Tax Deeds


A tax deed sale is a public auction where real estate is sold to recover delinquent property taxes. (This is governed by Chapter 197 of the Florida Statutes, and Administrative Code 12D-13.060, Florida Department of Revenue.)

Governmental liens and judgments survive the issuance of a tax deed and are satisfied to the fullest extent possible with any overbid monies from the sale. Governmental liens, not satisfied in full, survive the issuance of a tax deed and will remain against the property. Records can be researched by visiting charlotteclerk.com

The property owner or mortgage holder can redeem the property from the Tax Deed Sale by paying the amounts owed to the Tax Collector and the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The total redemption is collected in the office of the Tax Collector. (Many of the properties advertised for the sale will be redeemed and will not be auctioned.)

All properties sold at a Tax Deed Sale qualify under “buyer beware”. The purchase of a Tax Deed Sale does not warrant or guarantee clear and marketable title. Note: Most title companies require the property to go through a quiet title lawsuit for the property to be able to have title insurance issued on property bought by Tax Deed Sale.

In order to participate in the bidding process, register at www.charlotte.realforeclose.com before the sale. You are also required to have $200.00 or 5% of the winning bid whichever is greater on deposit with RealAuction for each tax deed where you are the highest bidder. It is highly recommended that you research the properties prior to the sale day in order to understand what you are purchasing at the sale. (You should research for liens, zoning, restrictions, etc.)

Section 197.542, F.S. states: "Any person, firm, corporation, or county that is the grantee of any Tax Deed under this law shall be entitled to the immediate possession of the lands described in the Deed. If demand for possession is refused, the purchaser may apply to the Circuit Court for a Writ of Assistance upon five days’ notice directed to the person refusing to deliver possession. Upon service of the responsive pleadings, if any, the matter shall proceed as in chancery cases. If the court finds for the applicant, an order shall be issued by the court directing the Sheriff to put the grantee in possession of the lands."

To receive a refund you must request the refund from www.charlotte.realforclose.com.

  • Bring a cashier's check or money order to the Clerk's office at 350 E.Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda Florida 33950 .
  • ACH from your bank account to your account with RealAuction this process usually takes 4-5 business days.