What Does Lis Pendens Mean? Lis pendens is a Latin term that literally means “lawsuit pending.” In a modern context, it is a notice filed against real estate that is under the control of the courts because of a pending lawsuit. It is often referred to as a “cloud on title”.
The lis pendens of right is based on a recorded lien or other recorded instrument. A mortgage is a good example. It is recorded in the official or public records of the county where the property is located.
(2) A notice of lis pendens is not effectual for any purpose beyond 1 year from the commencement of the action and will expire at that time, unless the relief sought is disclosed by the pending pleading to be founded on a duly recorded instrument or on a lien claimed under part I of chapter 713 against the property ...
Section 48.23 provides that the notice must contain the names of all of the parties, the name of the court in which the action is instituted, a description of the property involved or affected, a description of the relief sought as to the property, and one of the following: the date of the institution of the action, ...
A lis pendens notice will be recorded in the county public records, and a copy of the notice will be sent to the property owner.
(2) A notice of lis pendens is not effectual for any purpose beyond 1 year from the commencement of the action and will expire at that time, unless the relief sought is disclosed by the pending pleading to be founded on a duly recorded instrument or on a lien claimed under part I of chapter 713 against the property ...
The titleholder can sell a property and transfer the deed to someone else while subject to a lis pendens. However, most title companies will not provide insurance for homes with a lis pendens, and closing agents may close with the lien being bonded.
Online via an Official Records portal: Most Florida circuit clerk offices provide an Official Records Search portal on their websites, which interested persons can access to find liens on a property, including tax liens registered by taxing authorities.
However, once any litigation has been resolved, a lis pendens can be removed through a Florida Release of Lis Pendens. This legal document will formally remove the lis pendens so that the property title is clear.
Section 48.23 provides that the notice must contain the names of all of the parties, the name of the court in which the action is instituted, a description of the property involved or affected, a description of the relief sought as to the property, and one of the following: the date of the institution of the action, ...