Florida · Fla. Stat. §§689.01, 695.26Florida deed requirements: two witnesses, printed names and post-office addresses
Florida requires two witnesses for a deed. Under §689.01, an interest in Florida real property (other than a lease) must be conveyed by a written instrument signed in the presence of two subscribing witnesses by the grantor or the grantor's authorized agent; the witnesses may be present and sign electronically through audio-video communication technology under chapter 117. To be recorded, §695.26 requires that the instrument show, legibly printed, typed or stamped: each signer's name beneath the signature and post-office address; the name and post-office address of the person who prepared it; each witness's name beneath the signature and post-office address; the notary's name beneath the notary signature; the grantee's name and post-office address (on instruments other than mortgages); and blank spaces at the top right of each page for the clerk. These recording requirements do not apply to instruments signed outside Florida, court orders, wills, plats or instruments executed before July 1, 1991.
What a Florida deed must show to be recorded (§695.26)
1. Signers
Each signer's name printed beneath the signature, and their post-office address.
2. Preparer
Name and post-office address of the person who prepared the instrument.
3. Witnesses
Each witness's name printed beneath the signature, and their post-office address.
4. Notary
The notary's name printed beneath the notary signature.
5. Grantee
Name and post-office address of each grantee (not required on a mortgage).
6. Clerk's space
3 × 3 inches at the top right of page 1; 1 × 3 inches at the top right of later pages.
Two subscribing witnesses (§689.01)
- Required for conveying an interest in real property – not for a lease.
- The grantor or an authorized agent signs in their presence.
- Witnesses may attend and sign electronically by audio-video technology under chapter 117.
What the TC watches before a remote or mail-away signing
- Two witnesses lined up for every seller signing away from the title office.
- Witness names and post-office addresses printed under their signatures.
- A seller signing outside Florida: ask the closing agent what the receiving county needs.
Questions sellers and agents ask
Does a Florida deed need two witnesses?
Yes. A conveyance of an interest in Florida real property must be signed in the presence of two subscribing witnesses (Fla. Stat. §689.01); leases are excepted.
Do Florida deed witnesses have to list their addresses?
Yes, for recording: each witness's name must be printed beneath the signature and the witness's post-office address must appear on the instrument (Fla. Stat. §695.26(1)(c)).
Can deed witnesses appear remotely in Florida?
Yes. The witness requirement can be met by witnesses present and signing electronically through audio-video communication technology as defined in chapter 117 (§689.01(2)).
Related guides
ClosingCode keeps the deed draft as a document on every seller deal, so the witness lines and addresses can be checked before the signing is scheduled.
Start free trialSource: Florida Statutes §689.01 and §695.26 (leg.state.fl.us, read October 25, 2026).
General information, not legal advice. The closing agent or attorney prepares and records the deed. ClosingCode is software; it is not a law firm, title company or notary and is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney. This guide is not a substitute for the advice or services of an attorney.