

    • Recording dates, instrument numbers, and book/page references

    • Certificates of military discharge

    • Declarations of condominium and domicile.

    • Transfer tax amounts

    • Bills of sale

    • Notarization and signature details

    • Easements, restrictions, and mortgage details

    • Assignments, releases, affidavits, and powers of attorney

    Recording Changes to Property Titles

    To record changes to a property title in Bradford County, you must file a new deed with the Bradford County Clerk of Courts and Comptroller. Prepare a new document (quitclaim or warranty deed) that shows the changes. Ensure the document contains an accurate legal description, grantor/grantee details, and proper notarization with two witnesses.

    Include the full consideration, preparer's name/address, and grantee's mailing address in the document. Pay the recording fees and any applicable fees, such as documentary stamp tax and indexing fees, to the Bradford Clerk of the Courts.

    Afteward, submit the documents in person at the clerk's office during business hours on weekdays, except on holidays. Alternatively, you may submit the new documents by mail. Attach a self-addressed stamped envelope and mail the documents to the Bradford County Clerk of Courts & Comptroller, P.O. Drawer B, Starke, FL 32091. E-recording submission is also available via third-party vendors such as CSC or Simplifile.

    Once recorded, the clerk's office will notify the property appraiser, who will then update the tax rolls. You can verify the change by searching the official records system.

    Practical Research Flow (Checklist)

    Follow the checklist below to ensure a thorough property search in Bradford County, FL.

    • Identify the correct registry or county office - The Bradford County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller is the official custodian of property records in the county. Check their website or visit their office for inquiries.

    • Gather all essential information for the specific property - When researching property in Bradford County, it is helpful to have either the parcel ID number or the owner's name. Other important information includes property address, book/page number, recording date, and instrument number.

    • Review ownership and title records - Verify current property ownership via the property appraiser's website. Likewise, search for Bradford County property records through the official records portal.

    • Examine property tax information - Consult the tax collector's website or visit their office location to retrieve property tax data.

    • Confirm parcel data with the Assessor's Office - You may search for parcel details via the Bradford County property appraiser's website. The website also provides sales reports, GIS data, and plat maps for the public. Alternatively, you may visit the office for additional assistance or inquiries.

    • Review all documents. Ensure that the chain of title is unbroken and free from liens, omissions, judgments, and encumbrances.

    Appendix A - Municipalities in Bradford County

    The municipalities in Bradford County, FL, include three cities and one town.

    • Cities: Starke (county seat), Hampton, and Lawtey

    • Town: Brooker

    Appendix B - Key Contacts & Portals

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