Florida tax-deed surplus claims start with the county clerk

Start with the clerk in the county where the tax deed sale took place. If the sale brings in more than the legal bid, the clerk pays valid government liens first. The clerk then holds what remains for people whose recorded rights qualify.

The clerk’s mailed notice starts an important clock. A lienholder or other claimant who is not the property owner will usually have 120 days from the mailing date. The written claim must be signed before a notary and reach the clerk by the close of that last day. Follow the clerk’s own steps and attach the notice. A public surplus list may leave out new claims, costs, or later changes.

A recovery letter may point to real money but still charge for work you can start with the clerk. Check the property, claimant name, amount, and due date before signing an assignment or power of attorney. A private letter does not prove that its sender may act for you.

Keep the notice, sale and certificate numbers, claim, title or lien proof, and clerk messages together. If the funds have moved to the state’s unclaimed property system, use Florida Treasure Hunt and file your own claim without a recovery fee.