Broward property appraiser urges Hallandale Beach residents to sign up for free Owner Alert as title‑fraud cases rise

Broward County Property Appraiser Marty told the Hallandale Beach City Commission on Sept. 15 that title‑fraud crimes remain a major threat in South Florida and urged residents to sign up for the county’s free Owner Alert notification service.

“South Florida is the title fraud capital of the world,” Marty said, describing how criminals file fake deeds in county recording offices and then mortgage, rent or sell properties they do not own. He said the Owner Alert program notifies property owners by email, text and mail if a document affecting title to their parcel is recorded.

Marty walked commissioners through how the program works and the signup deadlines tied to the tax calendar: residents who want the appraiser’s office to review their property before the 2025 tax roll must contact the office by Sept. 17 or file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board by that date. He said the owner‑alert registration is exempt from public records disclosure under a recent legislative change, so contact details provided for alerts are protected and used solely for fraud notifications.

Marty described the county’s “Crimes Against Property” team, which the property appraiser’s office established with funding from county commissioners. The office works with the Broward Sheriff’s Office and the State Attorney’s Office; Marty said detectives were assigned to investigate title‑fraud cases and that the joint effort has produced arrests and convictions. He gave examples to illustrate evolving tactics: one current case in Hallandale Beach involves a vacant parcel and a title company that suspected fraud; another involves what the appraiser described as a video deepfake used in a remote closing.

Marty urged residents — especially seniors and people who do not use email often — to sign up or to enroll a loved one for protection. He said approximately 300,000 Broward property owners have enrolled system‑wide and that about 50% of Hallandale Beach homesteaded property owners are enrolled.

Commission responses and next steps Mayor Joy F. Cooper and commissioners thanked the appraiser for the presentation and asked staff to share the enrollment link and presentation video through city channels. Commissioner comments emphasized outreach to seniors and non‑English speakers.

Speakers in the official record included Marty and several commissioners; no formal action was required. Budget and staff materials presented later in the hearing reflected certified taxable values that Marty provided to the city.