Florida title insurance
title insurance in florida
Haven Title provides title insurance and real estate closing services in Tampa, Florida and surrounding counties in Western Florida. Our clients include both commercial and residential buyers who trust our experienced team of title insurance experts to protect their interests.
In Florida, title insurance is mandated. Both parties must have valid title insurance to transfer property from one party to another. The Florida law requires all real estate transactions to have a title insurance policy (owner's or lender's coverage policy).
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An owner's title insurance policy is highly recommended when purchasing a new home or commercial property. It gives you an extra layer of protection by covering your financial investment in the property just in case there is a flaw or defect in the title search. Even if you are purchasing a new construction property, you will want to invest in this protection.
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Depending on the age of the property in question, your new purchase could have changed hands several times over the years. So, as a precaution, a title search is done to make sure there are no judgments, liens, encumbrances, outstanding heirs, and the like having an interest in the property. If nothing shows up, the property is deemed free and clear - and it becomes yours at the closing.
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Unfortunately, sometimes things get missed. A document or lien may have not been recorded properly or the previous owner may have fraudulently made it look as if the mortgage was paid. On paper it may look like you are the current owner of the property, but when this new information comes to light, your true rights to the property could be in jeopardy.​
Most Common Title Issues
Title insurance can protect you from these common title issues:
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Forged or fraudulent documents
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Unknown heirs
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Missing deeds
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Unrecorded will
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Encumbrances, such as easements and encroachments
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Recording errors
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does title insurance cost?
The cost of title insurance is based on a few different factors, such as the location of the property, whether you are refinancing or buying it, the type of title insurance you are buying, etc. The state of Florida does put a threshold on the premiums with most people paying about $1,000 to $1,500 on average. Keep in mind this could be more or less.
How often are title insurance premiums paid?
Unlike other types of insurance where you pay monthly or annually, title insurance is a one-time payment that gets paid at the closing.
How long does an owner’s title insurance policy offer protection?
An owner’s title insurance policy will protect you from any title issues for as long as you or your heirs have an interest in the property.
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Will title insurance be required for a refinance?
Most likely, yes. A lender’s title insurance policy is in place to protect the loan that the lender gave you to purchase the property. When that loan is satisfied, the lender’s title insurance policy is no longer in effect.
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If you are refinancing your property, you are taking out a new loan. And there is a good chance the lender will require you to purchase a new title insurance policy.
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Contact Haven Title in Tampa, FL to speak with one of our experienced title professionals.