How to claim Florida tax-deed surplus money you're owed

When a property is sold at a Florida tax-deed sale and it brings more than the taxes, fees and costs owed, the extra money does not just disappear. It is held by the Clerk of the Circuit Court as surplus — and the former owner (or certain lienholders) may be entitled to claim it. A lot of people never find out, and the money sits unclaimed.

Who can claim it

Generally, the person who owned the property at the time of the sale, or a lienholder of record, can file a claim. Florida sets the order of who gets paid in Florida Statute 197.582. If that is you or a family member, the first step is simply finding out whether a surplus exists for the case.

How the process works

• After the sale, the clerk holds any surplus and notifies parties of record.
• You file a claim with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the sale happened.
• There are deadlines, and competing claims (like old liens) can affect what you receive.
• The clerk pays the rightful claimant — not a finder — so any legitimate helper is paid out of the recovery, never up front.

Watch out for the fee limit and for scams

Florida caps what a non-attorney recovery agent can charge at 12% of the amount recovered (see Florida Statute 45.033). Anyone asking for a big fee up front, or pressuring you to sign fast, is a red flag. A real recovery is paid only when the money comes through, and you should always be free to have your own attorney review the paperwork.

How Luxucleen helps

Luxucleen finds these surpluses, tells you if there is money in your name, and connects you with the right people to claim it — you pay only if you actually recover, within the legal 12% limit. We are not a law firm and this is not legal advice; we work alongside licensed attorneys and the county clerk, and you keep the large majority of what is recovered.

Related: if you still own a property and want to sell before an auction happens, see we buy houses in any condition.