Understanding Legal Descriptions Used in Land Surveying in Florida Legal descriptions are used to identify a parcel of land in a way that is legally recognized. In Florida, there are three main types of legal descriptions used in land surveying: metes and bounds, government rectangular survey system, and lot and block. Here's a breakdown of each: Metes and Bounds: Metes and bounds is the oldest system of legal land description and is still used today. This system uses a property's physical features and boundaries to determine its legal description. The word "metes" refers to the measurements of a property's boundaries, while "bounds" refers to the boundaries themselves. A metes and bounds description typically begins and ends at a point of beginning and describes the property's boundaries using compass directions, distances, and angles. Government Rectangular Survey System: The government rectangular survey system, also known as the Public Land Survey System, is a system of land description used throughout the United States. The system was established in Florida in the early 1800s to survey and sell public land. Under this system, land is divided into six by six-mile squares called townships, which are further divided into one-mile squares called sections. Each section is then divided into smaller parcels of land. This system is used to describe the location of land in relation to the township, range, and section in which it is located. Lot and Block: The lot and block system is used to describe subdivisions of land in urban areas. Under this system, the land is divided into lots and each lot is assigned a unique number. These lots are then grouped together into blocks, and each block is assigned a unique number. The legal description of a property using the lot and block system will typically include the name of the subdivision, the lot number, and the block number. Understanding legal descriptions is important in land surveying as it helps to establish property boundaries and to prevent disputes between neighbors. If you are in the process of buying or selling property, it is important to have a clear understanding of the legal description of the property to ensure that you are getting what you paid for.