Quit Claim Deed: What You Need to Know Before You Sign

If you are preparing to transfer property in Florida, you may be considering a quit claim deed. While this type of deed can be a quick way to transfer ownership, it does not provide the same level of protection as other deeds. Before signing or accepting a quit claim deed, it’s critical to understand how it works in Florida, the potential risks, and when it makes sense to involve a quit claim deed attorney.

At Southron Firm, P.A., our real estate attorneys help Florida residents, families, and business owners through quit claim deed transactions with precision and care. Whether you are adding a spouse to a deed, transferring property to an LLC, or resolving a title issue, we provide the legal support needed to avoid costly mistakes.

Protect your property before you sign—and make sure your quit claim deed is done right.

What Is a Quit Claim Deed?

A quit claim deed is a legal document used to transfer ownership rights in real estate. Unlike a warranty deed, it does not make any promises that the title is clear. The person transferring the property (the “grantor”) simply gives up whatever interest they may have—without guaranteeing they have good title in the first place.

Because of this, quit claim deeds are most common in situations where trust already exists between the parties, such as:

• Adding or removing a spouse after marriage or divorce.
• Transferring property between parents and children.
• Moving property into a business entity or trust.
• Clearing up questions about title ownership.

If you are considering a quit claim deed in Florida, it’s worth speaking with an attorney before signing to make sure it’s the right tool for your situation.

How Does a Quit Claim Deed Work in Florida?

Filing a quit claim deed in Florida involves more than filling out a form. At Southron Firm, P.A., we’ve prepared and recorded quit claim deeds for Florida clients for years, and we know how to avoid the errors that cause costly title problems.

Here’s how the process works:

1. Draft the deed — Include the correct legal description of the property, the parties’ names, and the intent to transfer ownership.
2. Sign in front of a notary — Florida law requires the grantor’s signature in the presence of a notary and two witnesses.
3. Record with the county clerk — In Florida, a quit claim deed must be recorded in the county where the property is located. For Tampa property, that means filing with the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court and paying recording fees plus Florida documentary stamp taxes.
4. Update property records — Once recorded, the deed becomes part of the public record.

Even minor mistakes—such as a missing witness or an incorrect legal description—can cause the deed to be rejected or create future title disputes. That’s why many Florida residents choose to work with our experienced quit claim deed attorney to handle the process from start to finish.

Protect your property transfer and have your quit claim deed handled correctly the first time.

Warranty Deed vs. Quit Claim Deed

Understanding the difference between a warranty deed vs. quit claim deed is important before transferring property in Florida.

1. Warranty Deed — A warranty deed provides full legal protection to the buyer. The seller guarantees that they own the property outright and that the title is free of liens or claims. If a problem with the title arises later, the buyer has legal recourse against the seller.
2. Quit Claim Deed — A quit claim deed transfers ownership “as is,” with no promises about the status of the title. If the grantor does not have full ownership—or if there are liens or disputes—the grantee has no protection.

In Florida, warranty deeds are almost always required for real estate sales, especially when lenders are involved. By contrast, quit claim deeds are generally used for non-sale transfers between family members, spouses, or business entities where trust already exists.

Our attorneys at Southron Firm, P.A. regularly advise clients on which deed best fits their situation and prepare the documents to avoid future disputes.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Quit Claim Deed?

Many people in Florida choose a quit claim deed because it seems fast and inexpensive. But what they don’t realize is that signing the wrong deed can leave them with unexpected debt, legal disputes, or even the loss of their property rights.

Here are the most common risks:

• No title protection
• Doesn’t remove liability for existing mortgages
• Exposure to liens and unpaid taxes
• Potential for fraud or misuse

Florida law is also clear on this point—a quit claim deed transfers ownership interest only and does not release the grantor from an existing mortgage (Florida Statute § 697.01). This is one of the most common misunderstandings we see when people try to prepare these deeds on their own.

Because of these risks, it’s crucial to have a quit claim deed attorney review your situation before you sign. At Southron Firm, P.A., we help clients avoid these costly mistakes and protect their property.

Don’t put your property at risk—work with our quit claim deed attorney to protect your interests.

How to File a Quit Claim Deed in Florida

Many people in Florida try to handle a quit claim deed on their own using online forms. The problem is that even a small mistake—like a missing witness or an incorrect legal description—can lead to rejected filings, title disputes, or loss of ownership rights.

Here are the basic steps for filing a quit claim deed in Florida:

1. Prepare the deed using the correct legal form and property description.
2. Sign the deed in front of a notary and two witnesses, as required under Florida law.
3. File the deed with the Clerk of Court in the county where the property is located. In Tampa, that means the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.
4. Pay recording fees and documentary stamp taxes at the time of filing.

While the process looks simple on paper, our attorneys at Southron Firm, P.A. regularly see cases where a DIY quit claim deed caused major complications. Having a quit claim deed attorney in Florida prepare and file the document ensures your transfer is valid, enforceable, and problem-free.

Do You Need a Quit Claim Deed Attorney in Florida?

A quit claim deed can be useful, but signing one without legal guidance can put your property and financial future at risk.

You should speak with an attorney if:

• The property has a mortgage or liens
• The transfer involves business property or investment real estate
• You’re unsure whether a quit claim deed is the right option
• You want to prevent future disputes

At Southron Firm, P.A., we take the guesswork out of quit claim deeds. Our attorneys draft deeds correctly, file them with the Clerk of Court, and protect your interests at every step. Whether you’re adding a spouse, transferring property to a family member, or moving assets into a business, the right legal advice makes all the difference.

Get the clarity and protection you need for your quit claim deed.