A Comprehensive Guide to Walton County, Florida’s Tax Sales

Walton County, Florida, provides a pathway for investors and property buyers through its tax sales process. These sales, managed by the Tax Collector’s Office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, aim to recover unpaid property taxes while offering valuable opportunities for investment. Here’s everything you need to know about how Walton County conducts its tax certificate and tax deed sales.

Tax Certificate Sales: Earning While Supporting Tax Recovery

Annual Auction

Walton County’s tax certificate sales are conducted annually, typically on or before June 1. The sale takes place online through LienHub, a secure platform for bidders.

Investors bid on delinquent properties to pay their owed taxes and earn a lien on the property.

How It Works

1. Reverse Bidding: The auction begins at an 18% interest rate, and investors compete by lowering the rate they’re willing to accept. The lowest bidder wins the certificate.
2. County-Owned Certificates: If no bids are placed, Walton County retains the certificate at the maximum rate of 18%.

Redemption Period

Property owners have two years from the date of issuance to redeem their tax certificate by paying the owed taxes plus interest. If certificate holders do not redeem the certificate, they can apply for a tax deed.

Tax Deed Sales: Securing Property Ownership

Applying for a Tax Deed

After holding a tax certificate for at least two years and if the taxes remain unpaid, certificate holders can apply for a tax deed through the Tax Collector’s Office. This involves covering all administrative fees and advertising costs.

The Auction Process

After processing the application, the system schedules properties for public auction, which takes place online at Walton RealForeclose. Check out our Auction Calendar for scheduled auctions.

The highest bidder purchases the properties, gains ownership, and fulfills the county’s tax obligations.

Opening Bids

The starting bid includes:

1. Delinquent taxes
2. Interest owed
3. Administrative fees
4. For homestead properties, an additional one-half of the assessed property value is included.

Key Considerations for Buyers

1. Do Your Homework Research is critical before participating in tax deed sales. The Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s website offers property details, including ownership records, legal descriptions, and encumbrances. Remember, sellers offer properties as-is, and buyers must address any issues after the purchase.
2. Be Financially Prepared Winning bidders must pay a non-refundable deposit of 5% of the bid or $200, whichever is greater, immediately after the sale. The remaining balance must be paid by 11:00 a.m. CST the next business day using cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders.
3. Seek Professional Advice The Clerk’s Office does not provide legal advice or assistance with property research. Consult with legal or real estate professionals for guidance.

Why Invest in Walton County’s Tax Sales?

For investors, Walton County’s tax sales present an opportunity to earn competitive returns on tax certificates or acquire properties at competitive rates. For buyers, it’s a chance to secure real estate in one of Florida’s thriving regions. With preparation and due diligence, you can navigate the risks and reap the rewards of this process.

Useful Links

• Auction Calendar
• Comprehensive Guide to Florida’s Deed Auction Process and Key Requirements
• Discover the intriguing world of Hybrid Auctions
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 
• Want to get started with Tax Liens? Watch this video!
• Explore the lucrative world of Florida Tax Liens and Deeds

Need a Hand?

Check out our Auction Calendar for upcoming auctions. If you need more guidance or have questions about participating in tax sales, don’t hesitate to book a call now to connect with an expert who can help you navigate the process. You can also check out our free resources to find answers to your questions and tips for making informed investments.

Don’t miss out on the opportunities that Walton County’s tax sales provide. Turn delinquent taxes into profitable investments and transform properties into valuable assets.

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