GENERAL QUESTIONS
What is a Tax Deed sale?
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)
How do I find a list of the upcoming Tax Deed Sales:
Tax Deed auctions are listed on Charlotte.Realforeclose.com, details to each Tax Deed Case, can be obtained at CharlotteClerk.com, click on Department, Tax Deeds. Notices of Tax Deed applications are also published in the Charlotte Sun in the Legal Notices section.
What liens or encumbrances survive against a property after it is sold at a Tax Deed Sale?
The bidder must do their own research on the property. If a lien/encumbrance is found then please seek legal counsel as to the validity of the lien/encumbrance prior to bidding.
Can the property owners stop the property from bring sold for taxes?
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. This full amount must be paid prior to the Clerk’s office receiving full payment from the successful bidder.
Do I get a clear title with a Tax Deed?
The purchase of a Tax Deed Sale does not warrant or guarantee clear and marketable title. Property is sold as “Buyer Beware” and could be subject to liens and encumbrances.

PRIOR/DURING SALE QUESTIONS
What are some of the things I need to know before the sale?
In order to participate in the bidding process, register at 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 can search for liens, zoning restrictions, property restrictions, etc.)
How can I make a deposit to my account with RealAuction?
  • Bring a cashier’s check or money order to the Clerk’s office at 350 E. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda 33950.
  • ACH from your bank account to your RealAuction account, this process usually takes 4-5 business days. (please check with your bank for their processing times)
  • Wire payments from your bank account to your RealAuction account, this process usually takes 24-48 hours. (please check with your bank for their processing times)
If I am a successful bidder, what do I need to do after the sale?
You will need to make final payment with the Clerk’s Office by 9:00am the following business morning. Payment can be made by money already in your RealAuction account, by counter payment (Cashier’s Check or Money Order) or by Wire Transfer. Select which payment method you will be using in your RealAuction account.
If I am a successful bidder and decide I no longer want the property what will happen?
Your non-refundable deposit will be kept and used to re-advertise the property. You could be barred from participating in future sales.

AFTER SALE QUESTIONS
If I am a successful bidder at a Tax Deed auction, am I entitle to immediate possession after the Tax Deed has been issued?
Section 1697.542, 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.
As a bidder, how do I get a refund for unused funds in my RealAuction account?
To receive a fund my must request a refund at Charlotte.RealForclose.com, this refund could take up to a month to process.
How can I access the Excess funds/Surplus list?
All cases that have remaining funds left in the account are listed on our website www.charlotteclerk.com where you will click on Online Services then select Tax Deed Search. From there you will select where it says Surplus, all cases with excess funds will come up with all the requested information. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
How can I claim surplus on a tax Deed case?
In order to claim surplus, you will obtain the form from our website www.charlotteclerk.com click on Online Services then choose Tax Deed Search. You will need to search for the case by case number, certificate number or parcel ID. Once the case has been located you will open the case and look for a document titled Letters: Notice of Surplus. The 1st page is the instructions and the 2nd page is the actual claim form that must be filled out. Once received we cannot process any claims until 120 days after the sale of the property. Please let me know if you have any additional questions I can assist you with.
How can I View and purchase property not sold at the auction?
All Lands Available cases are listed on our website www.charlotteclerk.com where you will click on Online Services then select Tax Deed Search. From there you will select where it says Lands Available, all cases available for purchase will come up. If interested in a particular one please send us an email to taxdeeds@charlotteclerk.com with the Tax Deed Case number so we can get you a purchase price. Please let us know if you have any additional questions.