I’m currently investing in Florida tax lien certificates and hold junior tax liens specifically in Osceola County that may be behind senior tax lien holder of one preceding year.
I understand the general rule that junior tax liens are often wiped out once a senior lien proceeds to a tax deed sale unless surplus exists. However, I’m hoping to learn from real-world, hands-on experiences in Osceola County, rather than just statutes or theory.
I also understand that procedures and outcomes can vary by county or jurisdiction, which is exactly why I’m asking about Osceola County in particular. While I know Florida counties may differ in details, I’m hoping there are still practical patterns or lessons learned from those who have gone through the process here.
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone with direct experience in Osceola County, especially:
• Have you ever successfully protected or recovered value from a junior tax lien in Osceola County?
• What actually worked in practice (e.g. redeeming senior taxes, buying senior certificates, surplus claims, etc.)?
• If it didn’t work, what was tried and what ultimately happened?
• Any Osceola-specific nuances or “gotchas” you wish you had known earlier?
I’m not looking for legal advice — just practical experiences and lessons learned from those who’ve actually gone through the Osceola tax deed process. Thanks in advance.
Osceola County, FL – real-world experience protecting junior tax liens?
byu/Puzzleheaded_Cow4370 inRealEstate
Posted by Puzzleheaded_Cow4370
2 Comments
I haven’t dealt with Osceola specifically but had a similar situation in Polk a few years back – ended up having to redeem the senior lien to protect my position which basically killed any profit margin. The surplus game is tricky too because everyone and their brother shows up to claim it
Not true at all, with FL Tax Certificates.
In order for a Tax Certificate holder to send a property to a Tax Deed auction, before the auction is scheduled, they have to pay off All outstanding Tax Certificates (including the full 18% interest per year to the tax collector) along with Tax Collector costs.
These combined amounts are what establishes the Minimum bid at the auction.
No Tax Certificate has superiority over any other Tax Certificate on the same property, regardless of what year they are for.
This are state statutes and do not vary by county.