A St. Johns County lien search is one of the first things smart buyers and investors do before making an offer in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra or Nocatee. Here is how to check for liens yourself, which liens commonly hold up closings, and where a do-it-yourself search falls short.
How Do I Check for Liens in St. Johns County? Quick Answer
Search the St. Johns County Clerk of Court’s Official Records by the owner’s name for recorded liens, judgments and mortgages, check the Tax Collector for unpaid property taxes, and check court records for pending lawsuits. Some obligations, such as certain municipal utility or code enforcement amounts, HOA balances and CDD assessments, may not appear in a basic name search, which is why a title company orders lien and estoppel searches before closing.
Common Liens That Delay St. Johns County Closings
- Unreleased mortgages and HELOCs
- Money judgments against the owner
- IRS and Florida tax liens
- Contractor and construction liens
- Code enforcement liens and fines
- HOA and condo association liens
- Unpaid property taxes or tax certificates
Do-It-Yourself Lien Search Steps
- Confirm the owner name and parcel ID with the Property Appraiser.
- Search the Clerk’s Official Records by every name variation for liens, judgments and lis pendens.
- Check the Tax Collector for delinquent taxes and outstanding tax certificates.
- Check court records for open foreclosure or civil cases.
- Ask the HOA or condo association for an estoppel certificate showing balances.
When to Call a Title Company
If you are buying, lending or investing, a title search and title insurance are how you are protected from liens the public search misses. We also run municipal lien searches and request estoppel letters from associations so balances are paid at closing, not inherited by you.
Related: how to check for liens on a property in Florida and St. Johns County deed search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do liens stay with the property when it sells?
Many do. Property tax, code enforcement and association liens can attach to the property, which is why they are paid off at closing.
Can a lien stop a closing?
Yes. Most liens must be paid, released or otherwise resolved before a title company can insure the new owner.
How long does a title company lien search take?
Usually a few business days; municipal and association requests can take longer.
Closing in St. Augustine or St. Johns County?
Title Company of Florida handles title searches, title insurance and closings for St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra and all of St. Johns County. Sign with a mobile notary near you, by remote online notarization, or by mail, and we record electronically with the county.
Learn more about our St. Augustine title company services.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. County procedures, deadlines and websites can change; confirm with the office named. Title Company of Florida is a Florida licensed title agency (License #G324751).
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Affiliated business disclosure: Realty ONE Group Elevate is owned by Tanya Cosmini. Title Company of Florida is owned by her husband, Sam Gorniak, and Rental Property Partners is owned within the same family. Because of these family relationships, the owners may benefit when you use more than one of these companies. You are not required to use any of them and are free to choose other providers.