Nassau Judge: "Block Fee" on Real Estate Transactions "Excessive"

"The $300 fee imposed by Nassau for some real estate transactions is 'excessive, inappropriate and serves as an unconstitutional tax,' and must be reduced, a county judge has ruled.

In his June 9 ruling, Nassau State Supreme Court Judge Gregg Roth said the county has 60 days to lower its 'block fee' — which residents pay to the county clerk's office after recording, satisfying or canceling a lien, such as a mortgage — to an amount that matches the cost to administer the service," reported Newsday.

"Revenue from the fee goes into Nassau’s general fund and is not used to administer the service, which Roth said runs counter to previous court judgments against the county.

Long Island Board of REALTORS®, which has criticized previous hikes of the block fee, said Nassau should set the new amount 'commensurate with the services provided' and should not utilize the funds 'as a revenue generator or to fund unrelated purposes.'"