Florida Quit Claim Deed: Property Transfer Guide

Transferring property in Florida doesn’t have to be complicated.

Whether you’re adding a spouse to your home title, transferring property to a trust, or handling an estate matter, understanding your deed options is essential.

A Florida quit claim deed offers one of the fastest and simplest ways to transfer real estate ownership—but only when used in the right circumstances.

This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about quitclaim deeds in Florida, from the basics to step-by-step filing instructions, helping you avoid costly mistakes and make confident property transfer decisions.

What Is a Florida Quit Claim Deed?

A Florida quit claim deed is a legal instrument that transfers whatever ownership interest the grantor (person transferring) has in a property to the grantee (person receiving) without any warranties or guarantees about the quality of that ownership.

Under Florida law, specifically Florida Statutes § 689.01, a quit claim deed must be in writing, properly executed, and recorded with the county clerk’s office where the property is located.

The deed transfers ownership “as-is” with all existing title problems, liens, mortgages, and encumbrances passing to the grantee.

Unlike warranty deeds that guarantee clear title, a quitclaim deed florida provides zero protection to the buyer.

If the grantor doesn’t actually own the property, or if there are undisclosed liens or title defects, the grantee has no legal recourse against the grantor under the deed itself.

The quit claim deed form florida is straightforward, typically one to two pages, and contains the grantor’s name, grantee’s name, legal property description, consideration (often minimal), and the granting clause using language like “quit claim” or “remise, release, and quitclaim.”

Why Florida Quit Claim Deeds Matter for Property Owners

A florida quitclaim deed solves specific problems that other deeds cannot address as efficiently.

The primary value lies in speed, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness for transfers between parties who already trust each other.

Speed and efficiency: When time is critical—such as clearing title defects, correcting name errors on deeds, or quickly adding someone to title—a quitclaim deed florida can be prepared and recorded within days, not weeks or months.

Estate planning flexibility: Transferring property into a revocable living trust, removing a deceased spouse from title, or reorganizing asset ownership often requires quick deed transfers.

Unlike property that goes through the probate process under Florida probate law, which can involve significant probate costs and probate lawyer costs, property transferred via quit claim deed before death avoids probate court entirely.

Divorce and family transfers: When dividing marital property or transferring real estate between family members, a quit claim deed form florida allows straightforward ownership changes without the cost and complexity of a full real estate transaction.

Cost savings: For transfers where title insurance isn’t needed (between family members or into trusts), a florida quit claim deed eliminates the expenses associated with warranty deeds, title searches, and closing agents—saving thousands compared to traditional probate procedure expenses.

Who Should Use a Florida Quit Claim Deed (And Who Shouldn’t)

Best candidates for using a quit claim deed florida:

Married couples: Adding a spouse to title after marriage, removing a divorced spouse, or transferring between spouses as part of estate planning.

Family members: Transferring property to children, between siblings, or from parents to adult children where trust already exists and title quality isn’t in question.

Trust transfers: Moving real estate into or out of a revocable living trust for estate planning purposes.

Estate beneficiaries: Inheriting property from family members where the estate has been settled through probate of will proceedings, or siblings working with an inheritance attorney to distribute property after probate concludes.

If you’ve received property through inheritance and need guidance, search for an inheritance attorney near me to ensure proper transfer documentation.

Title correction needs: Anyone who needs to fix name misspellings, correct legal descriptions, or remove old interests from title.

Who should NOT use a florida quitclaim deed:

Arm’s-length buyers: Anyone purchasing property from a stranger or in a traditional real estate sale should NEVER accept a quitclaim deed florida. You have no protection if the seller doesn’t actually own the property or if there are hidden liens.

Investment property buyers: Real estate investors need warranty deeds and title insurance to protect against title defects, boundary disputes, and hidden encumbrances.

Situations requiring financing: Most mortgage lenders will not accept a quit claim deed form florida because it provides no title warranties.

The golden rule: Use a florida quit claim deed only when you trust the grantor completely and either know the property’s title is clear or you’re willing to accept it with all its problems.

When and Where Florida Quit Claim Deeds Apply

Quit claim deeds work throughout all 67 Florida counties, but recording procedures, fees, and documentary stamp tax rates may vary by county.

The florida quitclaim deed form must be recorded with the official records of the county clerk where the property is physically located.

Timing considerations:

During marriage: Adding a spouse to title or creating tenancy by entireties for creditor protection.

Divorce proceedings: Transferring property per settlement agreements coordinated with probate and family court orders.

Estate planning: Moving property into trusts, typically years before death to avoid the lengthy probate procedure.

After inheritance: When an estate goes through summary administration Florida procedures (estates under $75,000 or estates where death occurred more than 2 years ago), beneficiaries may use quit claim deeds to transfer their inherited interests or consolidate ownership after probate court near me issues the distribution order.

Business reorganization: Changing ownership structures for liability protection or tax planning.

Pre-Medicaid planning: Transferring assets before applying for long-term care benefits (note the 5-year lookback period).

How Florida Quit Claim Deeds Work: The Process Overview

The quit claim deed process in Florida follows a straightforward path from preparation through recording, typically completed in 7-14 days.

Step 1: Determine transfer details. Identify the current owner (grantor), the new owner (grantee), the property’s complete legal description, and the reason for transfer.

Step 2: Obtain the legal property description. Pull the exact legal description from the current deed or property tax records—never use just the street address.

Step 3: Prepare the quitclaim deed florida. Use the proper statutory form or have an attorney prepare it with all required elements.

Step 4: Execute the deed properly. The grantor must sign in front of two witnesses and a notary public. Florida requires specific acknowledgment language.

Step 5: Calculate and attach documentary stamps. Florida imposes documentary stamp taxes on property transfers (typically $0.70 per $100 of consideration).

Step 6: Record the deed. File the original quit claim deed form florida with the county clerk’s office where the property is located.

Step 7: Update related records. Notify the property tax assessor, homeowners association, insurance company, and mortgage lender (if applicable).

Common Uses for Florida Quit Claim Deeds

Estate planning transfers:

Transferring residential property into revocable living trusts avoids the probate process and maintains complete control during the grantor’s lifetime.

Many clients work with a Florida probate attorney to coordinate quit claim deed transfers with broader estate plans, avoiding the lengthy probate of will requirements that would otherwise apply.
Consulting an estate probate attorney can help determine whether immediate transfers or alternative strategies better suit your goals.

Divorce property settlements:

When divorce decrees award the marital home to one spouse, a quitclaim deed florida transfers the other spouse’s interest. Timing is critical to avoid unintended gift tax consequences.

Adding or removing spouses:

After marriage, many Florida homeowners add their spouse to title to create “tenancy by the entireties,” which provides powerful creditor protection. Removing a deceased spouse’s name from title after death requires proper documentation.

Transferring to children or family:

Parents commonly gift real estate to adult children using quit claim deeds.

When parents pass away and multiple children inherit property, an inheritance attorney often recommends quit claim deeds to consolidate ownership or transfer shares among siblings.
While simple, these transfers trigger documentary stamp taxes and potential federal gift tax filing requirements.

Correcting deed errors:

Misspelled names, incorrect middle initials, or outdated legal descriptions create title defects. A corrective florida quitclaim deed clears these clouds on title.

Business entity transfers:

Moving property from personal ownership into an LLC for liability protection often uses quitclaim deeds florida. Consult tax advisors about potential transfer tax implications.

Medicaid planning (with caution):

Some elder law attorneys use quit claim deeds to transfer homes as part of Medicaid asset protection strategies. However, Florida’s 5-year lookback period means premature transfers can disqualify applicants from benefits.

Enhanced life estate deeds (Florida Lady Bird Deed options) are often superior alternatives.

Essential Terms Every Florida Property Owner Should Know

Grantor: The person transferring their interest in the property. Must be the current owner and signs the deed.

Grantee: The person receiving the property interest. The grantee does not sign the quitclaim deed florida.

Consideration: The payment or value exchanged for the property transfer. The stated consideration determines documentary stamp tax.

Legal description: The precise surveyor’s description of the property’s boundaries. Street addresses are insufficient for quit claim deed form florida documents.

Vesting: How title is held by the new owner. Options include sole ownership, joint tenancy with right of survivorship, tenancy in common, or tenancy by the entireties.

Recording: The process of filing the florida quitclaim deed with the county clerk’s official records. Recording provides public notice of the ownership change.

Documentary stamp tax: Florida’s transfer tax on real property conveyances, calculated as $0.70 per $100 of consideration ($0.60 in most counties, $0.75 in Miami-Dade for single-family residences).

Homestead: Florida’s constitutional protection for primary residences with special rules about transfers, creditor protection, and devise upon death.

Debunking Common Myths About Florida Quit Claim Deeds

Myth 1: “A quit claim deed means you give up all rights forever.”

Reality: A florida quit claim deed only transfers whatever interest the grantor currently has. The grantor can receive the property back through another deed if both parties agree.

Myth 2: “Using a quit claim deed avoids documentary stamp taxes.”

Reality: Florida documentary stamp taxes apply to nearly all property transfers, including quitclaim deeds. Limited exemptions exist for spousal transfers and certain trust transfers.

Myth 3: “Quit claim deeds automatically remove you from the mortgage.”

Reality: Deeds and mortgages are separate. A quit claim deed form florida removes you from title but does NOT remove you from the mortgage debt.

Myth 4: “Any quit claim deed form from the internet works in Florida.”

Reality: Florida has specific statutory requirements for deed format, acknowledgment language, and witness requirements. Use florida-specific forms.

Myth 5: “You don’t need to record a quit claim deed if everyone knows about the transfer.”

Reality: Unrecorded deeds provide no protection against later purchasers, lenders, or lienholders. Recording with the county clerk is essential.

Understanding Your Deed Options in Florida

General Warranty Deed: Maximum Protection

Provides the highest level of protection with the grantor warranting clear title throughout the entire chain of ownership.

When to use: Traditional real estate sales, purchases requiring mortgage financing, any transaction where the buyer needs title insurance protection.

Special Warranty Deed: Limited Protection

The grantor warrants clear title only during their period of ownership, not for previous owners’ actions.

When to use: Estate settlements where the personal representative can only warrant against claims during estate administration, bank-owned properties, corporate transfers.

Enhanced Life Estate Deed (Florida Lady Bird Deed): Smart Estate Planning

The Florida Lady Bird Deed (also called an enhanced life estate deed or ladybird deed in Florida) is often superior to quit claim deeds for estate planning.

Under Lady Bird Deed State of Florida law, you retain complete control during your lifetime while avoiding probate at death.

Many attorneys prefer Florida Lady Bird Deed forms over immediate quit claim deed transfers to children.

While you can find a Lady Bird Deed Florida form or Florida Lady Bird Deed template online, proper execution requires understanding Florida-specific requirements.

The ladybird deed in Florida provides unique advantages that quit claim deeds cannot match.

Advantages: The grantor retains full ownership rights during life (can sell, mortgage, or revoke without grantee permission), property passes automatically to remainder beneficiaries at death without going through probate court near me.

The transfer doesn’t start Medicaid’s 5-year lookback clock, the property receives a stepped-up tax basis at death, and the grantor maintains Florida homestead protections.

Key Criteria for Choosing Between Florida Deed Types

When a Florida Quit Claim Deed Makes Sense:

Transfer is between family members or trusted parties
No title insurance is needed
Speed and cost matter more than warranties
Title quality is already known
The transfer serves estate planning purposes
You need to correct title errors or clear clouds

If you’re concerned about probate costs and the probate process timeline (typically 6-12 months in Florida), speak with a Florida probate attorney about whether transferring property now via quit claim deed makes sense, or whether keeping the property and having your heirs handle summary administration florida later might be simpler.

Florida-Specific Requirements for Valid Quit Claim Deeds

Writing requirement (§ 689.01, Fla. Stat.): All real property transfers must be in writing.

Signature and acknowledgment (§ 689.01, Fla. Stat.): The grantor must sign the florida quit claim deed in front of two subscribing witnesses AND a notary public.

Witness requirements (§ 695.03, Fla. Stat.): Two witnesses must be physically present when the grantor signs, must be legally competent adults, and cannot be named in the deed as parties.

Legal description accuracy: The property’s legal description must be complete, accurate, and sufficient to identify the exact property being transferred.

Documentary stamp taxes (Chapter 201, Fla. Stat.): Florida requires documentary stamp taxes on property transfers at $0.70 per $100 of consideration.

Recording requirements (§ 28.222, Fla. Stat.): The quit claim deed form florida must be recorded with the official records of the county clerk where the property is located.

Homestead considerations (Art. X, § 4, Fla. Const.): If the property is homestead and the grantor is married, the spouse must join in the conveyance.

Critical Steps You Cannot Skip

Verify the grantor’s current ownership: Confirm the grantor actually owns what they’re transferring by reviewing recorded deeds.

Obtain the exact legal description: Pull the complete legal description from the current recorded deed. Never rely on street addresses.

Check for existing mortgages and liens: Search public records for mortgages, judgment liens, or tax liens.

Determine proper vesting language: Decide how the grantee will hold title and use the exact legal language required.

Execute with proper formalities: Have the grantor sign before two witnesses and a notary using Florida’s specific acknowledgment format.

Calculate and pay documentary stamp taxes: Determine whether exemptions apply and calculate the tax correctly.

Record promptly after execution: File the original quit claim deed form florida with the county clerk as soon as possible.

Notify relevant parties: Inform mortgage lenders, property insurers, HOAs, and the property appraiser.

How Our Firm Evaluates Quit Claim Deed Situations

At Lorenzo Law, we don’t recommend florida quit claim deeds automatically—we evaluate whether they’re truly the right tool based on these professional criteria:

Relationship assessment: We determine whether sufficient trust exists between parties.

Title risk evaluation: We review available title information to assess the risk of accepting property without warranties.

Alternative analysis: We compare quit claim deeds against warranty deeds, special warranty deeds, Florida Lady Bird Deed options, and trust transfers.

Tax consequences review: We evaluate potential documentary stamp tax obligations, federal gift tax implications, and capital gains considerations.

Estate planning integration: For estate planning transfers, we assess whether the florida quitclaim deed coordinates with broader planning goals or whether a ladybird deed in Florida, trust transfer, or alternative strategy better serves long-term objectives.

Liability protection analysis: We determine whether the transfer affects creditor protections, homestead status, Medicaid eligibility, or asset protection strategies.

Our goal is ensuring that clients use quit claim deeds when appropriate but avoid them when they create more problems than they solve.

Weighing the Risks and Benefits

Benefits:

Speed of transfer: Prepared and recorded in days
Cost effectiveness: Total costs typically $50-500 versus $1,000-3,000+ for warranty deed transactions
Simplicity and flexibility: Straightforward enough for many people to prepare without attorneys
Estate planning efficiency: Avoids triggering probate procedure requirements

Risks:

Zero title protection: No warranties about title quality
No title insurance available: Title companies won’t issue policies on quitclaim transfers
Mortgage complications: Most mortgages contain “due on sale” clauses
Gift tax implications: May trigger federal gift tax filing requirements
Medicaid lookback issues: Transfers within 60 months of applying can result in penalty periods
Capital gains basis issues: Property carries the grantor’s original basis

What Florida Quit Claim Deeds Cost and How Long They Take

Documentary stamp taxes:

Most Florida counties: $0.70 per $100 of consideration
Miami-Dade County: $0.60 per $100 for single-family residences
Exemptions for spousal transfers, certain trust transfers, and court-ordered transfers

Recording fees: $10 for first page, $8.50 for each additional page

Notary fees: $10-15 per signature

Attorney fees (optional but recommended):

Simple family quit claim deed preparation: $200-500
Complex transfers with tax analysis: $500-1,500

Total costs:

DIY family transfer (exempt from tax stamps): $20-50
Standard transfer with documentary stamps: $500-2,500
Attorney-prepared transfer: $700-3,000+

Timeline:

Fast track: 3-7 days
Typical timeline: 1-3 weeks
Complex situations: 3-8 weeks

Choosing the Right Deed for Your Situation

For married couples: A florida quit claim deed works perfectly for adding a spouse to title. The cost is minimal (usually exempt from documentary stamps) and no title insurance is needed.

For parents transferring to children: Rather than using a quit claim deed to gift your home to children now, consider a Florida Lady Bird Deed.

A properly executed Lady Bird Deed Florida form lets you maintain complete ownership and control during life while automatically transferring the property at death.
Many estate planning attorneys now recommend ladybird deeds in Florida as the primary probate-avoidance tool for homeowners.
Contact a Florida probate attorney familiar with Lady Bird Deed State of Florida requirements to ensure proper drafting.

For divorce transfers: Use a quit claim deed form florida only if both parties agree and title quality isn’t disputed.

For real estate investors: Never accept a quitclaim deed florida when purchasing investment property. Always require a warranty deed with full title insurance.

For trust transfers: For transferring your residence into your own revocable living trust, a florida quitclaim deed is perfect.

Alternative Property Transfer Options

Enhanced Life Estate Deed (Florida Lady Bird Deed):

The Florida Lady Bird Deed has become increasingly popular since Florida courts recognized its validity.

While generic Lady Bird Deed Florida form documents exist online, using a Florida Lady Bird Deed template without legal review risks errors.

Work with a Florida probate attorney who regularly prepares ladybird deeds in Florida to ensure compliance with Lady Bird Deed State of Florida statutory requirements.

Best for estate planning when you want to avoid probate but retain full control during life.

Unlike quit claim deed transfers which give away ownership immediately, Lady Bird deeds let you keep the right to sell, mortgage, or revoke without anyone’s permission.

Revocable Living Trust:

Instead of using a quit claim deed florida to transfer property to children now, consider transferring it into your revocable trust. You maintain complete control during life, avoid probate at death, and retain flexibility.

Warranty Deed with Title Insurance:

For any arm’s-length purchase, always choose this option over a quit claim deed form florida.

Step-by-Step: How to Complete a Florida Quit Claim Deed

Step 1: Verify ownership and obtain the current deed from county records.

Step 2: Obtain the complete legal property description—copy it exactly from the current deed.

Step 3: Determine proper vesting for the grantee (sole ownership, joint tenancy, tenancy by entireties, or tenancy in common).

Step 4: Complete the quit claim deed form florida with all required elements: county, grantor’s name, grantee’s name with vesting language, consideration, complete legal description, and granting language.

Step 5: Calculate documentary stamp taxes and purchase stamps if no exemption applies.

Step 6: Execute the deed—the grantor signs first, then two witnesses, then the notary completes the acknowledgment. The grantee does NOT sign.

Step 7: Attach documentary stamp evidence.

Step 8: Record the deed with the county clerk where the property is located.

Step 9: Notify mortgage lenders, insurance companies, HOAs, and the property tax assessor.

Step 10: Store the recorded deed safely.

Required Documents Checklist

Before preparing: ☐ Current recorded deed ☐ Complete legal property description ☐ Grantor’s legal name exactly as on current deed ☐ Grantee’s complete legal name and vesting type ☐ Determination of documentary stamp tax applicability

For executing: ☐ Completed florida quit claim deed form ☐ Grantor, two witnesses, and Florida notary public ☐ Valid government-issued photo ID for grantor ☐ Documentary stamp tax payment (if applicable)

For recording: ☐ Original executed quit claim deed with all signatures ☐ Documentary stamp evidence ☐ Recording fee payment

After recording: ☐ Mortgage lender notified ☐ Property insurance updated ☐ HOA notified ☐ Recorded deed stored safely

Let Lorenzo Law Guide Your Florida Property Transfer

Property transfers carry legal, financial, and tax implications that extend far beyond simply signing a deed. Whether you need a straightforward quit claim deed florida or a more sophisticated estate planning transfer, getting it right the first time protects your interests.

At Lorenzo Law, we provide comprehensive property transfer services:

Personalized deed preparation: We analyze your circumstances to determine whether a florida quitclaim deed is appropriate or if alternatives like Florida Lady Bird Deed forms better serve your goals.

Title issue resolution: We help identify and resolve potential title problems before transferring property.

Tax strategy integration: We coordinate transfers with your overall tax planning, advising on documentary stamp taxes, gift tax implications, and capital gains.

Estate planning coordination: We ensure your florida quit claim deed coordinates with your broader estate plan, including trusts, wills, and healthcare directives.

Medicaid and asset protection: If future Medicaid eligibility matters, we design transfer strategies that preserve benefits, including ladybird deed in Florida alternatives.

If your primary goal is avoiding probate court near me searches after your death, or minimizing probate costs for your heirs, discuss with an estate probate attorney whether quit claim deeds, Florida Lady Bird Deed options, trusts, or other Florida probate law strategies best fit your situation.

Schedule your consultation online. We serve clients throughout Florida with probate and estate planning matters in all 67 counties.

Why Choose Lorenzo Law

Board-Certified Experience: Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience in Florida real estate law, probate administration, and estate planning.

Florida-Focused Practice: We exclusively practice Florida law and maintain deep knowledge of state statutes, Florida probate law requirements, and local court procedures.

Comprehensive Approach: We don’t just prepare deeds—we analyze how property transfers affect your complete legal and estate planning picture.

Transparent Pricing: Clear, upfront pricing for florida quitclaim deed preparation and related services.

Professional Affiliations:

The Florida Bar

Important Legal Notice

This guide provides general information about florida quit claim deeds and property transfer processes under Florida law. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Do not rely on this information as legal advice for your specific situation.

Before executing any quit claim deed florida or property transfer, consult with a qualified Florida probate attorney or estate planning attorney who can review your circumstances and provide tailored advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a quit claim deed to transfer mortgaged property?

A: Yes, you can use a florida quit claim deed to transfer mortgaged property, but the transfer doesn’t remove the mortgage or the grantor’s liability.

The mortgage stays with the property, and the original borrower remains responsible unless the lender releases them. Most mortgages contain “due on sale” clauses. Consult your lender before transferring mortgaged property.

Q: Does a quit claim deed avoid probate in Florida?

A: A florida quitclaim deed transfers property immediately during your lifetime, so that property won’t be part of your probate estate when you die.

However, once you transfer property, you no longer own it. If you’re concerned about probate costs and the probate process timeline, speak with a Florida probate attorney about whether transferring property now makes sense, or whether keeping the property and having your heirs handle summary administration florida later might be simpler.

If you want to avoid probate while retaining control, consider a Florida Lady Bird Deed or revocable living trust instead.

Q: How much does a quit claim deed cost in Florida?

A: For a simple DIY family transfer exempt from documentary stamps (like spousal transfers), expect $20-50 for recording and notary fees.

If documentary stamps apply, add $0.70 per $100 of property value in most counties. For a $300,000 property, that’s about $2,100 in stamps plus $20-50 in other fees.

Attorney-prepared quit claim deed florida documents typically cost $200-500 for simple transfers, plus documentary stamps and recording fees.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to file a quit claim deed?

A: Florida law doesn’t require attorneys for quit claim deed preparation.

However, attorney consultation is strongly recommended when the property has a mortgage, the transfer has tax implications, the transfer affects estate plans or Medicaid eligibility, or you’re unsure about proper vesting language.

The cost of attorney review ($200-500) is minimal compared to potential mistakes. This is why many families consult an inheritance attorney before accepting inherited property transfers.

Q: What’s the difference between a quit claim deed and a warranty deed?

A: A warranty deed guarantees clear, marketable title and provides legal recourse if problems emerge.

A florida quit claim deed provides no warranties—it transfers whatever interest the grantor has, if any.

Warranty deeds are used for traditional sales with title insurance.

Quit claim deeds are used for family transfers where parties trust each other.

Q: How long does it take to record a quit claim deed?

A: Recording typically takes 1-5 business days after the clerk receives the florida quit claim deed.

Some counties offer same-day electronic recording. After recording, expect another 7-14 days to receive your recorded copy by mail.

The overall timeline from preparation to recorded deed is usually 1-3 weeks for simple transfers, though it can be as short as 3-5 days.

Q: Can I reverse a quit claim deed after it’s recorded?

A: Once a quit claim deed florida is executed and recorded, it transfers ownership immediately and cannot be unilaterally reversed.

The only way to “undo” the transfer is for the grantee to execute a new deed transferring back—but they have no obligation to do so.

This is why careful consideration before executing is essential. This is also why many families consult an inheritance attorney before accepting inherited property transfers—to understand exactly what they’re receiving.

Q: Do quit claim deeds need to be notarized in Florida?

A: Yes, florida quitclaim deeds must be notarized AND witnessed by two subscribing witnesses.

The grantor must sign in front of two competent adult witnesses and a notary public, all physically present together. Missing or improper notarization makes the deed unrecordable or voidable.

Q: What happens to homestead protection after a quit claim deed transfer?

A: Transferring Florida homestead property can affect creditor protection, property tax exemptions, and constitutional protections. If you transfer your homestead, you lose the creditor protection on that property.

The new owner only gets homestead protection if it becomes their homestead. Property tax exemptions don’t automatically transfer—the new owner must file for their own homestead exemption by March 1 following transfer.

If you’re married, your spouse must sign even if they’re not on title.

Q: Can I use a quit claim deed to add my child’s name to my house?

A: You can use a florida quitclaim deed to add your child to title, but this may not be your best option.

Adding a child as co-owner creates problems: you lose complete control, the transfer may trigger documentary stamp taxes, it could be a taxable gift, the child’s creditors could place liens, and they won’t receive stepped-up tax basis at your death.

Better alternatives include a Florida Lady Bird Deed (enhanced life estate deed), which transfers at death while you keep complete control during life.

A properly drafted Lady Bird Deed Florida form is usually superior to quit claim deeds for parent-to-child transfers.

Consult a Florida probate attorney about whether a ladybird deed in Florida better serves your estate planning goals.

Q: What’s the difference between a quit claim deed and a Lady Bird deed in Florida?

A: A quit claim deed transfers property immediately and permanently—you no longer own it once recorded.

A Florida Lady Bird Deed (enhanced life estate deed) lets you transfer future ownership rights while keeping complete control during your lifetime.

With a ladybird deed in Florida, you can sell, mortgage, or revoke the deed without anyone’s permission.

The Lady Bird Deed State of Florida recognizes provides better estate planning results than immediate quit claim deed gifts in most cases.

Many Florida probate attorneys now recommend Florida Lady Bird Deed forms over quit claim deeds for parents wanting to leave property to children.

While you can find a Lady Bird Deed Florida form or Florida Lady Bird Deed template online, consult an estate planning attorney to ensure your ladybird deed in Florida is properly executed and recorded.

Contact Lorenzo Law Today for Help with a Florida Quit Claim Deed of Florida Lady Bird Deed

If you need help with a Florida quit claim deed, want to understand quit claim deed Florida cost, or require guidance under Florida probate law, contact Lorenzo Law for experienced support.

Our inheritance attorney team handles every aspect of probate and family court, from summary administration Florida to probate of will, ensuring your property and estate are fully protected.

Whether you’re searching for an inheritance attorney near me, assistance with probate procedure, reducing probate costs, or need a trusted estate probate attorney, we can help.

We serve clients statewide — from Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough, Duval, Lee, Collier, Sarasota, Manatee, Leon, Alachua, Polk, Pasco, and Volusia Counties.

All major cities including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach — for Florida Lady Bird Deed, Lady Bird Deed Florida Form, Florida Lady Bird Deed Template, Ladybird Deed in Florida, and Lady Bird Deed State of Florida.