Tennessee Enacts SB 980: Registered Surveyor Required for New Deeds of Conveyance

On April 11, 2025, Governor signed Senate Bill 980 (also House Bill 480), amending Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) to strengthen real estate deed precision. The legislation took effect immediately.

What the Law Requires

SB 980 amends TCA § 66-5-104 (within Title 66, Ch. 5, Pt. 1) to state:

“The description of real property contained within a deed of conveyance of a property not previously described in a recorded instrument must be prepared by a land surveyor … registered pursuant to § 62‑18‑101.”

Key takeaways:

• Applies to any deed conveying property newly described (i.e., not tied to an earlier deed or recorded survey).

• Exempts deeds prepared by or for government agencies or departments .

• Registered land surveyor must comply with TCA Title 62 requirements for licensure

Why This Matters

1. Improves Legal Certainty Land surveyors provide precise metes-and-bounds legal descriptions, reducing boundary disputes.

2. Professional Accountability Only licensed professionals can certify descriptions—elevating quality and liability.

3. Supports Title & Lending Practices More accurate legal descriptions facilitate smoother title insurance underwriting and lending workflows.

4. Exemption for Public Projects Government-led land transfers remain free of surveyor-cost burdens.

Annotated Code Snapshot

TCA Reference	Language Summary
TCA § 66‑5‑104	Requires registered surveyor-prepared descriptions for deeds describing new land parcels; exempts government gravels.
TCA § 62‑18‑101	Defines "land surveyor" and sets licensure standards in Tennessee.

Who’s Affected?

• Title companies & lenders – must verify new deeds include surveyor-prepared legal descriptions.

• Buyers/sellers of raw or subdivided land – now responsible for hiring licensed surveyors.

• Attorneys & real estate professionals – must update deed preparation practices to comply.

• Government entities – exempt; can continue internal conveyance procedures.

Action Steps for Stakeholders

1. Title Professionals Add compliance check: for new property descriptions, include a registered surveyor's certification.

2. Developers & Attorneys Budget for surveyor fees when preparing new subdivisions or repositioned parcels.

3. Real Estate Vendors Update transaction checklists and disclose the need for licensed surveyor involvement.

Final Thoughts

SB 980 strengthens Tennessee’s deed conveyance framework by mandating licensed surveyor involvement in initial property descriptions. Though it may add upfront costs, this requirement promotes:

• Greater boundary accuracy

• Legal clarity

• Reliability in title and lending workflows

This law reflects a broader national movement emphasizing professional accountability in property recordkeeping.

Need help interpreting how SB 980 affects your next land deal, or want assistance integrating it into your procedures? Happy to help—just reach out!