A two-year pilot program to help prevent property fraud concluded last year with recommendations from the Lee County Clerk\u2019s Office forwarded to state leaders for consideration this Legislation Session.<\/p>\n
Lee County Clerk and Comptroller Kevin Karnes said he worked with State Rep. Will Robinson to address the issue in 2022. This grew into the pilot program, which was tested in Lee County. Part of that initiative was the development of the report that was completed in December 2025.<\/p>\n
The 18-page legislative report shares the pilot\u2019s overview, successes, challenges and further recommendations. The program, which ran from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025, was aimed at preventing property fraud by requiring those who recorded a deed at the Lee County Clerk\u2019s Office to present a government-issued photo ID before the deed was processed. This step made it easier for law enforcement to verify the identity of the parties engaged in the property-related transaction, as well as investigate any fraudulent activity thoroughly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe legislature is actively in session and considering the possibility to extend it,\u201d he said, adding that there are some bills with their recommendations. \u201cThere have been conversations, potentially some solutions going forward for the rest of the legislation session.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Karnes\u2019 report, \u201ctitle fraud occurs when someone uses a forged deed to sell or transfer property they do not own. The fraudulent deed gives the appearance that the ownership of the property has been changed.\u201d<\/p>\n
The report states that the fraudsters may then attempt to evict the rightful owner, lease or sell the property, place liens on the property and take out loans or second mortgages.<\/p>\n
The program was implemented in three main phases \u2013 preparation and education from May 2023 through July 2023, non-electronic deed submissions in August 2023 and electronic deed submissions from October 2023 to June 2024.<\/p>\n
The results were positive but not necessarily a big-picture view because Lee County is only one of 67 counties in Florida.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cWe did get two criminal cases and two civil cases from the pilot program,\u201d Karnes said. \u201cThe government-issued ID were used in those two respective processes.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said four cases out of 95,000 deeds is not a big enough sample size.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut on one hand, one stolen house is too many,\u201d Karnes said.<\/p>\n
\u00a0He said the hope is legislation will expand the program to other clerk\u2019s offices in the state, as well as provide additional tools to continue to fight property fraud.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s a fantastic program. We have 550,000 parcels of land \u2013 one of the most parceled counties in the entire nation. My goal is to have them all registered,\u201d Karnes said by end of his term in 2028.<\/p>\n
Individuals can register for the free property fraud alert service, at\u00a0www.leeclerk.org\/propertyfraud. This service, will notify a property owner within 24 hours when a deed, mortgage, or other document with your name has been recorded.<\/p>\n
The program is also available statewide at\u00a0www.flclerks.com\/page\/PropertyAlertServices.<\/p>\n
Karnes said if an individual has property in another area of the state, the same service exists in each county clerk\u2019s office.<\/p>\n
The service can be used for residential properties, business properties and those held in the trust.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe real advantage is you can register on behalf of someone we know and care about,\u201d he said. \u201cSome people don\u2019t have email and internet. You can register for those individuals that might be a little more vulnerable or don\u2019t have access.\u201d<\/p>\n
Karnes said the individual will be notified by email and they can talk to the person they registered to make sure the transaction is legitimate or determine if law enforcement is needed for an investigation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI still believe one home is too much. We spend a lot of time and money and memories in our house. It shouldn\u2019t be this easy for criminals to steal property,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Karnes said it was truly an honor to be the first county in the state to lead the fraud prevention pilot.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a core value,\u201d he said of his office \u2013 \u201cleader of our industry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Karnes said he is proud that he and his team have been on the cutting edge of hopefully solving a problem across Florida and the United States.<\/p>\n