Property Closing Lawyer Serving West Palm Beach, FL
The Law Office of Renee Marie Smith, PA handles property closings for buyers, sellers, and investors in West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County. Attorney Renee Marie Smith has been licensed with the Florida Bar since 1997 and brings two distinct practice divisions — transactional closings and real estate litigation — to every transaction in the West Palm Beach market.
West Palm Beach Is Now Part of Our Service Area
Our firm serves clients across Palm Beach County, including West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Jupiter, and surrounding communities. Whether you are purchasing a waterfront condo near downtown West Palm Beach or closing on a commercial property along Okeechobee Boulevard, the same attorney-led closing process applies to every file we handle. We do not hand your transaction to a paralegal at the finish line.
What Palm Beach County Recording Requirements Mean for Your Closing
Every deed recorded in Palm Beach County's Official Records must meet the requirements of Florida Statute 695.26. As of January 1, 2024, deeds and other instruments conveying real property must include the post office address of each witness — not just the witness's name — along with the name and address of the individual who prepared the document. A missing witness address is grounds for rejection by the Clerk's office, which delays recording and can delay your funding. Our firm prepares closing documents to these exact standards before the closing table so no file gets returned.
How We Handle a West Palm Beach Property Closing
Every closing our firm handles follows a structured, attorney-reviewed process.
Step 1: Title Search and Examination
We order and examine the title chain for the West Palm Beach property, identifying any liens, encumbrances, judgments, or gaps in ownership that must be cleared before the transaction can proceed.
Step 2: Document Preparation
We draft or review all closing documents — including the deed, closing statement, and any mortgage instruments — and confirm they meet Palm Beach County Clerk recording standards, including the statutory preparer and witness address requirements.
Step 3: Closing and Disbursement
We coordinate with all parties, attend or manage the closing, and ensure funds are disbursed correctly. After closing, we submit documents for recording with the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller.
Why West Palm Beach Buyers and Sellers Work With Our Firm
Renee Marie Smith passed the Florida Bar in 1997 and has focused exclusively on real estate ever since. The firm's transactional division handles closings and mortgage preparation; the litigation division handles enforcement if something goes wrong post-closing. Having both under one roof means a problem that surfaces during title review doesn't require you to find a second attorney. The firm also regularly represents out-of-state and international buyers closing on Palm Beach County property — a segment of the West Palm Beach market that requires additional document coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The Law Office of Renee Marie Smith handle closings in West Palm Beach?
Yes. The firm serves buyers, sellers, and investors throughout Palm Beach County, including West Palm Beach. Attorney Renee Marie Smith has handled closings in Palm Beach County since 1997 and manages both the transactional and litigation sides of real estate law.
What Are the Witness Requirements for Recording a Deed in Palm Beach County?
Since January 1, 2024, deeds recorded in Palm Beach County must include each witness's post office address in addition to their name, per Florida Statute 695.26. Documents missing this information are rejected by the Clerk's office. Our firm prepares all documents to meet this standard before closing.
What Does a Property Closing Lawyer Do That a Title Company Does Not?
A licensed attorney can provide legal advice, identify contract terms that expose you to liability, and resolve title defects that require court action. A title company processes documents but cannot give legal counsel. In transactions involving title issues, estates, or investors, attorney oversight matters.
How Much Does It Cost to Record a Deed in Palm Beach County?
Palm Beach County charges $10.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page. Florida documentary stamp taxes on the deed are calculated at $0.70 per $100 of the purchase price — on a $500,000 sale, that is $3,500.
Can I Close on a West Palm Beach Property If I Am Not in Florida?
Yes. Our firm regularly coordinates remote closings for out-of-state and international buyers purchasing Palm Beach County real estate. We handle document preparation, coordination, and recording so the transaction moves forward without requiring your physical presence in Florida.
The next transaction decision deserves legal review
If you are a buyer, seller, developer, or investor working through a Florida transaction, The Law Office of Renee Marie Smith, PA can review your agreement and help you move toward a supported closing.