🌴 Florida Tax Sale Properties 2026
Florida operates a two-stage tax sale process under Chapter 197 of the Florida Statutes. First, counties hold annual Tax Certificate Sales in June, where investors bid on the right to pay delinquent taxes in exchange for a certificate that earns interest. If the property owner does not redeem within two years, the certificate holder can apply for a Tax Deed Sale, triggering a public auction of the actual property.
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Updated daily from official county sources · 2026
How Tax Sales Work in Florida
Each June, Florida county tax collectors hold online auctions where investors competitively bid on tax lien certificates. Bidders bid down the interest rate (starting at 18%). The lowest bidder wins the certificate. If the property owner redeems, the certificate holder receives their investment plus earned interest. After two years without redemption, the certificate holder applies to the clerk of court for a tax deed sale, where the property is auctioned to the highest bidder.
Florida counties hold their annual Tax Certificate Sales online each June for properties with delinquent taxes from the prior year. The auctions are conducted on third-party platforms (RealTaxDeed, LienHub, or county-specific systems). Investors register in advance, post deposits, and bid competitively for certificates.
Unlike many states, Florida's lien auction is unique: investors bid down the interest rate, starting at 18% and bidding lower. The bidder accepting the lowest interest rate wins the certificate. The minimum rate bid is 0.25%. If the delinquent taxpayer never redeems, the certificate earns the rate at which it was bid. Zero percent bids can still earn the statutory minimum of 5% if redemption occurs.
After the certificate is issued, the property owner has a statutory redemption window. The owner can redeem at any time by paying the original delinquent tax amount plus the certificate's interest rate. If redeemed, the investor receives their principal plus all earned interest. Most Florida certificates are redeemed within 2 years. Unredeemed certificates become eligible for a deed application after 2 years (and must be applied for within 7 years).
If the property owner does not redeem within 2 years, the certificate holder may file a Tax Deed Application with the county clerk of court. The application triggers a title search, notice to all interested parties (owners, lienholders, mortgage lenders), and scheduling of a public Tax Deed Sale auction. The application fee and costs are added to the minimum bid at the deed auction.
The clerk of court schedules and conducts the Tax Deed Sale (often held online or at the courthouse). Bidding opens at the minimum bid (total of all certificate costs, application fees, and accumulated interest). The highest bidder wins the tax deed. In high-value markets, properties can sell for well above assessed value. The winning bidder immediately receives a Tax Deed.
Florida Tax Deeds extinguish most encumbrances, including mortgages and junior liens. However, certain liens survive: IRS federal tax liens (120-day right of redemption post-sale), government special assessment liens, and some HOA super-priority liens. Engage a Florida real estate attorney to review the title and determine whether a quiet title action is needed for marketable title.
Investor Tip
In Florida's tax lien auctions, competitive counties like Miami-Dade and Broward often see certificates bid down to 0.25% or lower. Smaller rural counties (Gilchrist, Jefferson, Liberty) offer less competition and higher interest rates. For tax deed auctions, research the property thoroughly before bidding — liens that survive the deed sale (HOA liens, federal liens) can represent hidden costs.
Florida Tax Sale FAQ
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