LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Lee County is at the forefront of a new pilot program aimed at protecting residents from property fraud.

The new program goes into effect on July 1, after unanimously passing both Florida legislative chambers and Governor Ron DeSantis signing into law on Wednesday, HB 1419.

The new prevention program requires anyone recording a deed at the Lee County Clerk’s Office to show a government-issued photo ID as well.

“This law gives us the ability to reject deeds that are not vetted with a government-issued ID,” said County Clerk Kevin Karnes. “Most people in our community don’t realize that it’s shockingly easy for a criminal to file a document and steal your property.”

Karnes believes this is an extra layer of protection in addition to his office’s property fraud alert system.

Since March, Karnes said the clerk’s office has seen 15 cases of property fraud. Historically, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said these crimes are hard to tackle. Collecting your name, where you live, and a picture of you when filing for a deed will make it easier for law enforcement to verify the identity of the parties engaged.

“I think these two things are going to be a great service to our community,” said Karnes.

In two years, after trialing the new law, County Clerk Kevin Karnes said he will present formal recommendations to legislators to hopefully pave the way for the rest of the state.

To learn more and register for the free county clerk fraud service, click here.