Even the Clerk Gets Property Deed ‘Solicitation’ Letter

BRADENTON — Some Manatee County homeowners, including Manatee County Clerk of the Circuit Court, R.B. “Chips” Shore, are receiving letters from companies offering to sell them a certified copy of their deed (click here to see PDF of letter). These copies are being offered for prices ranging from $50 to $100 per deed. The letters periodically appear in Manatee County and are often concentrated in a specific zip code or neighborhood, so that neighbors receive the letters at the same time.

“Your deed is a public record and is permanently maintained and preserved by the Manatee Clerk of Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office,” says Clerk R. B. “Chips” Shore.  “You do not have to pay a private company for a copy. You can view and print, for free, a non-certified copy of your deed from our website:  www.ManateeClerk.com. Should you ever need a certified copy, the cost is $1.00 per page and $2.00 for the certification.  In most cases, the total cost will be between $3.00 and $5.00.”

Shore continues, “While there does not appear to be anything illegal about this offering, it is a totally unnecessary expense for a homeowner to incur.”