The Short Answer

Possibly. If a deed or other conveyance document was signed using a forged co-owner signature, Florida law treats that as serious fraud and it can provide grounds to challenge the transfer and seek to unwind it. The outcome often turns on proof of the forgery and whether an innocent third-party buyer is involved.

What Florida Law Says

In Florida, forging someone’s signature on a deed (or using a deed you know is forged) is not just a “family dispute”—it can be criminal conduct and can also create civil remedies to challenge the validity of the transfer. When a co-owner’s signature is forged, the key legal issue is whether the deed was validly executed as to that owner’s interest and what rights, if any, a later purchaser may claim.

The Statute

The primary law governing this issue is Fla. Stat. § 831.01.

This statute makes it a felony to falsely make or forge certain writings—including a deed—with intent to injure or defraud.

Relatedly, Florida also criminalizes knowingly passing off a forged deed as genuine under Fla. Stat. § 831.02.

If this involves inherited or estate property, the probate context can add additional layers (who had authority to sign, whether the signer was a personal representative, and whether court approval was required). For more Florida-specific background, you may also want to read: How Do I Set Aside a Fraudulent Non-Warranty Deed on Estate Property in Florida?

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statutes above establish that forging (or knowingly using) a deed is unlawful, applying that to a real-world sale is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Your options may be affected by time limits tied to the estate, the transaction timeline, and when the alleged forgery was discovered. Waiting can make it harder to unwind a sale and can increase the risk that third parties acquire additional interests.
• Burden of Proof: Proving a forged signature typically requires strong evidence (for example, credible witness testimony, notary/closing records, and handwriting/authentication evidence). If the case becomes a “he said/she said” family dispute, the quality of proof can decide everything.
• Innocent Buyer Issues: If the property was sold onward, the buyer may claim protections as a good-faith purchaser. That can change the remedy from “void the sale” to a more complex mix of title litigation and potential damages claims.

Trying to handle this alone can lead to mistakes that are hard to undo—especially if you need emergency court relief to prevent another transfer or to protect estate assets.

Get Connected with a Florida Attorney

Do not leave your legal outcome to chance. We can connect you with a pre-screened probate attorney in Florida to discuss your specific facts and options.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Florida law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.