Senate Bill 478 was signed into law by the Governor and as a result a number of Tax Deed Sale rules will change on July 1, 2011:
For each piece of property purchased, the successful high bidder is required to pay a non-refundable deposit equal to 5 percent of the final bid or $200.00, whichever is greater, at the time of the sale. Payment must be in the form of cash or cashier's check. If the successful bidder fails to immediately post the deposit, the bid is deemed invalid and the bidding starts over.
If tax certificates exist or if delinquent taxes accrued after the filing of the tax deed application, the amount required to redeem such tax certificates or pay such delinquent taxes must now be included in the opening bid. Therefore, the redemption amount and the opening bid are subject to change without notice. Call the St Lucie County Tax Collector's Office at (772)462-1650 to get the current redemption amount. The opening bid is available on the Clerk's web site or by calling our Tax Deed Department at (772)462-6926.
In accordance with Florida Statute 192.0105(3), the property owner can redeem his or her property up until the time that the high bidder remits full payment to the Clerk.
If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact our Tax Deed Department at (772)462-6926.
