Florida tax sales
Beginner friendliness: ★★★★★ · Last verified 2026-07-06
Florida is widely considered the most beginner-friendly tax sale state. Nearly all major counties run online auctions, public records are strong, and there is consistent deal flow: annual tax certificate (lien) sales plus year-round tax deed auctions.
Quick facts
- Sale type
- Tax lien certificates + tax deed auctions
- Redemption period
- Owner can redeem any time before the tax deed sale. Certificate holders must wait 2 years before applying for a tax deed.
- Interest / penalty
- Up to 18% on tax certificates (bid-down auction; 5% minimum penalty typically applies)
- Auction format
- Online auctions in most counties; certificate sales each spring, deed sales year-round
- Online bidding
- Yes (most counties)
What beginners should know
- Tax certificate (lien) sales happen annually, typically starting June 1
- Tax deed auctions happen year-round, county by county
- Most counties use online auction platforms
- Interest on certificates is bid down from 18%
- Certificate holders can apply for a tax deed after 2 years of delinquency
Official source: https://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/TaxCollectors.aspx
Florida counties
Orange County
Difficulty 1/5 · Data 5/5 · RealForeclose (Realauction)
Miami-Dade County
Difficulty 2/5 · Data 5/5 · RealForeclose (Realauction)
Hillsborough County
Difficulty 1/5 · Data 5/5 · RealTaxDeed (Realauction)
Duval County
Difficulty 2/5 · Data 4/5 · Duval County Clerk online system
Polk County
Difficulty 1/5 · Data 4/5 · RealTaxDeed (Realauction)
Lee County
Difficulty 2/5 · Data 4/5 · RealTaxDeed (Realauction)
Florida tax sale FAQ
Is Florida a tax lien or tax deed state?
Florida uses tax lien certificates + tax deed auctions. Florida is widely considered the most beginner-friendly tax sale state. Nearly all major counties run online auctions, public records are strong, and there is consistent deal flow: annual tax certificate (lien) sales plus year-round tax deed auctions.
What is the redemption period for Florida tax sales?
Owner can redeem any time before the tax deed sale. Certificate holders must wait 2 years before applying for a tax deed. Always confirm the current rule with official Florida sources before acting, as laws change.
What interest rate or penalty do Florida tax sale investors earn?
Up to 18% on tax certificates (bid-down auction; 5% minimum penalty typically applies). Actual returns depend on auction competition and how quickly the owner redeems.
Are Florida tax sales held online?
Yes — most Florida counties offer online bidding. Online auctions in most counties; certificate sales each spring, deed sales year-round.
Is Florida good for beginner tax sale investors?
We rate Florida 5 out of 5 for beginner friendliness. The best first state for most new investors: online access, clean records, and steady auction volume.
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