FAQ’S

Frequently Asked Questions

Tax deed sales are public auctions where counties sell properties to recover unpaid property taxes, along with any associated fees, interest, and penalties. When a property owner fails to pay their taxes, the government may seize the property and sell it to the highest bidder in order to satisfy the outstanding tax debt.
If a property owner fails to pay their property taxes for one year or more, the county has the right to place the property up for auction in a tax deed sale after two years of unpaid taxes. However, the county is not obligated to do so, and in some cases, it may take several years before the property is actually put up for auction.
The county must notify property owners of an upcoming sale but is only obligated to send the notice to the address on file with the tax collector or appraiser. It is not required to search for a current address or take additional steps to locate the property owner.
The opening bid at a tax deed sale reflects the total amount the county needs to recover, covering all unpaid taxes, interest, penalties, and fees. Any excess amount paid by the winning bidder is classified as surplus. The county holds these surplus funds and notifies the property owner, mortgage holders, and other lienholders using the addresses on file. Surplus funds are retained by the county for up to one year, after which they are transferred to the state.
Our team is skilled in leveraging internet tools and software to track down property owners and their family members. We also utilize county-provided information to reach out to clients.
GNSNEXT only receives payment when we successfully recover your surplus funds. Our fee is a percentage of the recovered amount, which is clearly outlined in the contract with the client. All associated costs are covered by us from that percentage, meaning there are no out-of-pocket expenses for our clients.
At GNSNEXT, we specialize in recovering tax auction surplus funds for our clients while safeguarding your rightful claims from unauthorized parties. With decades of experience, we’ve built an impeccable reputation for trustworthiness, integrity, and excellence. Counties holding these funds often lack the expertise and resources to properly assist claimants, offering limited guidance and support. Partnering with us ensures the highest chance of success in reclaiming your funds.
The state requires counties to wait a mandatory 120 days from time of auction sale and surplus notification to disperse funds.

Properties at tax deed auctions are typically bought by individuals, investors, and larger investment firms. After the winning bid is paid, the county issues a tax deed, transferring legal ownership of the property to the purchaser. If you wish to buy the property back, you must contact the buyer, who will expect to make profit on their investment.

GNSNEXT specializes in this process and collaborates with all Florida counties that conduct tax deed auctions. Since we only receive payment upon successfully recovering your surplus, we are fully motivated to be efficient, effective, and successful in achieving results for you.
Florida Statute 197.582 determines the process by which surplus funds are claimed and disbursed to government and non-government lienholders and property owners. Claimants other than the owner(s) have a deadline of 120 days to submit notarized claims.
Probate, derived from the Latin word “prove,” refers to the legal process of administering a deceased person’s estate. This court-supervised process involves identifying the decedent’s assets and debts, confirming rightful heirs, and distributing the estate’s assets accordingly. To claim surpluses from tax deed sales, a probate must be completed, and the court judgment submitted. GNSNEXT Asset Recovery Group manages this process, including hiring a probate lawyer to handle legal documents and court proceedings. Typically, a probate can take one to two months, depending on the number of parties involved, from initiation to the submission of the final court judgment to the county for the surplus claim.
While it is possible to submit a surplus claim independently in non-probate cases, GNSNEXT offers specialized expertise that can help you navigate the complexities of the process. This includes managing document requirements, handling competing or fraudulent claims, adhering to statutory deadlines, and addressing other administrative challenges. We work directly with the county holding the surplus to resolve any claims processing issues, monitor status updates, and take all necessary steps to ensure you receive the surplus funds owed to you.
When a property is sold through a judicial foreclosure, any funds remaining after satisfying the judgment and associated costs are considered surplus. The disbursement of these surplus funds is primarily governed by Florida Statutes § 45.032. In cases where properties are sold due to unpaid taxes, the handling of surplus funds is governed by Florida Statutes § 197.582.

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