The Ins and Outs of an ALTA Survey
What is an ALTA Survey?
An ALTA (American Land Title Association) survey is a detailed, standardized land survey used primarily for commercial property transactions. It provides a comprehensive overview of a property, including:
Property boundaries and legal descriptions
Easements, rights-of-way, and encroachments
Location of buildings, fences, and other improvements
Utilities and zoning compliance
ALTA surveys follow strict NSPS/ALTA standards, ensuring lenders, title companies, and investors have reliable, legally recognized data.
Why Do You Need an ALTA Survey in Fort Lauderdale?
If you are buying, selling, or refinancing commercial property in Fort Lauderdale, an ALTA survey is often required by:
Title companies to issue title insurance
Lenders to assess risk before approving loans
Investors to verify property boundaries and encroachments
Even if not required, an ALTA survey protects your investment by identifying potential issues before closing a deal.
ALTA Survey vs. Boundary Survey: What’s the Difference?
Many property owners and commercial buyers wonder how an ALTA survey differs from a standard boundary survey. While both surveys map property lines, there are key differences:
Boundary Survey:
Focuses solely on property lines and corners
Verifies lot dimensions
Typically used for residential properties, fence placements, or simple disputes
ALTA Survey:
Provides a comprehensive overview of the property, not just boundaries
Includes easements, rights-of-way, encroachments, utilities, and structures
Meets ALTA/NSPS national standards, often required by lenders, title companies, or investors
Essential for commercial transactions and complex property deals
In short: A boundary survey shows where your property ends. An ALTA survey shows everything that affects the property, providing peace of mind and legal protection for buyers, lenders, and investors.
What is Table A in an ALTA Survey?
Table A is a checklist that specifies which additional items or “optional survey details” are included in an ALTA survey. These items go beyond the standard ALTA/NSPS requirements and are often requested by lenders, title companies, or investors.
Some common Table A items include:
Location of utilities (water, sewer, gas, electricity)
Flood zone determination or FEMA map information
Zoning classification or setback requirements
Surveyor certifications for specific property features
When you order an ALTA survey, your Table A selections are documented and signed off by both the surveyor and the client, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
What We Need From You
To provide an accurate and efficient ALTA survey, our team will need:
Any previous surveys done on the property — to verify boundaries and easements.
The title commitment — required by lenders and title companies to confirm ownership and legal descriptions.
Optional Table A items — any additional survey requests such as utility locations, flood zone verification, or zoning details.
Providing these items upfront allows us to complete your survey quickly, accurately, and without delays, keeping your property transaction on track.
How Much Does an ALTA Survey Cost?
The cost of an ALTA survey in Fort Lauderdale depends on:
Property size and shape
Number of structures and improvements
Required certifications (title company or lender requests)
On average, most ALTA surveys in the area range from $2,000 to $5,000, though complex sites may cost more. Our team provides transparent quotes upfront, so there are no surprises.
How Long Does an ALTA Survey Take?
After our licensed surveyors complete the field work, ALTA surveys typically take 3–5 business days to finalize. Complex properties or multiple easements may take slightly longer. We keep you informed throughout the process and deliver the survey electronically for your convenience.
Why Choose Our Fort Lauderdale ALTA Surveyors?
At [Your Company Name], we are licensed Fort Lauderdale land surveyors specializing in ALTA surveys. We offer:
Accurate, NSPS-compliant surveys
Fast turnaround times to meet tight closing schedules
Local expertise — we understand Fort Lauderdale zoning, flood zones, and property regulations
Professional customer service — we guide you from start to finish
Get Your ALTA Survey Today
Protect your commercial property investment with a licensed Fort Lauderdale ALTA survey. Contact us today to request a quote or schedule your survey.
Call 305-895-8001 or fill out our online form to get started.