Putnam County Property Records

How To Search Property Records in Putnam County in 2026

PutnamGERecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Putnam County, Florida. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, liens, and encumbrances. Available record categories include deeds and conveyances, mortgage documents, tax assessment records, lien filings, plat maps, and building permit data. Information presented reflects official public records and does not constitute legal advice.

Property records in Putnam County may be searched through several official channels maintained by county government agencies. The primary resources are:

• Putnam County Property Appraiser – for ownership, assessed values, and property characteristics
• Putnam County Clerk of Courts – for recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens
• Putnam County Tax Collector – for tax bills, payment history, and delinquency information
• Putnam County GIS System – for interactive mapping and parcel boundary data

1. Property Appraiser Website

The Putnam County Property Appraiser maintains a free, publicly accessible online database for property information. No registration is required to conduct a basic search.

Search Options:

• By property address
• By owner name
• By parcel ID / folio number
• By subdivision name
• By map or GIS location
• By legal description

Information Available:

• Current owner name and mailing address
• Property site address and legal description
• Parcel/folio number
• Land use and zoning classification
• Property characteristics (square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, year built, lot size, building type)
• Assessed value (land and improvements separately)
• Taxable value and exemptions applied
• Sales history
• Property photographs
• GIS map location and link to detailed property card

How to Search:

1. Navigate to the Putnam County Property Appraiser website
2. Select the preferred search type (address, owner name, parcel ID, etc.)
3. Enter the search criteria in the appropriate field
4. Click the search button to retrieve results
5. Review the results list and select the relevant property
6. View the full property card, maps, and sales history
7. Print or save the information as needed

2. County Clerk Official Records Search

The Putnam County Clerk of Courts maintains the Official Records index for all recorded documents affecting real property. Basic search access is free; document image retrieval may involve a per-page fee.

Searchable By:

• Grantor name (seller)
• Grantee name (buyer)
• Document type
• Recording date range
• Book and page number
• Instrument number

Documents Available:

• Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
• Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
• Easements and declarations of restrictions
• Plats and surveys
• Powers of attorney affecting property
• Affidavits affecting title
• Lis pendens filings
• HOA documents and declarations

How to Search:

1. Visit the Putnam County Clerk of Courts official records portal
2. Select the preferred search type (grantor/grantee name, document type, date range)
3. Enter the search criteria
4. Review the results list
5. Click to view document images where available online
6. Note the book and page number or instrument number for reference
7. Pay any applicable per-page fee for document downloads or certified copies

3. Tax Collector Website

The Putnam County Tax Collector provides free online access to property tax information.

Search By:

• Property address
• Owner name
• Parcel/folio number
• Tax account number

Information Available:

• Current tax bill and amount due
• Payment history and outstanding balances
• Exemptions applied and millage rates
• Tax certificate information for delinquent accounts
• Installment plan status and payment options

Members of the public may access the Putnam County Tax Collector website to retrieve current and historical tax data at no charge.

4. GIS / Mapping System

The Putnam County GIS system provides an interactive mapping interface for visual property searches.

Features Include:

• Interactive parcel boundary maps
• Aerial photography layers
• Zoning and land use overlays
• Flood zone designations
• Environmental feature layers
• Distance measurement tools

To use the GIS system, navigate the map to the desired location, click on a parcel to retrieve linked property information, and access connected records from the Property Appraiser or Clerk databases.

In-Person Searches:

Putnam County Property Appraiser
312 Oak Street, Suite 2
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0286
Putnam County Property Appraiser

Services available in person include public access computers, staff assistance, property cards, plat maps, and exemption application processing.

Putnam County Clerk of Courts
410 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0361
Putnam County Clerk of Courts

Services available in person include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, and accessing historical record books.

Putnam County Tax Collector
312 Oak Street
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0272
Putnam County Tax Collector

Services available in person include tax payment processing, copies of tax bills, delinquency information, and tax certificate searches.

By Mail Requests:

Property Appraiser – Mail Requests:
312 Oak Street, Suite 2
Palatka, FL 32177

Written requests should specify the property address or parcel number, include a self-addressed return envelope, and include payment for any applicable copying fees.

Clerk of Courts – Mail Requests:
410 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177

Written requests for recorded document copies should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address with an approximate date range. Payment for copy fees and certification fees must be included.

Through Professionals:

• Title Companies – Provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and title insurance commitments identifying all recorded interests. Fees vary by transaction.
• Real Estate Attorneys – Provide legal title opinions, address complex ownership issues, and assist with dispute resolution. Fees vary.
• Real Estate Agents – Access MLS data for listed properties, pull property histories, and provide comparable sales data as part of representation services.

Search Tips:

• When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W) and check spelling carefully.
• When searching by owner name, try last name first, check variations with and without middle initials, and consider both married and maiden names as well as business entity names.
• When searching by legal description, use the exact description from the deed, including subdivision name, lot and block numbers, and section, township, and range where applicable.
• For historical records not available online, an in-person visit to the courthouse is required. Staff can assist with records stored in books or on microfilm.

Common Search Challenges:

• Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays.
• Very old records may not be digitized and require in-person retrieval.
• Common names or similar addresses may return multiple results; verify by parcel number or legal description.
• Unrecorded documents, private agreements, and documents filed under seal are not accessible through public records searches.

What Is Putnam County Property Records

Property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by Putnam County government agencies as legal records of ownership, transactions, and encumbrances. These records establish clear title, document property transfers, record mortgages and liens, support property tax assessment, and facilitate real estate transactions. Under Florida Statute § 28.222, the Clerk of Courts is designated as the official recorder of all instruments required or authorized to be recorded in the county.

Types of Property Records:

Ownership Records:

• Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
• Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
• Transfer records and chain of title documentation
• Historical ownership records

Encumbrance Records:

• Mortgages and deeds of trust
• Tax liens, mechanic's liens, and judgment liens
• Easements, restrictions, and covenants
• HOA documents and declarations
• Lis pendens filings

Tax and Assessment Records:

• Property tax assessments and tax bills
• Payment history and exemption records
• Millage rates and special assessments
• Tax delinquency records and tax deed proceedings

Legal Descriptions:

• Plat maps and subdivision plats
• Surveys and re-plats
• Lot and block information
• Metes and bounds descriptions

Building and Permit Records:

• Building permits and certificates of occupancy
• Code violation records
• Zoning and land use designations

Who Maintains Property Records:

Putnam County Clerk of Courts
410 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0361
Putnam County Clerk of Courts

The Clerk records, indexes, and maintains all official instruments affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats.

Putnam County Property Appraiser
312 Oak Street, Suite 2
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0286
Putnam County Property Appraiser

The Property Appraiser maintains property valuations, assessment records, property characteristics databases, ownership information, and exemption applications.

Putnam County Tax Collector
312 Oak Street
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0272
Putnam County Tax Collector

The Tax Collector maintains tax bills, payment records, delinquent tax records, and tax certificate and tax deed information.

Putnam County Building and Zoning Department
2509 Crill Avenue, Suite 300
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0307
Putnam County Building and Zoning

The Building and Zoning Department maintains permit records, inspection records, certificates of occupancy, zoning classifications, and code enforcement records.

The legal framework governing property records in Florida is established primarily under Florida Statute § 695.01, which requires that conveyances of real property be recorded to be effective against creditors and subsequent purchasers. This statute codifies the principle of constructive notice — that recorded instruments provide legal notice to all parties of the existence of an interest in real property.

Are Property Records Public Information in Putnam County?

Property records in Putnam County are public information. Under Florida Statute § 119.01, Florida's Public Records Law, all records made or received by a public agency in connection with official business are presumed open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Property records maintained by the Clerk of Courts, Property Appraiser, and Tax Collector are subject to this presumption of openness.

As stated in Florida's Public Records Law, "It is the policy of this state that all state, county, and municipal records are open for personal inspection and copying by any person." This foundational principle ensures that property ownership, transaction history, and encumbrance information remain accessible to the general public without requiring a stated purpose or special authorization.

Why Property Records Are Public:

• Transparency – Public access to ownership records prevents secret transfers, supports accountability in property taxation, and deters fraud.
• Commercial Necessity – Real estate transactions, title searches, title insurance, property appraisals, and mortgage lending all depend on access to recorded property information.
• Legal Protections – Recording provides constructive notice, establishes priority of interests, and protects against fraudulent conveyances.
• Public Interest – Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, genealogical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records.

What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:

• Current and historical property ownership
• Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
• Property addresses and physical characteristics
• Sale prices and transfer amounts
• Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
• Liens and encumbrances of record
• Tax assessments and payment history
• Deeds and all recorded instruments
• Plat maps and surveys

Privacy Considerations:

Certain personal information within property records is protected from disclosure. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from recorded documents under Florida law. Additionally, Florida's Address Confidentiality Program provides protection for the residential addresses of law enforcement officers, judges, domestic violence victims, stalking victims, and certain other individuals. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Property Appraiser's office can provide specific guidance on exemption application confidentiality.

Who Can Access Property Records:

Any member of the public may access property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners reviewing their own records, investors, developers, genealogists, historians, and members of the media.

Commercial Use of Property Records:

Commercial use of public property records is permitted under Florida law. Title companies, appraisal firms, data aggregators, and marketing companies routinely compile and use property record data. Subscription-based services such as CoreLogic and First American aggregate public records for professional use. While commercial use is lawful, anti-harassment statutes, fair housing laws, and other applicable regulations continue to govern how information may be used.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Putnam County?

The cost to obtain property records in Putnam County depends on the type of record requested and the method of access. Online viewing of property appraiser data and basic tax information is available at no charge through official county websites.

Standard Fee Schedule – Clerk of Courts Recorded Documents:

Service	Current Fee
Certified copy of recorded document	$1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee
Non-certified copy of recorded document	$1.00 per page
Recording a new document (first page)	$10.00
Recording a new document (each additional page)	$8.50
Documentary stamp tax on deeds	$0.70 per $100 of consideration
Documentary stamp tax on mortgages	$0.35 per $100 of obligation

These fees are established pursuant to Florida Statute § 28.24, which governs service charges for the Clerk of Courts. Fees are subject to legislative adjustment; members of the public should confirm current rates directly with the Clerk's office.

Free Access:

• Online property appraiser database searches – no charge
• Online tax collector searches – no charge
• In-person inspection of official records at the Clerk's office – no charge for viewing
• GIS mapping system – no charge

Copy and Certification Fees:

• Per-page copy fees apply when printed or certified copies are requested
• Certification adds a flat fee per document
• Electronic document downloads through the Clerk's online portal may carry a per-page charge

Accepted Payment Methods:

• Cash (in-person)
• Check or money order (mail requests, payable to Putnam County Clerk of Courts)
• Credit or debit card (in-person and online, subject to processing fees)

Fee Waivers:

• No general fee waiver provision applies to property record copy requests under current Florida law
• Indigent fee waivers are available in certain court proceedings but do not extend to property record copy requests

What's Included in a Putnam County Property Record

A complete Putnam County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses ownership, physical characteristics, valuation, tax, sales history, and encumbrance information.

Ownership Information:

Current ownership records identify the legal owner or owners by name, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by the entirety, trust, LLC, or corporation), ownership percentage where multiple owners exist, acquisition date, deed book and page or instrument number, and mailing address for tax bill delivery. Previous ownership information includes the chain of title, prior owners' names, transfer dates, and historical deed references.

Property Identification:

Each parcel is identified by a site address, mailing address if different, legal description (lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, section/township/range, or metes and bounds description), parcel ID/folio number, tax account number, and any alternate or previous parcel numbers.

Physical Characteristics:

Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, street frontage, corner lot designation, land use designation, and zoning classification. Building information includes total living area, year built, effective year, number of stories, building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type and material, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and total room count. Additional features documented include garage type and spaces, pool, porch or patio square footage, fireplaces, central air conditioning, heating type, water source, sewer system, and additional structures.

Valuation Information:

Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, market value, just value, and capped value where Florida's Save Our Homes assessment limitation applies. Historical assessed values for prior years are typically available for review, along with year-over-year percentage changes.

Tax Information:

Current year tax records include the total tax amount due, exemptions applied, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, and a breakdown by taxing authority (county general fund, school district, municipality, and special districts). Tax history includes prior years' taxes paid, payment dates, and any delinquency history.

Exemptions Applied:

• Homestead exemption (up to $50,000 in Florida for qualifying primary residences)
• Additional homestead exemption for long-term residents under Save Our Homes
• Senior exemption
• Disability exemption
• Veteran exemption
• Widow or widower exemption
• Agricultural classification
• Conservation exemption

Sales History:

Sales history records include sale dates, sale prices, sale types (warranty deed, quitclaim deed, gift, inheritance, foreclosure, tax deed, divorce transfer, or trust transfer), deed document numbers, grantor and grantee names, qualified or unqualified sale designation, and documentary stamp amounts.

Encumbrances and Liens:

Recorded mortgages are listed with original amounts, lender names, recording dates, and book and page references. Liens of record include tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens, each with recorded dates, amounts, and lienholder identification. Other encumbrances include easements, deed restrictions, covenants, life estates, and lis pendens filings.

Legal and Regulatory Information:

Zoning classification, land use code, future land use designation, special district assignments (school, fire, water, community development districts), deed restrictions, subdivision covenants, HOA information, flood zone designation (FEMA), wetlands designation, and conservation area designations are all components of a comprehensive property record.

Maps and Images:

Property records include exterior photographs, aerial photographs, GIS maps with parcel boundaries, plat maps, property sketches or floor plan diagrams, and historical aerial imagery where available.

What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records:

• Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
• Personal financial information beyond what appears in recorded documents
• Interior photographs unless provided during an appraiser inspection
• Social Security numbers (redacted under Florida law)
• Confidential exemption application details
• Private agreements not submitted for recording
• Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price

How Long Does Putnam County Keep Property Records?

Property records in Putnam County are maintained permanently. The Clerk of Courts, Property Appraiser, and Tax Collector are each required by Florida law to preserve official property records as part of the permanent public record. The permanent retention requirement reflects the essential role these records play in establishing an unbroken chain of title from original land grants to present-day ownership.

Legal Basis for Retention:

Florida's records retention requirements for official records of the Clerk of Courts are governed by the Florida Department of State's General Records Schedule GS1-SL for State and Local Government Agencies. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are classified as permanent records that are never destroyed. The Florida Department of State Division of Library and Information Services publishes the applicable retention schedules.

Records Kept Permanently:

• All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types) dating back to county formation
• All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments
• All recorded liens and releases of liens (judgment, tax, mechanic's, and other statutory liens)
• All recorded plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats
• All easements, restrictions, covenants, declarations, and powers of attorney affecting property
• All court documents affecting title and lis pendens filings

Format and Storage:

Historical records from the early periods of Putnam County's history are preserved in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records exist in typed books and on microfilm. More recent records are maintained as digital scans within electronic document management systems, with multiple backup systems ensuring preservation. Original books are stored in climate-controlled vault facilities at the Clerk's office.

Online Availability by Time Period:

Time Period	Typical Availability
Last 20 years	Fully online; immediate free access
20–50 years ago	May be online; microfilm available in person
50–100 years ago	In-person access; books or microfilm
100+ years ago	Archive storage; advance notice may be required

Property Appraiser Assessment Records:

Current and historical assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls are maintained permanently by the Property Appraiser. Online access to assessment history is available for recent years, with historical records accessible in person at the Property Appraiser's office.

Tax Collector Records:

Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven years under Florida's records retention schedule. Tax certificates are retained until redeemed or until a tax deed is issued. Tax deed records are permanent. Delinquency records are maintained for several years following resolution.

Building Permit Records:

Building permit records for major construction are retained permanently. Records for minor permits may be retained for a shorter period as determined by the Building and Zoning Department's applicable retention schedule. These records are maintained separately from the Clerk's official records.

Chain of Title:

The permanent retention of all recorded instruments ensures that an unbroken chain of title can be traced from the original land grant to the present owner. Title searches in Florida practice review a minimum of 30 to 60 years of recorded history, though a full abstract may extend back to the original patent or grant. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before a property can be conveyed with clear title.

Accessing Historical Records:

Members of the public seeking historical records not available online should contact the Clerk of Courts directly. Staff can retrieve records from vault storage, microfilm archives, or digital systems. Very old records may require advance notice for retrieval. Standard per-page copy fees apply regardless of the age of the record.

Putnam County Clerk of Courts – Records Management
410 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0361
Putnam County Clerk of Courts

Putnam County Property Appraiser – Historical Assessment Records
312 Oak Street, Suite 2
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0286
Putnam County Property Appraiser

How To Find Liens on Property in Putnam County?

Liens on property in Putnam County are recorded instruments and are searchable through the Putnam County Clerk of Courts Official Records system. A lien is a legal claim against real property that must be satisfied before the property can be transferred with clear title. Common lien types include judgment liens, federal and state tax liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens.

Step-by-Step Search Process:

1. Navigate to the Putnam County Clerk of Courts official records search portal
2. Select the search type — grantor/grantee name search is the most effective for lien identification
3. Enter the property owner's full legal name as it appears on the deed
4. Filter results by document type to isolate lien-related instruments (judgment liens, tax liens, mechanic's liens, lis pendens)
5. Review all results for the relevant time period
6. Click on each result to view the document image and confirm the property description matches the subject parcel
7. Note the instrument number, recording date, amount, and lienholder for each lien identified
8. Search separately under the property's parcel number or legal description if the system permits property-based searches

Types of Liens and Where to Search:

Lien Type	Primary Search Location
Judgment liens	Clerk of Courts Official Records
Federal tax liens (IRS)	Clerk of Courts Official Records
State tax liens (Florida DOR)	Clerk of Courts Official Records
Mechanic's liens	Clerk of Courts Official Records
HOA liens	Clerk of Courts Official Records
Code enforcement liens	Clerk of Courts / County Code Enforcement
Municipal service liens	City or municipality records
Child support liens	Clerk of Courts Official Records

Federal Tax Liens:

Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the Clerk of Courts in the county where the property is located. Members of the public may also search the IRS lien database through the IRS Centralized Lien Operation for confirmation.

Code Enforcement Liens:

Code enforcement liens originating from Putnam County's code enforcement proceedings are recorded with the Clerk of Courts after a lien is certified by the Code Enforcement Board. Members of the public should also contact the Building and Zoning Department directly to identify any pending code enforcement actions that may not yet be recorded as formal liens.

Putnam County Building and Zoning Department
2509 Crill Avenue, Suite 300
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0307
Putnam County Building and Zoning

Lis Pendens:

A lis pendens is a recorded notice that a lawsuit affecting the property is pending. Lis pendens filings are searchable through the Clerk's Official Records system under the property owner's name or, in some systems, by property address. The presence of a lis pendens indicates that the property's title may be affected by ongoing litigation, including foreclosure proceedings.

Lien Releases and Satisfactions:

When a lien is paid or otherwise resolved, a release or satisfaction document is recorded with the Clerk of Courts. Members of the public should verify that a corresponding release has been recorded for any lien identified in a search. An unresolved lien of record, even if paid, may create a title defect if the release was not properly recorded.

In-Person Lien Search:

Members of the public who prefer in-person assistance may visit the Clerk of Courts at 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177, during regular business hours. Staff can assist with grantor/grantee index searches and retrieval of lien documents from the official records.

What Is Property Owner Rule in Putnam County?

The property owner rule in Putnam County refers to the legal principle that a property owner is competent to testify to the value of their own real property in legal proceedings, without being required to qualify as an expert appraiser. This rule is well established in Florida jurisprudence and applies in eminent domain proceedings, tax assessment challenges, and other property valuation disputes.

Legal Foundation:

Florida courts have consistently recognized that a property owner possesses inherent knowledge of their property sufficient to offer a lay opinion of value. This principle is grounded in Florida Evidence Code provisions governing lay witness opinion testimony and has been affirmed in numerous Florida appellate decisions. The rule reflects the practical recognition that owners are familiar with their property's characteristics, condition, location, and market context.

Application in Tax Assessment Challenges:

Property owners in Putnam County who dispute the assessed value assigned by the Property Appraiser may challenge that assessment before the Putnam County Value Adjustment Board. Under Florida law, the property owner bears the initial burden of demonstrating that the Property Appraiser's assessment exceeds just value. The property owner rule permits the owner to present their own opinion of value as evidence in support of that challenge, though the Value Adjustment Board will weigh such testimony against the Property Appraiser's evidence and any independent appraisal submitted.

Putnam County Value Adjustment Board
c/o Putnam County Clerk of Courts
410 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
Phone: (386) 329-0361
Putnam County Clerk of Courts

Application in Eminent Domain Proceedings:

When a government entity exercises its power of eminent domain to acquire private property in Putnam County, the property owner is entitled to just compensation under both the United States Constitution and the Florida Constitution. The property owner rule permits the owner to testify as to the value of the property being taken without retaining a professional appraiser, though as a practical matter, professional appraisal testimony is standard in contested condemnation proceedings.

Ownership Rights and Responsibilities:

Beyond the evidentiary rule, property ownership in Putnam County carries defined rights and responsibilities under Florida law and local ordinances:

• Right to Use and Enjoy – Property owners have the right to use their property consistent with applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, and HOA covenants.
• Right to Transfer – Property owners may convey their property by deed, subject to recording requirements under Florida Statute § 695.01.
• Tax Obligation – Property owners are responsible for annual ad valorem property taxes assessed by the Property Appraiser and collected by the Tax Collector.
• Maintenance Obligations – Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in compliance with Putnam County's code enforcement standards and applicable building codes.
• Homestead Rights – Florida property owners who occupy their property as a primary residence may qualify for homestead exemption, homestead assessment limitation (Save Our Homes), and homestead protection from forced sale under Article X, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution.

Adverse Possession:

Florida law recognizes adverse possession as a mechanism by which a person who openly, continuously, and exclusively occupies another's property for a statutory period may acquire legal title. Under Florida law, the adverse possession period is seven years when the claimant pays property taxes on the subject parcel. Members of the public with questions regarding adverse possession claims should consult a licensed Florida attorney, as the legal requirements are specific and the process involves a formal claim filed with the Property Appraiser's office.

Riparian and Littoral Rights:

Property owners in Putnam County whose parcels border navigable waterways, including the St. Johns River and its tributaries, hold riparian rights under Florida law. These rights include reasonable access to the water, the right to wharf out to navigable depth, and the right to use the water for reasonable purposes. The extent of riparian rights is governed by Florida common law and applicable state statutes administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.