The Clerk must record all documents that meet the requirements outlined in the Florida Statutes. If a document is properly executed and presented with payment, it is the responsibility of the Clerk's office to record the document.

Property Fraud Alert is a free service offered by the Clerk & Comptroller, Charlotte County, that helps the public protect their property from fraud by monitoring the documents being recorded in the Official Records of the Clerk's office.

Signing up is quick and easy! Simply follow these steps:

• If a document is recorded that matches your monitoring criteria, you will receive an alert within 24 hours. The alert will provide you with a document number, which is the Clerk's File Number or Instrument Number.
• Search online at Official Records to view the actual document. To search using the Clerk's File Number, choose the Instrument Number icon and enter the Instrument number from your Property Fraud Alert notification.
• For assistance, please contact the Clerk & Comptroller’s Recording Department at (941) 637-2335 or recording@CharlotteClerk.com.
• If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, contact law enforcement.

Yes, in the event a document is recorded with the name you chose to monitor, you will receive an alert.

No, this service only alerts subscribers of documents being recorded in the Charlotte County Official Records.

There is nothing that will distinguish one name from another. Therefore, a person with a common name, like Jim Jones, may receive alerts for documents recorded with the same name. View the document using our online Official Records search to determine if the recorded document is relevant to you or your property.

Yes, you can add a middle name after the first name in the same field. If you choose to do this, it is highly recommended that you also enter your name without the middle name.

Fraud can be committed in a number of ways by recording documents in public records. For example, someone can create a fraudulent document that will deed your home to them and then record that document in the Official Records.

• Sign up for this free subscription service either online at online at Official Records Fraud Alert or by calling 941-637-2335
• Enter the personal or business name to monitor
• Provide the email address or telephone number you would like alerts sent to.
• Monitor additional names by repeating the process
• You will receive an alert within 24 business hours whenever any document is recorded in Charlotte County matching the name(s) you chose to monitor
• This alert allows you to be informed of any recording activity taking place and to take timely action if you determine the activity is fraudulent

The only information you need to provide is your first and last name along with your email address or phone number, depending on your preferred contact method. Nothing else is needed when signing up for the service.

No, simply register online using your internet browser or call 941-637-2335 to register by phone.

• The alert email will provide you with a document number, which is the Clerk's File Number or CFN. To view the document, search the online at Official Records Fraud Alert . Review the legal disclaimer, and click on "Accept" at the bottom. Then choose the CFN tab at the top. Enter the document number from your Property Fraud Alert and click search.
• For assistance, please contact the Clerk & Comptroller’s Recording Department at 941-637-2335 or recording@charlotteclerk.com.
• If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, contact law enforcement.

To change or cancel your Property Fraud Alert subscription access the fraud alert site and enter your email, select the button “Receive Email to Edit Alerts”. You will then receive an email with all names or businesses you chose to monitor.