2012 Florida Statutes
TITLE XL — REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
Chapter 703 — ABSTRACTS OF TITLE
703.18 — Refusing to make abstract.

703.18 Refusing to make abstract.—Any person or any employee thereof, who may be engaged in such business of making abstracts, writing, entries, or maps in any county in which the records have been destroyed, shall furnish such abstract or copy, or any portion thereof and a certificate and affidavit of the correctness thereof to any person from time to time applying therefor in the order of application, and without unnecessary delay, and for a reasonable consideration to be allowed therefor, which in no case shall exceed the sum of 60 cents for each deed, mortgage, or other instrument for which such abstract is furnished, and $5 for the certificate and affidavit, and only one certificate and affidavit shall be necessary or shall be charged to or for all the entries, instruments, or items of the abstract of any chain of title, and any and all persons so engaged, whose business is hereby declared to stand upon a like footing with that of common carriers, who shall refuse so to do, if tender or payment be made to him or her or them of the amount demanded for such abstract or copy, and not exceeding the amount aforesaid, as soon as such amount is made known and ascertained, or of a sum adequate to cover such amount before it is ascertained, shall be guilty of the crime of extortion, and shall also be liable in any action for any and all damages, loss or injury which any person applying therefor may suffer or incur by reason of such failure to furnish such abstract or copy, as aforesaid, and shall also be subject to be compelled to furnish such abstract by mandamus or other legal proceedings.

History.—s. 7, ch. 4951, 1901; GS 3484; RGS 5358; CGL 7493; s. 679, ch. 71-136; s. 787, ch. 97-102.