Fund News and Alerts

Recognizing and Addressing Construction-Related Claims of Lien on Title

The Florida Construction Lien Law, Ch. 713, Part 1, F.S., (the Act) serves a dual purpose. Its origins were to establish financial protections to those who furnish labor, services, or materials to improve real property (a lienor) by creating a nexus linking those who improve the land to payment guaranteed by it. The Act also seeks to protect landowners from charges against their property when improvements are being made to their land.  Read the article 11/01/2023

Prevent Losses & Reduce Errors Automatically with ClosingVue

Experience the Power & Protection of ClosingVue

Does your closing software help you prevent losses, reduce common accounting errors and safeguard escrow funds? ClosingVue does! 

10/26/2023

FinCEN GTO Extended; Eight More FL Counties Must Report Beginning November 21, 2023

A new Geographic Targeting Order (GTO) has been issued effective beginning October 22, 2023, and ending April 18, 2024 for Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, and for the newly added counties of Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee and Collier, for which the effective date is November 21, 2023, ending April 18, 2024.

View the New Geographic Targeting Order (GTO)

10/20/2023

ALERT! Do Not Fall Victim to Fraud

Ensure that you have thoroughly vetted the parties to the transaction, especially the Seller!

10/17/2023

Application of Surveys to The ALTA 9-06 Endorsements With Florida Modifications

The Form 9 endorsements as approved by the American Land Title Association (ALTA) were modified for use in Florida. For the purposes of this article, the entire series of ALTA 9-06 Endorsements with Florida modifications will be referred to as “Form 9 Endorsement.” As part of the closing process, a Fund Member typically receives a request from a lender and occasionally from an owner for the issuance of an unmodified (often referred to as “clean”) Form 9 Endorsement with the title insurance policy. The Fund’s Underwriting Department often receives inquiries seeking assistance with the review of a survey and determining whether an unmodified Form 9 Endorsement can be issued. This article addresses some common issues seen when reviewing a survey and its effect on issuing an unmodified Form 9 Endorsement.
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10/02/2023

Save Time with ClosingVue!

Save time preparing commitments and policies with ClosingVue, the powerful yet simple title and settlement production software for Fund Members.

09/27/2023

New Measures to Reduce Real Property Fraud

Session Law 2023-238: Florida Legislature Creates and Enhances Anti-Fraud Law, New Quitclaim Deed, and Recording Requirement

During the 2023 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1419. On Jun. 14, 2023, the bill was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis and assigned Session Law Number 2023-238. Principally, the new law creates procedures and guidelines designed to thwart real property fraud. In addition, new provisions are included which govern actions to quiet title resulting from alleged fraudulent conveyances as well as mandating a new form quitclaim deed. Except as otherwise noted, the provisions of the new law are effective on Jul. 1, 2023.  This article will set forth many of the details of the legislation. 

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09/01/2023

Work Safely & Securely with ClosingVue!

How Secure is Your Data?

Cyber-attacks and security breaches happen DAILY in our industry. Take the next step in protecting your data with ClosingVue, the powerful yet simple title and settlement production software for Fund Members.  

08/30/2023

Conveyances of Real Property Under the Foreign Entities Act

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 264 (SB 264) into law on May 8, 2023. The law has an effective date of Jul. 1, 2023, and may have a tremendous impact on the ownership and conveyance of real property in Florida. The bill creates Secs. 692.201 – 692.205, F.S., and is commonly referred to as the Conveyances to Foreign Entities Act (Act).  The Act contains wide prohibitions with respect to foreign ownership of certain real property. Under the Act, ownership includes direct or indirect ownership of, or a controlling interest in, real property. Although the Act does not impose compliance liability on the issuing agent or underwriter, being familiar with its terms allows agents to be better prepared to discuss its implications with buyers and sellers. The Act applies to certain types of property and certain foreign principals, so it is important to understand how each of these is defined. 

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08/01/2023

Have You Been Using the Same Closing Software for Years?

Modernize your workflow and simplify your process with ClosingVue, a powerful yet simple title and settlement production software. 

07/28/2023