Usually no. Florida tax collectors generally require delinquent taxes to be paid in full. Your options are to pay, raise the money, or sell. For future years, ask about enrolling in an installment plan before the deadline.
Usually no. Florida law does not provide for payment plans on property taxes that are already delinquent. Tax collectors generally require delinquent taxes to be paid in full, with certified funds.
What you can do instead
Pay what is owed. Ask the tax collector for the exact payoff.
Raise the money. Common sources are family, a loan secured by the property, or a sale.
Sell the house. The taxes are paid from the proceeds at closing.
Ways to avoid this next year
Ask about an installment plan for future taxes. Florida allows an installment option on future tax bills if you enroll in advance. Ask your tax collector what your county offers and the deadline to sign up.
Check for exemptions. A homestead exemption, and others for seniors, veterans, or disabled owners, may lower your bill.
Escrow your taxes into your mortgage payment if that is an option.
Why timing matters
Interest keeps adding, and after about two years the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed. Paying sooner costs less.
What to do this week
Get the payoff figure and check your exemptions. If you cannot pay, send me the numbers and I will lay out the options.
General education, not legal, tax or investment advice. Discuss your circumstances with a licensed Florida attorney or tax professional. Yoganand Ganeshram PA, licensed Florida real estate agent with eXp Realty. Equal Housing Opportunity.
For the application clock, section 197.502 uses two years after April 1 of the certificate’s year of issuance. For redemption, section 197.472 governs the cutoff. Ask the tax collector and clerk for your parcel’s actual dates; these are different deadlines.
Sources: Section 197.502 and section 197.472.
Originally published on Equity Edge Orlando. Reviewed for this Substack edition.