MLS Listing vs County Records

[Jorge Rodriguez]

Hey guys,

I'm a noobie investor looking to get started here in South Florida with house hacking and after looking at numerous SFH properties in areas that I want to buy, I am noticing that there are discrepancies between the MLS listing and the information I find on the County records. These discrepancies that I'm seeing is in regards to the number of beds/baths. For example, the MLS will show the SFH with 3/2 or a 4/3 and the County will have it listed as a 2/1 and 3/2, respectively. I've noticed this consistently on a lot of properties that I've seen.

Now, being my first purchase, this has me a bit worried because I'm unsure of what can/could happen if I buy, let's say, a 3/2 but the County has it recorded as a 2/1. It's safe to assume that these properties have additions to them but if it's unpermitted work then I could be in a surprise I'm assuming? Or maybe I'm just overthinking this and looking too much into it....

Any thoughts?