Florida’s tax deed auction system offers real estate investors the opportunity to purchase properties at significantly below-market prices. This step-by-step guide will walk you through exactly how to buy tax deed properties in Florida — from finding auctions to closing on your investment.
Step 1: Understand Florida’s Tax Deed Process
In Florida, when property taxes go unpaid, the county sells a tax certificate to investors. If the property owner doesn’t pay within 2 years, the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed, triggering an auction. The winning bidder receives ownership of the property.
Step 2: Find Tax Deed Auctions in Your Target County
Each Florida county manages its own tax deed auction schedule. The top counties for South Florida investors include:
- Miami-Dade County: mdc.acttaxsale.com — online auctions, held regularly
- Broward County: browardclerk.org/tax-deeds
- Palm Beach County: mypalmbeachclerk.com
Register on each county’s auction platform to browse upcoming properties and place bids.
Step 3: Research Properties Before Bidding
This is the most critical step. Before bidding on any tax deed property, research:
- Market value — Pull comparable sales (comps) to determine what the property is worth
- Title search — Check for liens, encumbrances, and title defects
- Property condition — Drive by the property or hire someone to do a visual inspection
- IRS liens — Federal tax liens survive a tax deed sale and must be resolved
- HOA liens — Some HOA liens survive the tax deed sale as well
Step 4: Set Your Maximum Bid
Calculate your maximum bid based on:
- After Repair Value (ARV) — what the property will be worth after improvements
- Estimated repair costs
- Desired profit margin (typically 20–30% for flips)
- Carrying costs, title fees, and closing costs
A simple formula: Maximum Bid = ARV × 70% minus Repair Costs
Step 5: Register and Bid at Auction
Most Florida counties now conduct tax deed auctions online. You’ll need to:
- Register on the county’s auction platform
- Submit a deposit (typically 5% of your expected maximum bid)
- Place bids during the auction window
Step 6: Close and Secure Your Title
If you win the auction, you typically have 24 hours to pay the balance. After receiving your tax deed, you should pursue a quiet title action through a Florida real estate attorney to clear any remaining clouds on the title. This process typically takes 3–6 months.
Step 7: Plan Your Exit Strategy
Once you have clear title, your options include:
- Fix and flip — Renovate and sell for a profit
- Rental property — Hold and rent for monthly cash flow
- Wholesale — Assign the contract or deed to another investor
Work With OMG Listings for Tax Deed Success
Navigating Florida’s tax deed process is much easier with an experienced real estate team on your side. OMG Listings has deep experience in South Florida’s investment property markets and can help you identify the best opportunities, conduct proper due diligence, and connect you with title attorneys and financing partners.
Register as an investor today ?
Questions? Call or text (855) 351-3700 or email office@omglistings.com