Your Guide to Bay County Tax Deed & Lien Sales: Real Estate Deals Made Simple

Bay County, Florida, has a clear and simple system for handling unpaid property taxes. If someone doesn’t pay their property taxes on time, the county sells a tax lien certificate. If the taxes still aren’t paid after two years, the property can be sold in a tax deed auction. This helps the county recover money and gives investors a chance to earn interest or even buy property.

Tax Certificate Sales (Tax Liens)

When and How It Happens:

• Property taxes must be paid by March 31 each year.
• If not paid, the county holds a tax certificate sale by June 1 (usually in May).
• The sale is online. Visit the Bay County Tax Certificate Sale page for details.

Bidding Process:

• Bidding starts at 18% interest.
• Investors bid the lowest interest rate they’re willing to accept.
• The bidder with the lowest rate wins the certificate.
• The property owner can pay off the debt at any time during the 2-year period, including the interest.

Redemption Period:

• Property owners have 2 years to pay the back taxes and interest.
• If they don’t, the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed.

Tax Deed Sales

How It Works:

• After two years, if the taxes are still unpaid, the certificate holder can request a tax deed sale.
• The auction is held online through Bay County’s RealTDM site.
• Auction dates and property listings are posted on the Bay County Auction Calendar.

Opening Bid:

• The minimum bid includes unpaid taxes, interest, and sale-related fees.
• If the final sale price is higher than the starting bid, extra money (called surplus funds) can be claimed by people with legal rights to the property.

Bidding Rules:

• You must register and pay a deposit before bidding.
• Deposit: 5% of your bid or $200 (whichever is greater).
• If you win, full payment is due by 10:00 AM the next business day.

Bay County Tax Sale Overview Table

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Tax Lien Certificates & Tax Deeds
Lien Sale Timing	Annually, on or before June 1
Deed Sale Timing	Varies throughout the year
Redemption Period	2 years for tax liens
Interest Rate	Up to 18%, bid down by investors
Auction Type	Online for both tax liens and tax deeds
Deposit Requirement	5% of bid or $200 minimum
Registration Required	Yes, for both sale types
Auction Website	Bay RealTDM Auction
Clerk Info	Email: webbaycoclerk@baycoclerk.com Phone: (850) 763-9061
Auction Notices	Bay County Public Notices

Things Investors Should Know

Do Your Homework:

• Always check public records for liens, code violations, or other problems.
• Look up the property on the County GIS map and see its location and condition.

No Guarantees:

• Tax deed properties are sold “as-is.”
• You won’t get title insurance unless you take extra-legal steps, like a quiet title action.

Pay on Time:

• If you win the auction and don’t pay in time, you lose the deal and your deposit.

Why Bay County is Popular for Real Estate Investors

Panama City Beach Draws Tourists:

This area is one of the most visited spots on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Vacation rentals are in high demand, especially beachfront condos and homes.

Post-Hurricane Rebuild:

Hurricane Michael caused major damage in 2018. Since then, the county has seen lots of new construction and rising property values.

Short-Term Rentals Are Hot:

Many investors target properties for Airbnb and Vrbo. Spring Break, summer, and holiday seasons bring in steady income.

Tyndall Air Force Base Adds Rental Demand:

Tyndall AFB keeps rental demand high in places like Callaway, Parker, and eastern Panama City.

More Affordable Than Other Coastal Areas:

Compared to places like Walton or Sarasota County, Bay County still has lower prices for beachfront or water-view properties.

Useful Links

• Bay County Clerk of Court – Tax Deed Auctions
• Bay County Tax Deed Auction Calendar
• Bay RealTDM Auction Site
• Bay County Public Notices
• Bay County Tax Collector – Delinquent Taxes
• Bay County Tax Certificate Sale page
• 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anyone buy tax liens or deeds in Bay County?
Yes, both U.S. and international investors can take part as long as they register properly.

What happens if I win a bid and don’t pay?
You lose your deposit and may be banned from future auctions.

Do I own the property right away after winning a tax deed auction?
Yes, but there may still be legal steps needed to clear the title completely.

Can I look at the property before bidding?
You can’t go inside, but you can check it from the street and review public records.

Will I get title insurance?
Not automatically. You may need to go through a legal process to get a clear title.

Pro Tips for New Investors

• Visit the Clerk’s official auction page often to keep track of updates.
• Use online maps to check property location before bidding.
• Budget for legal costs if you plan to clear the title.
• Always do your research—buying blindly can lead to expensive mistakes.

Final Thoughts

Tax sales in Bay County offer great opportunities for investors who are prepared. Whether you’re going after interest from tax lien certificates or hoping to grab property through a tax deed auction, the key is doing your homework. Start with the auction calendar, follow the rules, and know what you’re bidding on.

Need A Hand?

Browse the Auction Calendar today to see upcoming tax sales in Bay County. Don’t miss this opportunity and participate in an organized process. If you’re new to tax sales or have questions, consider scheduling a call with us, who can guide you through each step. You can also explore our free online resources to learn more and refine your investment approach.

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