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2012 Florida Statutes

Title XXXVIII BANKS AND BANKING
Chapter 655 FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS GENERALLY Entire Chapter
SECTION 937
Access to safe-deposit boxes leased in two or more names.
F.S. 655.937
655.937 Access to safe-deposit boxes leased in two or more names.—
(1) Unless specifically provided in the lease or rental agreement to the contrary, 1if 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:
(a) Either or any of such lessees, regardless of whether or not the other lessee or lessees or any of them are living or competent.
(b) Subject to s. 655.933, those persons named in s. 655.933.
(c) Subject to s. 655.935, those persons named in s. 655.935.
(d) Subject to s. 733.6065, the 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.
(2) In 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.
(3) A lessor may not be held liable for damages or penalty by reason of any access granted or delivery made pursuant to this section.
(4) The 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. 655.935, s. 733.6065, or other requirements imposed upon personal representatives, guardians, or other fiduciaries.
(5) After 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.
(a) If 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.
(b) If 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.
1Note.—As amended by s. 69, ch. 2006-213. The amendment by s. 3, ch. 2006-134, added the word “when” instead of “if.”