A guide to Tax Deed Sales
The Clerk of the Circuit Court is statutorily responsible for conducting Tax Deed Sales and issuing Tax Deeds in the name of the County to the successful high bidders at a sale.
You can click here to search the current lands going up for sale.
Tax Deed Sales and the issuance of Tax Deeds are governed by Chapter 197, Florida Statutes.
There is no case filed in court and no court order is issued for the Clerk to conduct a Tax Deed sale.
The procedure involves a Tax Certificate Holder applying for a Tax Deed through the Tax Collector. (Tax Certificates are sold to collect delinquent taxes).
Some frequently asked questions
What are Tax Deed Sales?
Tax Deed sales deal with the selling of property that is delinquent in taxes. A Tax Deed sale occurs after an owner of a Tax Certificate applies to the Tax Collector’s Office for a Tax Deed after the Tax Certificate has been held for the statutory period.
Where can I find out about upcoming sales?
The Clerk advertises Tax Deed sales for four consecutive weeks in a local publication. We list Tax Deed sales on our Web Site, please use the link above for the current list of lands for sale. Please call (352) 486-5266 ext. 235 for verification before attending.
What are some things that I should know before the sale?
There is no pre-registration required in order to participate in the bidding. You must be physically present at the sale to bid on the property. Also, we recommend that you research the property and familiarize yourself with it as there may be liens remaining on the property.
What happens if I am successful in a bid for property?
A $200.00 non-refundable deposit will be required on each parcel of land sold at a Tax Deed sale immediately after the sale. This deposit will be applied to the sale price. The remainder of the payment must be made within 24 hours from the advertised time of the sale. Payments must be made in cash or cashier check. If payment is not received as required, it will be re-advertised and placed up for auction at the next scheduled sale. If payment is received as required, a Tax Deed will be recorded and mailed to you. (If proper payment is not received on time, the Clerk has the right not to recognize any bids by you at subsequent sales).
What happens if a property receives no bids?
Tax Certificates owned by the County and no bids are received are placed on a “Lands Available for Taxes” list held by the Tax Collector. After 90 days, anyone can come and buy the property. (The Tax Collector’s Office determines total sale price). If the Tax Certificates are owned by an individual or business, that applicant receives the property for the amount they have in the Certificate.