Will I Get Any Money If My House Sells at a Tax Deed Auction in Florida?

Possibly. In Florida, if a tax deed auction brings in more than what is owed, the extra, called surplus, does not go to the county. It is held and paid out to the former owner and certain lienholders, after the taxes and costs are paid.

How surplus works

• The opening bid covers the taxes, interest, and costs.
• If bidding goes higher, the amount above the opening bid is the surplus.
• The clerk holds it and handles claims under Florida law. Government liens and certain other lienholders may be paid before you.

How to claim it

1. Find out whether a surplus exists. Check the county clerk's tax deed records.
2. File a claim with the clerk using their process and by their deadline.
3. Provide proof you were the owner, such as ID, your deed, and anything else the clerk requests.

Claim windows are limited, and unclaimed money can eventually be turned over to the state as unclaimed property. Act as soon as you learn of the sale.

Be careful with surplus "finders"

Some companies offer to claim surplus for a fee. You can usually file directly with the clerk. If you use help, read the fee terms and have an attorney review them.

Sell first or wait?

If the house may bring a big surplus, selling before the auction on your own terms often puts more in your hands, and you control the price. If you wait for the auction, you cannot know the winning bid in advance.

What to do this week

Ask the clerk for the opening bid and the sale date. Then send me the address, and I will show you what the house might net on a sale versus what a surplus could look like.