How to Find Florida Land Survey Records
Quick Answer
Florida land survey records are stored at the county Clerk of Court where the property is located. Recorded surveys, plats, and legal descriptions can typically be found through the county's official records search website. Many counties offer free online access to recorded documents including surveys, plat books, and subdivision maps.
Whether you are researching your property boundaries, preparing for construction, or settling a dispute, finding existing land survey records can save you time and money. Florida maintains extensive records of surveys, plats, and legal descriptions through its 67 county clerk offices.
Where to Find Survey Records
Land survey records in Florida are stored in several locations:
- County Clerk of Court (Official Records): All recorded surveys, plat maps, and legal descriptions filed with the county. This is the primary source. Most counties have online portals for searching recorded documents
- County Property Appraiser: Parcel maps, legal descriptions, property dimensions, and sometimes linked survey documents. Property appraiser websites are free and show parcel boundaries on aerial imagery
- County Surveyor or Engineering Department: Some counties maintain separate survey archives, especially for county-owned land and right-of-way surveys
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP): Manages the State Plane Coordinate System and some geodetic control point records
- Title Companies: If you purchased through a title company, they may have copies of surveys related to your property on file
- The Surveying Firm: The original surveyor keeps copies of all surveys they perform. If you know which firm did the work, they can often provide a copy for a nominal fee
Types of Records Available
| Record Type | What It Shows | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded survey | Property boundaries, corners, bearings, distances, structures | Clerk of Court official records |
| Plat map | Subdivision layout, lot dimensions, easements, dedications | Clerk of Court plat books |
| Legal description | Written description of property boundaries (metes and bounds or lot/block) | Deed (clerk records) or property appraiser |
| Elevation certificate | Building elevation relative to flood zone BFE | County floodplain manager or building department |
| Condominium survey | Unit boundaries, common areas, easements | Clerk of Court (condominium declaration) |
Online Search Resources
Most Florida counties provide free online access to recorded documents:
- County Clerk official records search: Search by owner name, address, or document type. Most clerks use either the Benchmark or Avitru online records system
- Property appraiser GIS maps: Interactive maps showing parcel boundaries overlaid on aerial imagery. Search by address, owner, or parcel number
- Florida DEP Map Direct: State-level mapping tool with survey control points, FEMA flood zones, and other geospatial data
For tips on interpreting what you find, see our guide on how to read a land survey map.
How to Read a Survey Record
Recorded surveys in Florida typically include:
- Title block: Surveyor name, license number, date, and certification statement
- Legal description: Written description referencing the Public Land Survey System (township, range, section) or recorded plat (lot, block, subdivision name)
- Bearings and distances: Compass directions and lengths for each boundary segment
- Monuments: Types and locations of physical markers (iron rods, concrete monuments, pipes)
- Improvements: Location of buildings, fences, driveways relative to property lines
- Easements: Utility, drainage, and access easements
- Notes: Special conditions, discrepancies, or limitations
Limitations of Old Survey Records
While historical survey records are valuable for research, they have limitations:
- Outdated conditions: New structures, fences, easements, or grade changes since the survey date will not be shown
- Different datums: Older surveys may use different coordinate systems or vertical datums than current standards
- Changed flood zones: FEMA flood maps are updated periodically. An old elevation certificate may not reflect current flood zone designations
- Not a substitute: Most lenders, title companies, and building departments require a current survey for transactions and permits
If you need a current, certified survey for a transaction, permit, or legal purpose, contact a licensed land surveyor.
Need a Current Survey?
Old survey records not enough? Apex Surveying provides current, certified surveys across all 67 Florida counties.
Get a Free QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a survey of my property in Florida?
Check your county Clerk of Court online records search first — search by your name or property address for recorded surveys. Also check the county property appraiser website for parcel maps and legal descriptions. If you purchased the property with a title company, they may have a copy. The original surveying firm also keeps copies of all surveys they perform.
Are Florida land survey records available online?
Yes, most Florida counties provide free online access to recorded documents including surveys and plat maps through their Clerk of Court official records search portals. Property appraiser websites also offer interactive GIS maps showing parcel boundaries. Some older records may only be available in person at the clerk office.
How much does it cost to get a copy of a recorded survey in Florida?
Online copies are usually free to view. Certified copies from the clerk office typically cost $1 to $2 per page. Most recorded surveys are 1-3 pages, so a certified copy costs $2 to $6. Some counties charge a flat fee of $5 to $10 per document. In-person copies may have higher fees than online downloads.
Can I use an old survey for my property in Florida?
An old survey provides useful historical information but may not be accepted for current transactions, permits, or legal proceedings. Most lenders require a survey less than 6 months old. Building departments require current surveys for permit applications. Changes to the property, new easements, or updated flood maps may make an old survey inaccurate.
What is the difference between a plat and a survey in Florida?
A plat is a recorded map that creates a subdivision — it divides land into lots and establishes streets, easements, and common areas. A survey is a measurement of a specific parcel showing its boundaries and features. Plats are recorded in plat books at the clerk office. Surveys may be recorded in official records or kept by the property owner and surveyor.