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| We're working to earn the public’s trust and confidence by providing the best in customer services through assured quality and the efficient use of public funds. |
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Privacy Statement |
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| PROPERTY TAX CERTIFICATE SALE |
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Tax Certificates A Tax Certificate is a lien on property created by payment of the delinquent taxes due. It is not a purchase of property. Florida statutes require the Tax Collector to conduct a sale of tax certificates beginning on or before June 1st for the preceding year's delinquent real estate taxes. Prior to the tax certificate sale, the Tax Collector must advertise the delinquent taxes for 3 consecutive weeks in a local newspaper of general circulation. The amount of the certificate is the sum of the unpaid real estate tax and the non-ad valorem assessment, including 3% interest for April and May, and 5% Tax Collector's commission and advertising costs. Bidding on the certificates starts at 18% interest and is bid down until the certificate is sold. Interest is paid at the rate of the winning bid. When a tax certificate is redeemed and the interest earned on the face amount is less than 5%, a mandatory charge of 5% interest is due. The person redeeming the tax certificate pays the interest rate bid or the mandatory charge, whichever is greater. Tax certificates are dated as of the 1st day of the tax certificate sale and expire after 7 years. Any tax certificate can be canceled or reduced if errors, omissions, or double assessments are made. If a tax certificate is canceled or reduced, the interest earned on the canceled or reduced amount is 8%. Investors who are interested in participating in Polk County's Tax Certificate Sale are advised to visit this website in May for upcoming sale information. Tax certificate holders seeking to apply for a tax deed should click here... Tax certificate holders seeking to transfer certificates, please click here for the endorsement form. |