Florida’s New 2024 Property Survey Requirements: What Homeowners Need to Know Before Selling

Florida’s Property Survey Essentials: What Every Homeowner Must Know Before Selling in 2024

Selling your home in Florida can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the various requirements and recommendations that can make or break your transaction. While Florida law doesn’t legally require homeowners to obtain a property survey before selling their property, the reality is that surveys have become increasingly important in today’s competitive real estate market and can significantly impact your sale’s success.

Why Property Surveys Matter More Than Ever in Florida

Lenders often require surveys as part of their loan process, making them practically essential for most transactions. A land survey can be a deal-breaker in real estate transactions, as buyers discovering post-sale that their new backyard actually belongs to the neighbor, or the garage is partially built on a utility easement, can lead to loss of trust and legal action. By securing a land survey before closing, sellers can provide assurance to buyers and prevent the loss of deals at the eleventh hour.

It’s a good idea to obtain a survey because any number of issues can materially affect the value of the property and the ability to sell it. Any one of these issues can materially affect the value of the property and make it difficult for the seller to find a ready, willing and able buyer.

What Florida Property Surveys Reveal

A property survey in Florida (also referred to as a ‘certified property boundary report’) is a study performed by a licensed property surveyor that defines and outlines the boundaries and characteristics of the land, and also documents any improvements that have been made. These comprehensive reports provide critical information including:

The Hidden Costs of Skipping a Survey

During the pandemic and with the scarcity of available housing in Florida, home buyers have been increasingly choosing to waive surveys and home inspections in order to make their bids more competitive. Unfortunately, many soon regret it. After closing, any problems that a survey would have revealed likely will be the buyer’s problem.

If anything on the land is in violation of Florida law, you’ll know it ahead of time, which is important because, in most cases, you become immediately responsible for any violations if you purchase the property. This makes surveys equally valuable for sellers who want to address issues before listing their property.

Florida’s Unique Survey Challenges

Florida has particular requirements for the placement of residential utilities because of the state’s unique environmental characteristics. The Florida Division of Water Resource Management oversees the protection of the quality of Florida’s drinking water as well as its ground water and wetlands. Buyers and sellers alike may be unaware of the particular regulations that apply to the location of utilities on the land.

If a Florida utility provider has a right of access to a utility located on your property, they can require you to pay to remove trees or limit additional improvements (such as extending the home or building a pool or deck). This can seriously impinge on homeowners plans for their new property, and can become a serious financial burden.

Professional Survey Services in Florida

When you need reliable surveying services in Florida, companies like Aero Land Surveyors provide the expertise homeowners require. Aero Land Surveyors provides accurate and dependable property surveys across Florida, priding themselves on providing clear, reliable results for residential or commercial property. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, their team is equipped to handle various surveying projects, from topographic surveys to boundary determinations.

Operating since 2022, Aero Land Surveyors brings a modern approach to land surveying services across Florida. Whether you’re purchasing property, building, or developing land, their licensed land surveyors accurately measure every boundary and feature, helping you avoid costly mistakes. Their comprehensive services include boundary surveys Florida specialists can rely on for accurate property line determination.

The Survey Process: What to Expect

A land survey is a precise measurement of a property’s boundaries and other physical features. Using specialized equipment and expertise, surveyors determine the exact dimensions of the land, the location of buildings within the property, the existence of any easements or rights of way, and other critical details. These findings are documented in a survey report and often depicted on a plat.

With modern and practical technology like GPS and 3D laser scanning, experienced teams provide various services and surveys that include boundary surveys, elevation certificates, stakeouts, architectural, elevations, residential, commercial, and ALTA/NSPS land title surveys.

Title Insurance and Survey Requirements

Many buyers believe that owner’s title insurance is a catch-all policy that will protect them from any and all issues related to their property’s title. However, this is not the case when it comes to boundary disputes. Most title insurance policies do not cover disputes over property lines unless a thorough land survey was obtained during the insurance underwriting process.

Title insurance policies require surveys to identify any encroachments on the property prior to closing, making them essential for protecting both buyers and sellers in the transaction.

Making the Right Decision for Your Sale

The reasons for obtaining a land survey boil down to certainty and protection. Before a property changes hands, it’s important to check for any past home improvements to ensure they were done within the property’s boundaries and comply with local regulations. A land survey provides a clear picture of where the property lines lie and can reveal if previous owners have made modifications that encroach on neighboring properties or violate zoning restrictions. This knowledge is invaluable; it can prevent buyers from inheriting legal battles or being forced to modify or remove illegal constructions.

While Florida doesn’t mandate property surveys for home sales, the practical benefits far outweigh the costs. Proper Florida land surveys are professional, independent, legally recognized in legal disputes, and affordable, so there’s truly no reason to skip a survey when buying or selling. For sellers, providing a recent survey demonstrates transparency and can expedite the closing process, making your property more attractive in Florida’s competitive market.

Whether you’re preparing to sell or considering a purchase, partnering with experienced professionals who understand Florida’s unique surveying challenges ensures you’ll have the accurate, reliable information needed to make informed decisions about one of your most significant investments.