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Putnam County, Florida Tax Sale: Earn 18% Interest or Buy Property for Pennies

Looking for ways to grow your money with low risk? Putnam County, Florida, is one of the best places to start. Through tax lien certificates and tax deed sales, you can either earn solid interest or pick up land at below-market prices.

Whether you’re a first-time investor or looking to add Florida tax liens to your portfolio, here’s how the process works in Putnam County and why it stands out from the rest.

Overview: Tax Lien Certificates vs. Tax Deeds in Putnam County

Category	Tax Certificate Sale	Tax Deed Sale
Type of Sale	Tax Lien Certificates	Tax Deeds
Managed By	Putnam County Tax Collector	Putnam County Clerk of Court
Auction Style	Online auction, yearly before June 1	Online auctions held throughout the year
Bidding Platform	TaxLien – Putnam	RealTaxDeed – Putnam
Interest Rate	Starts at 18%, bid down	Not applicable
Redemption Period	2 years from April 1 of certificate year	No redemption once sold
Opening Bid	Not applicable	Back taxes, fees, and possibly ½ of assessed value (for homestead)
Deposit Required	Yes, through the bidding platform	Yes, usually $200 or 5% of your bid
Payment Deadline	Immediately after winning	Immediately after winning
Due Diligence	Strongly recommended	Strongly recommended

How Tax Sales Work in Putnam County

Tax Certificate Sale Process

Putnam County holds an annual tax certificate sale online before June 1. Here’s how it works:

• You bid on the interest rate you’re willing to accept. Bidding starts at 18% and goes down.
• If you win the bid, you pay the delinquent taxes and hold a lien on the property.
• If the property owner pays back the taxes, you receive your original payment plus interest.
• If they don’t pay within 2 years from April 1 of the issue year, you can apply for a tax deed.

Tax Deed Sale Process

If your tax lien remains unpaid for two years, you can apply for a tax deed. This gives you the right to force the sale of the property.

• The Putnam County Clerk of Court handles the deed sale.
• It’s held online and open to the public.
• The opening bid includes all unpaid taxes, fees, and possibly half of the assessed value for homestead properties.
• The highest bidder wins and receives a tax deed.

Why Invest in Putnam County, Florida?

Real Estate Trends

• Affordable land: Putnam is one of the cheapest counties to buy property in Florida.
• Waterfront opportunities: Properties near St. Johns River and Crescent Lake attract buyers.
• Plenty of tax sales: The county frequently lists vacant land and residential lots in auctions.
• No impact fees (in some areas): Lower cost to build makes the county appealing to developers.
• Flexible zoning: Especially in rural areas, zoning supports mobile homes, tiny homes, and even off-grid living.

Economic and Community Highlights

• Tourism and nature: Fishing, boating, and hiking are popular in and around Palatka.
• Transportation: U.S. Highway 17, nearby airports, and rail lines make it easy to access.
• Local economy: Agriculture, forestry, light manufacturing, and construction are active sectors.

Top Reasons to Consider Putnam County Tax Sales

• High return potential (up to 18%) with manageable risk
• Lower competition than large metro areas like Miami or Orlando
• Easy access to online auctions — anyone can participate
• Open to out-of-state and international investors

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I have to live in Florida to bid?
No. Anyone can invest, including foreign or out-of-state buyers.

How long do I wait to apply for a tax deed?
You must hold the certificate for 2 years from April 1 of the issue year.

Are these properties ready to move into?
Most are vacant land. All are sold as-is with no guarantees.

Do I get a clear title when I win a tax deed auction?
No. You’ll likely need to file a quiet title action to clear ownership before selling or building.

Can I use a credit card to pay?
Most auctions require certified funds — wire transfer, cashier’s check, or deposit via the auction platform.

Pro Tips for Success

• Research before you bid. Use the Clerk’s Office and Property Appraiser sites to verify zoning, access, and ownership.
• Physically check properties when possible or use mapping tools.
• Start with small bids on vacant lots to learn the process.
• Track redemption deadlines so you know when you’re eligible to apply for a tax deed.
• Plan for quiet title costs if you plan to resell or develop the property.

Useful Links

• Putnam County Tax Deed Sales
• Putnam County Clerk of Court
• Putnam County Tax Collector
• Tax Certificate Auction – TaxLien
• Tax Deed Auction – RealTaxDeed
• 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 Assistance?

Check out our Auction Calendar and stay ahead of the upcoming tax sales! Need expert guidance? Book a call now to connect with a professional who can guide you through the process. Don’t forget to check out our free resources for tips, answers to your questions, and strategies to make smart investment decisions.

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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