If you have ever wondered how tax auction properties work here in Florida, I want to walk you through a real deal I just closed in Clay County. This one was in Orange Park, and it is a perfect example of both the opportunity and the reality that comes with buying houses this way.
How the Tax Auction Process Works
In Florida, counties auction off properties when the owner has not paid their property taxes. To participate, you go to the county website, find the auction list, and place your bids online.
Before I bid on this one, I went out the day before and walked the exterior. You cannot go inside. You are making a decision based on limited information.
Here is what I looked at:
- Roof condition from the outside
- Construction type (this one was concrete block)
- Neighborhood quality
- Signs of vacancy
- Overall exterior condition
From there, you estimate value and risk.
Where to Find Tax Auction Properties (Real Sources)
If you are trying to do this yourself, here are the main places to actually find deals:
1. County Clerk of Court Websites (Best Source)
- Every county runs their own tax deed sales through the Clerk of Court
- Most auctions are online now
- Example:
Each county has:
- Auction listings
- Opening bid amounts
- Property details
Most Florida counties run auctions online through platforms like RealAuction.
2. Statewide Auction Listing Sites
These help you see multiple counties in one place:
- Parcel Fair (search all Florida tax auctions and calendars)
- Parcel Dream (map based search of tax deed properties)
These save a lot of time when you are scanning deals across different counties.
3. Full List of All Florida County Auction Sites
If you want the full list of official auction links:
This includes:
- Clay County
- Duval County
- St Johns County
- Every county in Florida
4. National Auction Platforms
Some auctions and government properties show up on:
- Bid4Assets (used by government agencies and counties)
Winning the Property
After doing my research, I placed my bid based on what I believed another investor would pay for the property as is.
We won the auction.
That is when the real work started.
What We Found Inside
Once we got access, I brought my contractor out.
The house was packed.
Floor to ceiling in some areas. Old furniture, trash, personal belongings. This is very common with tax auction properties.
Some things we found:
- Rooms completely filled
- Old AC system
- Outdated electrical panel
- Damage in areas like ceilings and fixtures
- Random personal items everywhere
Cleanout alone was a project.
Why This Deal Still Made Sense
Even with all that, the deal worked because:
- Good area in Orange Park
- Concrete block construction
- Strong investor demand
- Bought at the right price
We did not overcomplicate it.
We sold it as is to another investor who can:
- Flip it
- Rent it
- Hold long term
The Biggest Lesson
Tax auction deals are not easy money.
You are:
- Buying without seeing the inside
- Taking on unknown risk
- Responsible for cleanout and repairs
Florida is very much buyer beware on these deals.
The key is:
- Buy right
- Know your exit
- Expect surprises
Thinking About Selling a Property Like This
If you own a property that is behind on taxes, vacant, or needs too much work, you do not have to let it go to auction.
I help homeowners:
- Stop tax sales
- Sell as is
- Avoid cleanouts and repairs
- Close quickly
If you have questions, reach out.