Florida tax deed sales

When property taxes go unpaid, Florida counties can sell a tax certificate, then later a tax deed, under Chapter 197, Florida Statutes. Each of the 67 counties runs its own process and auction channel.

What usually happens

1. Delinquency — unpaid ad valorem taxes are advertised.
2. Tax certificate sale — investors bid interest rates (or the county holds the cert).
3. Application for deed — after the statutory period, a certificate holder may apply for a tax deed.
4. Tax deed auction — the parcel is sold online (RealAuction, LienHub, DeedAuction, etc.) or in person at the courthouse.

Before you bid

• Confirm the sale date, parcel list, and opening bid on the official clerk / auction site — not only a research layer.
• Pull ownership, liens, permits, and flood/insurance signals separately (DeedScout Property Intelligence helps organize those lookups).
• Understand surplus / excess proceeds rules under §197.582 if the sale closes above the amount due.

DeedScout indexes county links, cached calendars, and research tools. It is not a title company, auctioneer, or substitute for legal advice. Always verify on official sources before bidding.