Florida real estate law to escrow funds for utilities at closing

Dear anonymous, Unpaid utility bills can operate as a lien against the property per Chapter 159 Florida Statutes. Title policies often provide the following exception: "Any lien provided by County Ordinance or by Chapter 159, F.S., in favor of any city, town, village or port authority, for unpaid service charges for services by any water systems, sewer systems or gas systems serving the land described herein; and any lien for waste fees in favor of any county or municipality." Certainly you don't have the responsibility to pay for someone else's debt, but that doesn't change the fact that there is a lien for unpaid utlilities. You may file an action against former owner or tenant for damages. If lien was from former owner you could file a claim against your title insurance carrier assuming the above exception was deleted from your policy.  Title agents routinely check for unpaid utility fees. The buyer can't get clear title unless lien is released and I assume that your sales contract gives the buyer the right to deem such lien a title defect.