Own Real Estate Without a Mortgage—Levy County FL Tax Sale!

What if you could buy real estate without needing a loan or mortgage? In Levy County, Florida, that’s a real possibility. The county holds tax certificate and tax deed sales every year, giving regular people a chance to earn income or own property by covering unpaid taxes.

Whether you’re just starting out or already investing in tax sales, this guide explains how things work in Levy County and what you need to know before you bid.

Understanding Tax Sales in Levy County

Levy County offers two main opportunities for investors:

• Tax Certificate Sales – You earn interest while holding a lien on a property
• Tax Deed Sales – You can buy the property if taxes remain unpaid

These sales are managed by the Levy County Tax Collector and the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller. The certificate sale is online, while deed sales are held in person.

Important Details at a Glance

Category	Details
Tax Sale Type	Tax Certificates & Tax Deeds
Certificate Sale Date	On or before May 31 (online)
Deed Sale Schedule	Typically June–July
Redemption Period	2 years from the date of certificate issuance
Interest Rate	Starts at 18%, reverse bidding format
Bidding Type	Online for certificates / In-person for deeds
Opening Bid (Deeds)	Includes back taxes, fees, and ½ of homestead value
Deposit Required	$200 or 5% of winning bid (whichever is greater), due immediately
Payment Method	Cash only for deed sale deposits
Auction Start Time	10:00 AM
Auction Location	355 S. Court Street, Bronson, FL 32621
Legal Note	Properties sold as-is with no guarantees

How Tax Certificate Sales Work

Tax certificate sales happen each year before May 31 and are held online.

1. Investors bid for the right to pay someone’s unpaid property taxes.
2. The bidding starts at 18% interest and moves down.
3. The lowest bidder who’s willing to accept less interest wins the certificate.
4. The owner has up to 2 years to pay back the taxes and interest.
5. If not paid back, the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed.

You must register through the county’s online platform and submit a new W-9 form each year before bidding.

How Tax Deed Sales Work

If a tax certificate goes unpaid for 2 years, the investor can apply for a tax deed.

1. The Clerk schedules a public auction.
2. Bidding begins at the total of back taxes, interest, and fees.
3. If the property is homesteaded, half the assessed value is also added to the opening bid.
4. The highest bidder wins the property.
5. A non-refundable deposit of $200 or 5% of the winning bid must be paid right away—in cash only.

These sales are in-person at the courthouse. Be sure to arrive early for registration, which begins at 9:00 AM.

Interesting Real Estate Facts About Levy County

Florida’s Affordable Coastline
Levy County is on the Gulf Coast and still offers reasonably priced land near the water.

Rural Zoning Brings Flexibility
Much of the land is zoned rural, making it great for mobile homes, farming, or tiny home living.

Recreational Land Hotspot
Many out-of-town buyers purchase land for camping, hunting, or RV use. Popular nearby areas include Goethe State Forest and the Suwannee River.

Tax Deed Auctions Are Gaining Interest
You can still find discounted land in towns like Chiefland, Bronson, and Inglis, especially for vacant lots.

Stable Growth
Levy County grows at a slower, steadier pace than big Florida cities. That means less market volatility and more predictable land values.

Pro Tips for Levy County Tax Sales

• Do your homework: Check zoning, access, and title issues before you bid. Use the Clerk’s site and property appraiser info.
• Understand the redemption timeline: Owners still have 2 years to pay off a certificate.
• Set a clear budget: Tax deed bidding can get competitive. Know your limit and stick to it.
• Prepare for legal follow-ups: Some properties need a quiet title action to get a clear deed.
• Pay attention to auction rules: For tax deed sales, deposits must be paid in cash immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to live in Florida to bid?
No. Anyone can bid—even if you live out of state or outside the U.S.

Can I see the property before the sale?
You can drive by, but no official property inspections are allowed.

What if the property is occupied?
You’ll need to go through the legal process to take possession.

Do tax deed sales give a clear title?
Not always. You may need to file a quiet title lawsuit to remove clouds on the title.

What happens if I don’t pay the deposit?
Your winning bid is cancelled, and the property goes back up for sale right away.

Useful Links

• Levy County Tax Deed Info
• Levy County Clerk of Court
• Levy County Government Site
• Florida Tax Sale Listings
• 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

Final Thoughts

Levy County tax sales give you the chance to earn income or buy land without needing a mortgage. With low starting bids and flexible land use, it’s an attractive area for both new and experienced investors. Just make sure to research each property and understand the process before placing your bid.

Need Assistance?

Explore our Auction Calendar to stay updated on upcoming tax sales—don’t let these opportunities pass you by! Need assistance or have questions about participating in tax sales? Book a call now to connect with an expert who will guide you through the process. You can also browse our free resources for valuable tips and answers to help you make smart investment decisions.

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