Santa Rosa County Property Records
What Is Santa Rosa County Property Records
Santa Rosa County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Santa Rosa County, Florida. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records fulfill several essential functions in maintaining an orderly system of property ownership and transfer.
The primary purposes of Santa Rosa County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
- Enabling land use planning and development
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 695.01, all conveyances, transfers, and mortgages of real property must be recorded in the official records of the county where the property is located to be valid against subsequent purchasers. This statutory requirement ensures transparency and provides constructive notice to the public regarding property ownership and encumbrances.
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court maintains the official property records for the county, while the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser is responsible for assessing property values and maintaining property information for tax purposes.
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
4025 Avalon Blvd
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 981-5500
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
Are Property Records Public Information In Santa Rosa County?
Property records in Santa Rosa County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Florida law. The legal foundation for this public access is established by both state statutes and constitutional provisions that govern public records.
The Florida Public Records Act, codified in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, explicitly states that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are public records. Additionally, Florida Statutes § 28.222 specifically mandates that the clerk of the circuit court shall be the recorder of all instruments that may be recorded in the county.
The public nature of property records serves several important functions:
- Transparency in land ownership and transfers
- Protection of property rights through public notice
- Prevention of fraud in real estate transactions
- Support for proper functioning of real estate markets
- Facilitation of property tax assessment and collection
Any member of the public may access Santa Rosa County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the records or providing a reason for the request. This unrestricted access aligns with Florida's strong commitment to government transparency, often referred to as "Government in the Sunshine."
Under current law, while the records themselves are public, certain personal information contained within those records may be exempt from public disclosure, such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, and information related to certain protected individuals as specified in Florida Statutes § 119.071.
How To Search Property Records in Santa Rosa County in 2026
Santa Rosa County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following procedures to access property information:
Online Search Methods:
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Visit the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser's website to search property records by:
- Owner name
- Property address
- Parcel identification number
- Account number
- Subdivision name
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Access the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court's Official Records Search portal to find:
- Deeds
- Mortgages
- Liens
- Judgments
- Other recorded documents
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Utilize the interactive property map to search for properties visually by location
In-Person Search Methods:
Individuals may conduct property record searches in person at the following locations:
Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser
6495 Caroline Street, Suite K
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 983-1880
Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court - Recording Department
4025 Avalon Blvd
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 981-5500
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Search by Mail:
Written requests for property records may be submitted to either the Property Appraiser or Clerk of Court offices. Requests should include:
- Specific property information (address, parcel ID, owner name)
- Document types requested
- Contact information for response
- Payment for any applicable fees
Standard search fees apply for certified copies and extensive research requests as established by Florida Statutes § 28.24.
How To Find Property Records in Santa Rosa County Online?
Santa Rosa County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several official digital platforms. These resources allow for efficient searching of property information without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources for accessing Santa Rosa County property records include:
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Property Appraiser's Online Search Portal
The Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser's search tool offers multiple search options:
- Search by owner name
- Search by property address
- Search by parcel ID number
- Search by account number
- Advanced search options for specific criteria
This database provides detailed property information including:
- Current ownership
- Property values and assessment history
- Land characteristics
- Building details
- Tax exemption status
- Sales history
-
Interactive Property Map
The Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser's interactive map allows users to:
- View property boundaries
- Identify parcel numbers
- Access property record cards
- Measure distances and areas
- View aerial imagery
- Apply various map layers for additional information
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Clerk of Court Official Records Search
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court maintains an online database of official records that includes:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Liens and releases
- Judgments
- Plats and surveys
- Other recorded documents
When using these online resources, users should note that while basic search functions are free, certain specialized searches or document copies may incur fees. Additionally, some older records may not be available in digital format and might require in-person research at county offices.
For technical assistance with online property record searches, users may contact:
Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser - Technical Support
(850) 983-1880
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
How To Look Up Santa Rosa County Property Records for Free?
Santa Rosa County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources are available to all members of the public and require no subscription or membership fees.
Free Online Resources:
-
Property Appraiser's Website
The Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser's website offers free access to:
- Property ownership information
- Property values and assessment data
- Building characteristics
- Tax exemption status
- Sales history
- Property maps
No registration is required to use the basic search functions on this site.
-
Interactive GIS Map
The county's interactive property map provides free visual access to:
- Property boundaries
- Parcel identification
- Basic property information
- Aerial imagery
- Zoning information
- Flood zones
-
Clerk of Court Public Access System
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court offers limited free access to:
- Index of recorded documents
- Basic document information
- Document type and recording dates
While viewing the index is free, obtaining copies of documents may incur fees.
Free In-Person Access:
Individuals may access property records at no charge by visiting:
Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser
6495 Caroline Street, Suite K
Milton, FL 32570
(850) 983-1880
Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
4025 Avalon Blvd
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 981-5500
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Public computer terminals are available at both locations for self-service searching of property records at no charge. Staff assistance for basic inquiries is also provided without fee, though extensive research assistance may incur charges.
While searching records is free, fees apply for obtaining certified copies or printed documents according to the fee schedule established by Florida Statutes § 28.24.
What's Included in a Santa Rosa County Property Record?
Santa Rosa County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, primarily the Property Appraiser and the Clerk of Court, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
Types of Property Records:
Property records in Santa Rosa County pertain to real property (land and permanently attached structures) rather than personal property (movable possessions). The distinction is important as different legal requirements and recording procedures apply to each category.
Property Appraiser Records Include:
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description of the property
- Property address and location information
- Owner name and mailing address
- Property size and dimensions
- Land use classification and zoning information
- Building characteristics (square footage, construction type, year built)
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Special features and improvements
- Just (market) value assessment
- Assessed value
- Taxable value
- Exemption information (homestead, senior, disability, etc.)
- Sales history with dates and prices
- Property tax information
Clerk of Court Records Include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special warranty)
- Mortgages and mortgage satisfactions
- Liens (construction, tax, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Plats and surveys
- Foreclosure documents
- Judgments affecting title
- Probate records related to property
- Tax certificates and tax deeds
- Condominium and homeowners' association documents
The content and format of property records are governed by Florida Statutes § 695.26, which establishes minimum requirements for documents to be recorded in the official records. These requirements ensure consistency and reliability in property documentation throughout the state.
How Long Does Santa Rosa County Keep Property Records?
Santa Rosa County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by Florida law. These retention periods vary based on the type of document and its legal significance.
Permanent Records:
The following property records are maintained permanently in Santa Rosa County:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgages and satisfactions
- Plats and surveys
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
- Condominium documents
- Official maps
- Property assessment rolls
These permanent records are preserved due to their ongoing legal significance and historical value. The requirement for permanent retention is established in the Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule GS11.
Limited Retention Records:
Some property-related records are subject to specific retention periods:
- Building permits: 10 years after issuance
- Certificate of occupancy: Life of structure
- Code enforcement records: 5 years after case closure
- Variance applications: 5 years after final decision
- Zoning verification letters: 5 years
- Tax certificates: 3 years after redemption or expiration
Historical Records Preservation:
Santa Rosa County has implemented digital preservation systems for historical property records dating back to the county's establishment in 1842. While the original format of older records varies (paper, microfilm, microfiche), the county has undertaken digitization efforts to preserve these historical documents.
Pursuant to Florida Statutes § 28.001, the Clerk of Court is designated as the county recorder and is mandated to maintain these records according to state retention schedules. The electronic recordkeeping systems used by Santa Rosa County comply with the standards established by the Florida Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services.
How To Find Liens on Property In Santa Rosa County?
Liens on property in Santa Rosa County can be identified through several official channels. These encumbrances represent claims against property that must be satisfied before a clear title can be transferred.
Types of Liens Recorded in Santa Rosa County:
- Tax liens (property tax, federal tax)
- Judgment liens
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanic's and construction liens
- Homeowners' association liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
- Utility liens
Online Lien Search Methods:
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Clerk of Court Official Records Search
The Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court maintains the official records database where liens are recorded. To search for liens:
- Visit the Clerk's Official Records Search portal
- Search by property owner name
- Search by property address or legal description
- Search by book and page number (if known)
- Filter results by document type (select "lien" or specific lien types)
-
Property Appraiser's Website
The Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser's website may indicate the presence of certain liens:
- Search for the property by address or parcel ID
- Review the property record for notations about tax liens
- Check for Value Adjustment Board decisions
-
Tax Collector's Website
The Santa Rosa County Tax Collector's website provides information on:
- Delinquent property taxes
- Tax certificates sold
- Tax deed applications
In-Person Lien Search:
For comprehensive lien searches, individuals may visit:
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court - Recording Department
4025 Avalon Blvd
Milton, FL 32583
(850) 981-5500
Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Staff can assist with searching for recorded liens and provide certified copies of lien documents for a fee.
Professional Lien Search Services:
For complex properties or when complete assurance is required (such as before purchasing property), professional services are available:
- Title companies
- Abstract companies
- Real estate attorneys
These professionals conduct thorough searches of all potential lien sources and typically provide written reports of their findings.
It is important to note that some liens, such as certain utility liens or unrecorded judgment liens, may not appear in the public records. A comprehensive title search by a qualified professional is recommended for complete assurance regarding property encumbrances.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Santa Rosa County?
The Property Owner Rule in Santa Rosa County refers to a set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership rights and responsibilities within the county. These rules are derived from Florida state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.
Key Components of the Property Owner Rule:
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Recording Requirements
Under Florida Statutes § 695.01, all conveyances, transfers, and mortgages of real property must be recorded in the official records to be effective against subsequent purchasers. This "notice recording statute" establishes that:
- Unrecorded conveyances are void against subsequent purchasers who record first
- Recording provides constructive notice to all parties
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements to be recorded
-
Homestead Protections
Santa Rosa County property owners who maintain permanent residency on their property may qualify for homestead protections under the Florida Constitution, Article X, Section 4:
- Exemption from forced sale by creditors (with certain exceptions)
- Property tax benefits
- Restrictions on alienation (transfer) of homestead property
- Inheritance protections for surviving spouses and minor children
-
Riparian and Littoral Rights
Santa Rosa County contains significant waterfront property along the Gulf of Mexico, Santa Rosa Sound, Blackwater River, and other water bodies. Property owners adjacent to these waters have specific rights governed by:
- Access to and use of the water
- Rights to accretion and reliction (gradual addition of land)
- Restrictions regarding erosion control measures
- Public easements along certain waterways
-
Property Tax Assessment Rules
The Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser assesses property according to:
- Just value determination (market value as of January 1)
- Assessment limitations (Save Our Homes cap for homestead properties)
- Classification of property (residential, commercial, agricultural)
- Exemption eligibility and application procedures
-
Land Use and Development Regulations
Property owners must comply with:
- Zoning ordinances
- Building codes and permit requirements
- Subdivision regulations
- Environmental protection ordinances
- Historic preservation requirements in designated areas
-
Adverse Possession
Under Florida Statutes § 95.16, a person may establish ownership of property through adverse possession by:
- Possessing the property openly and notoriously
- Maintaining continuous possession for at least 7 years
- Paying all property taxes during the possession period
- Meeting other statutory requirements
Property owners in Santa Rosa County should familiarize themselves with these rules to understand their rights and responsibilities. The county provides resources through the Property Appraiser's Office, Tax Collector's Office, and Building Department to assist property owners in navigating these regulations.
Lookup Property Records in Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser