Tax Deed FAQ

Tax Deed Frequent Questions and Answers

What is a tax deed sale?
A tax deed sale is a public auction where property is sold to the highest bidder to recover delinquent property taxes. Return to Top
Who conducts the tax deed sale?
The clerks office conducts the sale via public auction Return to Top
Where is the tax deed sale held?
Tax deed sales are held at 215 E McCollum Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513 Return to Top
When is the tax deed sale held?
Tax Deed Sales are generally held several times per year on Thursdays at 11:00 AM. Check with our office for dates and times Return to Top
Are the tax deed sales advertised in a newspaper?
Yes. Tax deed sales are advertised in Sumter County Times Return to Top
Do I have to register with the Clerks office before the sale?
Yes. In order to participate in the sale, bidders must sign in on the day of the sale Return to Top
Is there a deposit required to bid on property at a tax deed sale?
Yes. A deposit of $200 or 5% of the winning bid, whichever is greater, is required for each item you anticipate winning at the sale. Deposits may be in the form of cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Return to Top
What if I need additional information regarding a property being sold at a tax deed sale?
Through the Events Calendar, all pending sales will list the owners name, parcel identification number and opening bid. If you need additional information you may come in to our office to view the file Return to Top
How do I find out if there are any liens or encumbrances on a property being sold at a tax deed sale?
An ownership and encumbrance report for each certificate is found in the tax deed file held by the clerks office. However, the Clerks office is not responsible for any discrepancies or omissions on this report and it is the responsibility of the buyer to research the property that he/she is interested in purchasing. Tax Deeds are sold AS IS on a BUYER BEWARE basis. Properties may be subject to additional taxes and/or liens. Return to Top
If I am the highest bidder at a sale, how long do I have to pay for the property?
If you are the successful bidder for property at a tax deed sale, full payment must be received by the Clerk’s office within 24 hours after the time of sale. Accepted forms of payment are cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Return to Top
What if I am the highest bidder and I then choose not to purchase the property for any reason?
If full payment is not made within 24 hours after the time of the sale, your deposit will be forfeited. Additionally, if you are the high bidder and refuse to honor your bid for any reason, you may be barred from participating in Sumter County’s tax deed sales. Return to Top
Where can I find information regarding the sale of tax certificates?

Any information regarding the sale of tax certificates must be obtained from:
Sumter County Tax Collector’s Office
220 E McCollum Ave
Bushnell, FL

352-569-6740

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What does it mean for an owner to redeem a tax deed property?
To redeem a tax deed property means that the owner pays all current and delinquent taxes to the Tax Collector’s office and the property will no longer be going to sale. Return to Top
How do I know if a property has been redeemed before the sale date?
The status of properties scheduled for sale will be periodically updated on our site. Every effort is made to keep this information current. However, to check for last minute redemption's  you may contact the Tax Deed Clerk at 352-569-6600. Return to Top
What happens to property that is not purchased at the tax deed sale?
If a property goes up for bid at a tax deed sale and is not purchased, then the applicant holding the tax certificate is required to take the property. If the applicant is Sumter County, then the land will go onto the Lands Available list. Land is available for purchase from the Lands Available List after it has been listed for 90 days. The purchase price is the opening bid plus any taxes and interest that has accrued on the property since it was placed on the list. Return to Top