Florida Broker Practice Exam

What does the term "accretion" refer to in land ownership?

1. The gradual loss of land

2. The process of land buildup from water-borne materials

3. The return of property to the previous owner

4. The sudden addition of new land

The correct answer is: The process of land buildup from water-borne materials

Accretion refers specifically to the natural process by which land is formed through the accumulation of sediment and materials deposited by water. This process occurs over time, as rivers, lakes, or coastal waters deposit soil and sand, leading to an increase in land area. In terms of land ownership, accretion can result in new parcels of land that are legally recognized as belonging to the landowner adjacent to the water body. This understanding is crucial because it highlights how land ownership can change and expand over time due to natural processes, which is a significant aspect of real estate law and property rights in Florida. By contrast, options that refer to loss of land, the return of property, or sudden land additions do not correctly capture the ongoing and gradual nature of accretion. Each of those scenarios represents different concepts in land ownership, but they do not define the process of land buildup associated with accretion.