Sarasota County, Florida Tax Deed Sales: What You Need to Know

Sarasota County, Florida, offers exciting chances for investors to buy properties through tax lien certificates and tax deed sales. If property owners don’t pay their taxes, the county steps in—and that’s where you, the investor, get involved.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

The Tax Sale Process in Sarasota County

There are two main ways you can invest:

Tax Certificate Sales

When? Every year around June 1.

Why? If a property owner hasn’t paid their taxes by March 31, Sarasota County auctions a tax lien certificate.

How it works:

• Investors bid down the interest rate they’re willing to accept, starting from 18%.
• If you win, you earn interest on the amount owed until the property owner pays back the taxes.
• If they don’t pay within two years, you can move to the next step—applying for a tax deed.

Bonus Tip: If no one buys the certificate during the auction, the county keeps it, and you might be able to buy it later at 18% interest.

Tax Deed Sales

When? After a certificate holder applies for a tax deed.

Where? Online auctions through RealTDM RealTDM Sarasota Tax Deed Auctions.

How it works:

• Opening bids include unpaid taxes, interest, and fees.
• If you win, you must pay the full amount within 24 hours.
• Properties are sold “as-is“—meaning no inspections or guarantees.
• If no one bids, the property goes to the lands available list at a lower price.

Important Sarasota County Tax Sale Information

Here’s everything you need in one spot:

Category	Details
Tax Sale Type	Tax Certificate Sales & Tax Deed Sales
Auction Dates	Tax Certificates – early June; Tax Deeds – scheduled throughout the year
Auction Platform	RealTDM Sarasota Tax Deed Auctions, RealTaxlien
Typical Sale Time	Starts around 9:00 AM (Eastern Time)
Registration Required?	Yes. Online only. Register through an auction site.
Deposit to Bid	$200 or 5% of maximum bid (whichever is greater)
Redemption Period	Up to 2 years before deed application for certificates; none after deed sale
Payment Due	Full payment due within 24 hours after winning a bid
Bidding Style	Competitive online bidding
Contact	[email protected] , (941) 861-8300
More Info	Sarasota Clerk Tax Deed Auctions

Quick Pro Tips

• Do your research before you bid. Properties are sold as-is, and you could inherit liens or code violations.
• Budget properly. There are extra costs like recording fees and possible title issues to fix.
• Act fast. You only have 24 hours to pay if you win.
• Check the “Lands Available” list. Sometimes unsold properties come at even lower prices.

Fun Real Estate Facts About Sarasota County

• Top Beaches: Siesta Key Beach often ranks #1 in the U.S. for its powdery white sand.
• Strong Luxury Market: Sarasota’s luxury homes, especially waterfront and golf communities, attract buyers nationwide.
• New Resident Growth: People from the Midwest and Northeast are flocking here for the lifestyle and no state income tax.
• Downtown Sarasota Boom: Major investments in new condos, restaurants, and parks have boosted downtown property values.
• Short-Term Rentals: Vacation rentals are big business in hotspots like Siesta Key and Lido Key—great for investors eyeing rental income.

Why Sarasota County is Great for Tax Deed Investors

• High Returns: Interest rates can reach up to 18% if buying certificates.
• Low Competition: Some properties receive little bidding activity, leading to bargains.
• Online Access: You can bid from anywhere through online auctions.
• Strong Real Estate Market: Even fixer-uppers can appreciate quickly in this fast-growing area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How can I find out about upcoming auctions?
A: Visit Sarasota Clerk of Court Auctions or RealTDM Sarasota Site.

Q: What happens if I win but don’t pay on time?
A: You will lose your deposit and may be barred from future auctions.

Q: Can I inspect properties before bidding?
A: Properties are sold as-is, and access may be limited. Drive-by inspections are common.

Q: Do I get a clean title after buying at a tax deed auction?
A: No. You might need a quiet title action to fully clear ownership. Consult a real estate attorney.

Q: Can out-of-state investors bid?
A: Yes, anyone can register and bid—no Florida residency required!

Useful Links

• Sarasota Clerk Office
• Sarasota County Website
• Sarasota Tax Deed Auction Site (RealTDM)
• 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

Stay informed by visiting the auction calendar to learn about upcoming tax sales. Don’t miss your chance to explore the opportunities available through Sarasota County tax sales. If you’re unsure about the process or need expert advice, schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable professional who can guide you through each step. Additionally, take advantage of free online resources to deepen your understanding and make well-informed investment decisions.

Sign up or log in to view the full content.