Yes. In Florida you can generally stop a tax deed sale by paying the taxes, interest, and costs before the winning bidder pays the clerk in full. The legal cutoff is governed by section 197.472; confirm the current payoff, accepted funds and timing directly with the tax collector and clerk.
Yes. In Florida you can generally stop a tax deed sale by paying what is owed before the winning bidder pays the clerk in full. The legal cutoff is governed by section 197.472; confirm the current payoff, accepted funds and timing directly with the tax collector and clerk.
What you have to pay
To redeem, you pay the tax collector the delinquent taxes, plus accrued interest, advertising, and other costs on the application. The amount may cover several years if more than one certificate exists, and it changes as interest and costs add up. Always get a current figure in writing.
How it works
Call the tax collector or the clerk and ask for the redemption amount and the sale date.
Pay with certified funds. Many offices do not take personal checks, so confirm accepted methods.
Get a receipt showing the case is redeemed, and ask the clerk to confirm the sale is cancelled.
Who can redeem
The owner can. Mortgage holders and some other parties with a legal interest may be able to as well.
When redeeming is not enough
You cannot come up with the full amount in time.
The house needs more than you can fund, and the back taxes are only part of the problem.
You would rather keep the equity than keep the house.
In those cases, selling before the auction can leave you with more than you would get if the house goes to sale.
What to do this week
Get the payoff and the sale date. If you can pay it, do. If you cannot, send me the numbers and I will show you what a sale before the auction would look like.
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.
Source: Florida Statutes section 197.472. Redemption is generally permitted before the tax deed issues unless full payment for the deed, including documentary stamps and recording fees, has already been made to the clerk. Do not wait until the auction to arrange payment.
Originally published on Equity Edge Orlando. Reviewed for this Substack edition.