eLaws of Florida

  SECTION 655.937. Access to safe-deposit boxes leased in two or more names.  


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  • 1(1) 2Unless specifically provided in the lease or rental agreement to the contrary, 14115if a safe-deposit box is rented or leased in the names of two or more lessees, access to the safe-deposit box will be granted to:
    40(a) 41Either or any of such lessees, regardless of whether or not the other lessee or lessees or any of them are living or competent.
    65(b) 66Subject to s. 69655.933, 70those persons named in s. 75655.93376.
    77(c) 78Subject to s. 81655.935, 82those persons named in s. 87655.93588.
    89(d) 90Subject to s. 93733.6065, 94the personal representative of the estate of either or any of such lessees who is deceased, or the guardian of the property of either or any of such lessees who is incapacitated.
    126(2) 127In all cases described in subsection (1), the signature on the safe-deposit entry or access record, or the receipt or acquittance, in the case of property or documents otherwise held for safekeeping, is a valid and sufficient release and discharge to the lessor for granting access to such safe-deposit box or for the delivery of such property or documents otherwise held for safekeeping.
    190(3) 191A lessor may not be held liable for damages or penalty by reason of any access granted or delivery made pursuant to this section.
    215(4) 216The right of access by a colessee is separate from the rights and responsibilities of other persons who may be granted access to a safe-deposit box after the death or incapacity of another colessee, and such right of access is not subject to the provisions of s. 263655.935, 264s. 265733.6065, 266or other requirements imposed upon personal representatives, guardians, or other fiduciaries.
    277(5) 278After the death of a colessee, the surviving colessee or any other person who is granted access to the safe-deposit box pursuant to this section may make a written inventory of the box, which must be conducted by the person making the request in the presence of one other person as specified in this subsection. Each person present shall verify the contents of the box by signing a copy of the inventory under penalty of perjury.
    354(a) 355If the person making the written inventory is a surviving colessee, the other person may be any other person granted access pursuant to this section, an employee of the institution where the box is located, or an attorney licensed in this state.
    397(b) 398If the person making the written inventory is not a surviving colessee, the other person may be a surviving colessee, an employee of the institution where the box is located, or an attorney licensed in this state.
History.-s. 67, ch. 92-303; s. 3, ch. 2006-134; s. 69, ch. 2006-213.

Note

Note.-As amended by s. 69, ch. 2006-213. The amendment by s. 3, ch. 2006-134, added the word “when” instead of “if.”

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