Property owners are required to pay property taxes on an annual basis to the County Tax Collector. If the owner neglects to pay his/her taxes, a "Tax Certificate" is sold by the Tax Collector. The certificate holder may request the sale of the property to satisfy the certificate. All owners and lienholders are notified of the sale.
Tax deed sales are governed by sections 197.122 and 197.502-603, Florida Statutes. In accordance with these statutes, the Clerk of Court acts as an auctioneer for tax deed applications submitted by the Tax Collector. The courts are not involved in tax deed sales.
A property owner may redeem the property by paying all back taxes and costs up until the time of sale and full payment of the sale bid amount has been made.
The property is sold to the highest bidder. Before bidding, bidders must post an advance deposit of $200.00 or 5% of the bid, whichever is greater, at alachua.taxdeed.com. Hand delivered deposits must be made before 3 pm on the last business day prior to the date of the sale. ACH payments must be made at least 4 days in advance. Payment can be in the form of cash, money order, certified check or cashier's check or by wire, personal checks are not accepted.
Winning bids, including recording fees, the winning bidder deposit fee, and documentary stamps, must be paid in cash, cashier's check, wire, or Realauction collected funds, if available, within 24 hours of sale.
Deposit Fees Non-Refundable
The winning bidder’s deposit and associated deposit fees are non-refundable. Such risks associated with tax deed sales are assumed by the bidder.
In recognition of differing holidays, a business day is defined as a day when both the Clerk's office and Federal and State banks are open so as to enable the purchaser to obtain funds.
Buyers Beware
Any Property that is the subject of a tax deed sale is sold on an “As Is” basis without any warranties or representations with regard to the condition of the property, marketability, zoning, or the presence or lack of presence of a mobile home. Should a mobile home be present on the property there is no guaranty of a successful ownership/title transfer. Furthermore, the Property Information Report is prepared in accordance with section 197.502, Fla. Stat., and only intended for notice purposes – it is not a title search and cannot not be relied for a title determination. You must do your own research or seek title and/or legal advice.