Notice of Surplus Funds

When a property is sold at a tax deed sale, the proceeds first pay for the delinquent taxes and the costs of bringing the property to auction. Any surplus over the opening bid amount is deposited with the Clerk and Comptroller and subject to a registry fee.

The tax deed clerk will mail a Notice of Surplus Funds to all parties listed on the Property Information Report, pursuant to F.S. §197.502(4), along with the required claim form and instructions.

How to Claim Surplus Funds

Florida Statute §197.582 dictates the process to claim surplus funds by governmental lienholders, non-governmental lienholders, and owners of record.

Claimants have 120 days from the date of the Notice of Surplus Funds to submit a notarized claim to the Clerk and Comptroller. Claims can be submitted by mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. Once the claim window has closed, the Clerk and Comptroller will process all claims according to priorities set forth in F.S. §197.582.

Unclaimed Surplus Funds

Surplus funds are held by the Clerk and Comptroller for one year. If the Clerk and Comptroller receives no claims within one year from the date of the Notice of Surplus Funds, the monies are transferred to the State of Florida for holding.

• To view surplus funds from tax deed sale currently held by the Clerk and Comptroller, search the tax deed records online for files with a surplus funds balance.

• Visit Florida's Treasure Hunt website to search for unclaimed funds held by the State of Florida.