Tax Deed Sales Are Conducted Online

Go to the Online Auction Site

Tax deed sales are conducted online on designated Wednesdays starting at 9:30 a.m. Proxy bidding begins as soon as the tax certificate appears on the auction calendar to be sold. No sales are conducted on designated holidays. Check the online auction calendar for the exact dates of upcoming sales.

The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller cannot assist in researching properties, nor can we give legal advice. The Clerk sells property pursuant to Florida Statute 197 and cannot guarantee a clear title. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to research the property prior to the sale date.

Customers may search online to find easily accessible information on tax deed sales:

  • Access tax deed files at any time from the convenience of your home or office
  • Remain current with any status updates for each tax deed file
  • Print copies of the tax deed file from your own computer

Tax deed sales are advertised in the Sun Sentinel.

Visit the online auction site for additional information on how to use the online auction software.

General Information

Register to Bid

To be eligible to bid at an auction, you must register online prior to the auction at the Online Auction Site and satisfy the advance deposit requirements. You must register for yourself and any and all corporations, non-profits, partnerships, businesses, etc. that you may represent as a bidder. The Clerk reserves the right to require proof of bidder’s name and/or affiliation. There is no fee for registration. You do not need to register solely to view an auction.

Bidding

Bidding is done in increments of $100 over the opening bid.

Deposit

You must advance funds equal to the greater of 5% of your intended maximum bid or $200 prior to bidding. The deposit will be applied towards your final payment should you be the successful bidder. Advance deposits may be made online through the electronic auction website via ACH transfer at least three (3) full business days before the auction you intend to participate in. In addition, the deposit may be paid by cash, official bank check or cashier’s check presented to the Tax Deeds department by the close of business at 4 p.m. the day before the sale you intend to bid in. Personal checks will not be accepted.

Final Payment

Final payment must be received by the Clerk by 2 p.m. the next business day after the sale and may be made by cash, official bank check, cashier's check or wire transfer. Such wire transfer must be received by the Clerk’s bank by 2 p.m. the next business day after the sale. Final payment may not be made by ACH/electronic check. Personal checks will not be accepted.

Forfeits

If payment in full is not made by 2 p.m. the next business day following the sale, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be re-auctioned within 30 days. The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s office shall have the right to refuse the bid of forfeited bidders and their assignees.

Issuance

A tax deed will not be issued until full payment is received. Property cannot be redeemed once the Clerk has received full payment for the tax deed.

Title

Tax deeds are generally not a marketable title.

Surplus/Excess Proceeds

Surplus proceeds of a tax deed sale shall be distributed by the Clerk pursuant to statute. Claims must be filed within 120 days of the Notice of Sale with the Tax Deeds department or as pursuant to statute.

Tax Deeds are governed by Florida Statutes Chapter 197.

Purchase a Palm Beach Tax Deed Surplus List: To see available reports to purchase, click on Product Categories, General Public Record Requests and Current Tax Deed Surplus/Registry Report.

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