Stop Waiting—Win Real Estate and High Returns in Walton County!

Walton County, Florida, offers a great opportunity for investors and property buyers through its tax sales. Managed by the Tax Collector’s Office and the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, these sales help recover unpaid property taxes while opening the door for you to invest smartly.
Here’s everything you need to know about how Walton County runs its tax certificate and tax deed sales.

Important Tax Sale Details — Walton County, FL

Topic	Details	Link
Type of Sale	Tax Lien Certificates and Tax Deeds	Walton Clerk Tax Deeds Info
Tax Certificate Auction	Held online every year before June 1st through LienHub	LienHub Walton
Starting Interest Rate	18% (bidding competition lowers rate)
Redemption Period	2 years from the date of the tax certificate
Tax Deed Auction	Online at Walton RealForeclose	RealForeclose Walton
Opening Bids	Includes unpaid taxes, interest, fees; for homestead property, add 50% of the assessed value
Deposit Required	5% of winning bid or $200 minimum (non-refundable)
Final Payment Deadline	By 11:00 a.m. CST the next business day
Payment Methods	Cash, cashier’s check, or money order (no personal/business checks accepted)
Auction Location	Online; previously at Walton County Courthouse, but all sales now digital
Contact Info	Walton County Clerk of Court Phone: 850-892-8115 Email: [email protected]	Walton Clerk Contact

How It Works

Tax Certificate Sale: Earning Interest

• Walton County holds its tax certificate auction online before June 1 each year.
• Investors bid by offering the lowest interest rate they will accept, starting from 18%.
• If no one bids, Walton County keeps the certificate at 18%.
• Property owners have up to two years to pay the owed taxes plus interest.
• If taxes remain unpaid after two years, the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed.

Tax Deed Sale: Owning the Property

• After holding a tax certificate for two years, you can apply for a tax deed.
• Tax deed sales happen online at RealForeclose.
• Opening bids cover delinquent taxes, interest, administrative and legal fees.
• For homestead properties, half of the assessed value is added to the opening bid.
• Winning bidders must pay a deposit immediately, and the rest by the next business day at 11:00 a.m. CST.

Important Reminders

• Properties are sold as-is, with no inspections, no guarantees, and no warranties.
• Research ownership, liens, encumbrances, and property conditions before you bid.
• The Clerk’s Office does not offer legal advice. Consult real estate or legal experts if needed.

Fun Facts About Walton County, Florida

• Home to Some of Florida’s Most Expensive Beachfront Real Estate: The 30A area has multimillion-dollar homes along the Gulf Coast.
• Rapid Growth in North Walton: DeFuniak Springs and other inland areas are seeing fast growth with more affordable housing.
• Short-Term Rentals Are Big: Vacation rentals like Airbnb are a huge part of the investment market, especially near the beaches.
• Limited Land Near the Coast: Scarce coastal land keeps property prices strong even when other markets slow down.
• DeFuniak Springs’ Hidden Historic Appeal: The town offers Victorian charm and a historic downtown at much more affordable prices than the beach areas.

Why Invest in Walton County’s Tax Sales?

• Earn competitive returns through tax certificates.
• Buy real estate below market value at tax deed auctions.
• Walton County is growing quickly, both inland and along the coast.
• Strong tourism means opportunities for vacation rental investors.
• Simple online auction platforms make it easy to participate from anywhere.

FAQs About Walton County Tax Sales

Q: How often are tax deed sales held?
A: Usually once a month, often the first Tuesday of each month.

Q: Can anyone participate in the auction?
A: Yes, anyone can register and bid, including out-of-state and foreign investors.

Q: Will I get a clear title after a tax deed sale?
A: Not guaranteed. You may need to file a quiet title lawsuit to clear ownership issues.

Q: What happens if I win but do not pay?
A: Your deposit is forfeited, and the property is rescheduled for auction.

Q: Can I inspect the property before buying?
A: No. All properties are sold as-is with no inspection rights.

Pro Tips for Walton County Tax Sales

• Always research properties before you bid.
• Set a budget and stick to it, auctions can move fast.
• Know that winning a tax deed doesn’t always mean immediate possession.
• Understand the redemption period for certificates.
• Prepare to file a quiet title action if needed to resell or refinance.

Useful Links

• Walton County Clerk’s Official Website
• Walton County Tax Deed Sales Information
• Walton County Tax Deed Auction Site (RealForeclose)
• 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

Need a Hand?

Check out our Auction Calendar for upcoming auctions. If you need more guidance or have questions about participating in tax sales, don’t hesitate to book a call now to connect with an expert who can help you navigate the process. You can also check out our free resources to find answers to your questions and tips for making informed investments.

Don’t miss out on the opportunities that Walton County’s tax sales provide. Turn delinquent taxes into profitable investments and transform properties into valuable assets.

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