Florida's Governor Signs Bills on Open Permits and Online Notaries

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signed two bills into law last week, HB 447 and HB 409 – a move applauded by Florida Realtors.

HB 447: Open and expired permits

HB 447 allows local governments to close a permit six years after issuance, as long as no apparent safety hazards exist. It also prevents local governments from penalizing property owners for an open permit applied for by a previous owner.

“Open and expired permits bring uncertainty to real estate transactions and can delay the closing, and in some cases, prevent a home purchase,” says 2019 Florida Realtors President Eric Sain, a Realtor and district sales manager with Illustrated Properties in Palm Beach. “That’s why we applaud the leadership of Rep. Ben Diamond and Sen. Keith Perry to sponsor this legislation, and Gov. DeSantis’ decision to sign it. It will go a long way in helping homebuyers and sellers fulfill the American Dream in Florida.”

The open and expired permit remedies become effective on Oct. 1, 2019.

HB 409: Online remote notaries

“Many states throughout the nation allow the use of online remote notaries in real estate transactions, making them easier, faster and more convenient for distant consumers,” says Sain. “Thanks to Gov. DeSantis’ signature and the leadership of Rep. James Grant and Sen. Jeff Brandes to create and pass this legislation, Florida now joins this crop of modern, forward-thinking states.”

In addition to authorizing the use of online remote notaries, HB 409 also contains measures that protect the integrity and security of documents being notarized. The use of online remote notaries becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2020.

© 2019 Florida Realtors