A two-year pilot program to help prevent property fraud concluded last year with recommendations from the Lee County Clerk’s Office forwarded to state leaders for consideration this Legislation Session.
Lee County Clerk and Comptroller Kevin Karnes said he worked with State Rep. Will Robinson to address the issue in 2022. This grew into the pilot program, which was tested in Lee County. Part of that initiative was the development of the report that was completed in December 2025.
The 18-page legislative report shares the pilot’s overview, successes, challenges and further recommendations. The program, which ran from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025, was aimed at preventing property fraud by requiring those who recorded a deed at the Lee County Clerk’s Office to present a government-issued photo ID before the deed was processed. This step made it easier for law enforcement to verify the identity of the parties engaged in the property-related transaction, as well as investigate any fraudulent activity thoroughly…