Other than resolution of the pending lawsuit, the only way to remove a lis pendens is by expungement, which requires a court order from a circuit judge. If you refuse service or the action is otherwise delayed, the lis pendens remains intact, making it difficult to sell or otherwise transfer a property.
(2) A notice of lis pendens is not effectual for any purpose beyond 1 year from the commencement of the action and will expire at that time, unless the relief sought is disclosed by the pending pleading to be founded on a duly recorded instrument or on a lien claimed under part I of chapter 713 against the property ...
Basically, a Lis Pendens is written notice that's recorded in the county recorder's records where the real estate is located and that gives notice than an action, a lawsuit involving title to the real estate is pending.
The titleholder can sell a property and transfer the deed to someone else while subject to a lis pendens. However, most title companies will not provide insurance for homes with a lis pendens, and closing agents may close with the lien being bonded.
(2) A notice of lis pendens is not effectual for any purpose beyond 1 year from the commencement of the action and will expire at that time, unless the relief sought is disclosed by the pending pleading to be founded on a duly recorded instrument or on a lien claimed under part I of chapter 713 against the property ...
A lis pendens can be challenged if it is not “founded on a duly recorded instrument.” When a pending pleading does not show that an action is “founded on a duly recorded instrument,” a court may control and discharge the recorded notice of lis pendens.
Short Answer: After filing a lis pendens, property sales may stall due to legal disputes impacting the title. Misfiling can result in sanctions or slander of title damages. Removal involves court-ordered expungement or voluntary discharge.
So in reality, while a lis pendens does not technically prevent a land sale, the average buyer likely will not buy the parcel. This is true because the lis pendens will prevent them from obtaining clear title and preclude them from becoming a bona fide purchaser.
A wrongfully filed lis pendens can be removed by the judge in the case in which it was filed. The party seeking to remove it must file a motion and address why the lis pendens is improper under Florida law.
How to File a Notice of Lis Pendens Name of the parties. Date of the institution of the action, the date of the clerk's electronic receipt, or the case number of the action. The name of the court in which it is pending. A description of the property involved or to be affected.