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Earn Up to 18% & Grab Real Estate in Manatee County’s Tax Sales

What if you could earn up to 18% interest just for paying someone else’s property tax bill? That’s how tax certificate investing works in Manatee County, Florida. And if the owner doesn’t pay back those taxes, you could end up owning the property through a tax deed sale.

Let’s break down how the process works and why Manatee County is a solid place for real estate investors.

Understanding Manatee County, Florida Tax Sales

Manatee County uses tax sales to collect unpaid property taxes and get properties back on the tax roll. There are two main types of sales:

• Tax certificate sales, handled by the Tax Collector’s Office
• Tax deed sales, managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller

Each process gives investors a different way to earn money or acquire property.

Manatee County Tax Sale Summary

Category	Details
Sale Type	Tax Lien Certificates (May/June) and Tax Deed Sales (year-round as scheduled)
Tax Lien Auction Site	LienHub.com
Tax Deed Auction Site	manatee.realforeclose.com
Tax Lien Interest Rate	Starts at 18%, bid down format
Redemption Period	2 years from April 1 of the year the certificate was issued
Minimum Holding for Deed Application	2 years
Opening Bid on Tax Deeds	Includes back taxes, fees, and possibly half of assessed value (if homesteaded)
Deposit Requirement	5% of your max bid or $200 (whichever is greater)
Full Payment Due	By 11:00 AM the next business day
Where to Register	Online at RealAuction for deed sales, LienHub for certificates
Property Research Tool	Manatee County Property Appraiser

How Tax Certificate Sales Work

Tax certificate auctions happen once a year, usually in May or June, through LienHub.com. Investors bid by offering the lowest interest rate they’re willing to accept. The lower the rate, the more likely you are to win the bid.

If you win, you’re essentially lending money to cover the property taxes. You earn interest until the property owner pays back the taxes. If they don’t pay within two years, you can apply to get a tax deed and possibly own the property.

How Tax Deed Sales Work

Once a tax certificate goes unpaid for two years, the certificate holder can apply for the property to be sold at a tax deed auction. Here’s what to expect:

• The Clerk of Court sets a date for the auction.
• The opening bid includes taxes, court fees, and possibly half the property’s assessed value if it’s a homestead.
• The property is sold to the highest bidder.
• You must pay in full by 11:00 AM the next business day.
• They Sell the Properties “as-is.” That means no guarantees about the condition or title.

Pro Tips for First-Time Investors

Do your research. Look up the property on the county’s appraiser site before bidding.

Stick to your budget. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment during bidding.

Know the redemption period. There’s a wait time before you can fully own a property, especially with certificates.

Prepare for legal steps. After a tax deed sale, you may need to go through a quiet title action to get full legal ownership.

Why Investors Like Manatee County

Location is a big draw. Manatee County is near Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and beautiful Gulf Coast beaches like Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key.

New neighborhoods are popping up fast in East Bradenton, with homes ranging from luxury builds to affordable townhouses.

Waterfront properties are in high demand. Places near rivers and the coast attract snowbirds, vacationers, and retirees.

The short-term rental market is strong. Investors often rent out homes during Florida’s busy tourist season.

No state income tax and good homestead exemptions make the area especially appealing for investors and retirees.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start bidding?
Register online. Use LienHub for tax certificate auctions and RealAuction for tax deed sales.

Can I buy a property without going to auction?
Yes. Some properties go unsold and can be bought over the counter. Contact the Clerk’s Office for more info.

Do I need to live in Florida to invest?
No. Out-of-state and international investors can take part in these sales.

What if someone still lives on the property I win?
You may need to go through eviction or work with a local attorney to sort it out.

Do I get a clear title after a tax deed sale?
Not right away. You may need to file a quiet title action to clear up legal ownership.

Useful Links for Manatee County Tax Sales

• Clerk of Court – Tax Deed Sales Info
• Manatee County Clerk of Court – Main Website
• Tax Deed Auction Site (RealAuction)
• Tax Certificate Auction Site (LienHub)
• Manatee County Property Appraiser
• Manatee County Government Website
• 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

Ready to Get Started?

Manatee County offers strong opportunities for real estate investors, especially those looking for high returns with manageable risks. Whether you’re after the steady interest from a tax certificate or hoping to land a property through a deed sale, there’s a lot of potential here.

Take the time to research, register early, and don’t skip due diligence. If you’re new to this or just want some guidance, we’re here to help.

To help you get started, we offer a FREE Tax Lien & Deed Mini Course. You can also proceed and book a call with us for a customized investing plan. Check out our Auction calendar for upcoming auctions.

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About Dustin Hahn

Dustin Hahn is a Tax Lien & Deed investor with over 22 years of experience and hundreds of deals under his belt. He created Tax Lien School.com to help you buy Tax Deeds up to 90% off mortgage free and earn up to 36% ROI with Tax Liens. This site was voted the “Most Useful Resource” for new investors. Dustin’s YouTube Channel is the #1 Channel on Tax Liens & Deeds with over 98,000 Subscribers and 3600 videos to help you start. “The Best Time To Start Real Estate Investing Was 20 Years Ago, The Second Best Time Is TODAY!”

20+yrs

5–10deals/mo

2009TLS founded