Notice to Property Buyers and Sellers

Notice to all Purchasers of Property within the City of Port St. Lucie or within the Utility Service Area of the City of Port St. Lucie Utility Systems Department

Many title companies are not conducting unrecorded lien searches on properties prior to closing.  In this case, unrecorded liens such as, but not necessarily limited to, water and sewer service charge liens, are not being disclosed to buyers.  Pursuant to City Code 63.25(b)(2) and Florida Statute 159.17 such service charge liens are considered prior to all other liens on such lands or premises except the lien of state, county, and municipal taxes and shall be on parity with the lien of such state, county and municipal taxes.  Therefore, you may be responsible for paying such liens upon ownership or upon requesting water and/or sewer service to your property.  Please make sure your title company conducts an unrecorded lien search prior to closing and that you are covered for any such liens on your title policy.