Unit 9: Title & Deeds

Title, Deeds, and Ownership Restrictions

7 exam questionsHigh Priority

Title transfer, deed types, liens, encumbrances, and ownership restrictions.

Quick Explanation

5 min read

Title transfer requires a valid deed. The General Warranty Deed offers the most protection — it warrants title against ALL claims from ANY time. Quitclaim Deed offers NO warranties. Adverse possession in Florida requires 7 years of open, continuous, hostile, notorious possession.

Key Points — What Matters for the Exam

General Warranty Deed = warrants against ALL claims from ANY time (most protection)

Special Warranty Deed = warrants only against claims arising during grantor's ownership

Bargain and Sale Deed = no warranties, implies grantor has title

Quitclaim Deed = NO warranties, transfers whatever interest grantor has (least protection)

Adverse Possession in Florida = 7 years, open, continuous, hostile, notorious, actual

Easement = right to use another's land for specific purpose

Lien = financial claim against property (mortgage, tax, mechanic's lien)

Memory Trick

Deed protection ranking (most to least): General Warranty > Special Warranty > Bargain & Sale > Quitclaim. 'Great Special Bargains Quit' — remember the order.

Common Trap Answers — Don't Fall For These

Quitclaim deed offers NO protection — grantor may not even own the property

Adverse possession in Florida is 7 years (NOT 10 or 20)

An easement does NOT transfer ownership — only the right to use

Key Terms for This Unit (4)

General Warranty Deed

Warrants title against ALL claims from ANY previous owner. Most protection for buyer.

Quitclaim Deed

Transfers whatever interest the grantor has — NO warranties. Least protection.

Adverse Possession

Acquiring title by open, continuous, hostile, notorious possession for 7 years in Florida.

Easement