Can I Sell Land Without Clear Title?
Selling land in Florida can get complicated fast—especially if you don’t have what’s called a "clear title."
This guide breaks down what title issues are, why they matter, and what your options are if you’re trying to sell with defects, disputes, or missing paperwork. At UNITY, we work with sellers every day who face these challenges. Here’s what you need to know.
What Does "Clear Title" Mean?
"Clear title" means that the legal ownership of the property is free from disputes, liens, or other claims. In other words, the seller has the full legal right to transfer ownership, and there are no unresolved issues tied to the land.
A property without clear title may be said to have a "clouded title" or "title defect."
Common title issues include:
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Unpaid property taxes
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Liens from contractors, creditors, or HOAs
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Boundary disputes
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Missing heirs or incomplete probate
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Errors in public records (wrong legal description, misspelled names)
For a broader overview of these complications, see our post on Legal and Financial Aspects of Selling Land.
Why Title Matters in a Land Sale?
Title issues make it legally risky—sometimes impossible—for a buyer to take ownership. If the title isn't clear, most title companies won't insure the transaction. That means:
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The buyer may walk away.
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The sale may be delayed indefinitely.
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The deal may fall through altogether.
In Florida, almost every land sale goes through a title company. They conduct a title search to verify ownership and look for any issues. UNITY works directly with these companies to coordinate resolution whenever possible.
You can learn more in our guide to What Is the Land Escrow Process.
Can You Still Sell Land With Title Issues?
Yes—but it depends on the issue, and not all buyers will take the risk.
Here are three scenarios:
1. Minor Issues That Can Be Fixed
UNITY often works with sellers to resolve minor title issues before closing. These may include:
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Paying off a small tax lien at closing
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Requesting a corrective deed
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Providing missing affidavits or documents
We may still make an offer and help coordinate the fix through escrow. Learn how we handle deals with complications in Selling Land to an Investor.
2. Major or Unresolvable Issues
If the issue is serious (e.g. unresolved probate, boundary litigation, title fraud), we may need to pause or cancel the transaction.
Example: If the property is in someone else's name and probate was never filed, you may not have the legal authority to sell—even if it's "your land."
Explore this further in Recover Money from a Real Estate Scam and Land Contracts Explained.
3. Partial Ownership or Heirship
If you're one of multiple heirs or own only part of the property, UNITY can evaluate your situation and see if a partition sale or full buyout is possible. We’ve closed deals involving multiple siblings, ex-spouses, or distant relatives—but they do take longer.
For solo sellers, Sell Your Land to a Direct Buyer may offer a faster path than traditional listings.
Common Seller Questions
Q: What if my name is on the tax bill but not the deed?
A: The name on the tax bill doesn’t prove legal ownership. We’ll need to check the recorded deed to verify title.
Q: Can UNITY help me clear up title?
A: In many cases, yes. We work with the title company to identify the issue and may be able to help resolve it.
Q: Will I have to pay out of pocket?
A: Sometimes. If there are unpaid taxes, liens, or legal work needed, we can either deduct that from the final offer or ask you to resolve it prior to closing.
Q: How long will it take to fix?
A: Minor issues can be resolved quickly (1–2 weeks). Major problems may take months or require legal action.
For sellers looking to avoid these mistakes, read Mistakes Stopping You from Selling Land.
Internal Talking Points for Team UNITY
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Always ask: Is the seller listed as the current legal owner?
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If not, ask if there was an inheritance, divorce, or family transfer.
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We can pull a preliminary title report early to assess risk.
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Let sellers know we may still help—but no guarantees until title is clear.
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Be transparent: We handle the due diligence, but some issues may delay or cancel the deal.
You can refer to Why Landowners Trust UNITY and How to Choose a Reliable Company to Sell Land to reinforce trust and process transparency.
