Sarah is purchasing a home in Miami and her attorney discovers that the current owner's deed was never properly recorded. The seller has been living in the property for 15 years and paying taxes. What is the most likely outcome regarding the validity of the seller's ownership?

Correct Answer

D) The deed is valid between the parties but may not protect against third-party claims

Correct: D - The deed is valid between the parties but may not protect against third-party claims. under Florida law, an unrecorded deed is still valid between the grantor and grantee, but recording provides constructive notice to protect against subsequent purchasers and creditors. Why not A: This option is incorrect because "The property reverts to the previous owner" does not match the rule tested by the question. The correct answer is "The deed is valid between the parties but may not protect against third-party claims". under Florida law, an unrecorded deed is still valid between the grantor and grantee, but recording provides constructive notice to protect against subsequent purchasers and creditors. Why not B: This option is incorrect because "The seller has valid title through adverse possession" does not match the rule tested by the question. The correct answer is "The deed is valid between the parties but may not protect against third-party claims". under Florida law, an unrecorded deed is still valid between the grantor and grantee, but recording provides constructive notice to protect against subsequent purchasers and creditors. Why not C: This option is incorrect because "The deed is invalid because it was never recorded" does not match the rule tested by the question. The correct answer is "The deed is valid between the parties but may not protect against third-party claims". under Florida law, an unrecorded deed is still valid between the grantor and grantee, but recording provides constructive notice to protect against subsequent purchasers and creditors.