Broward County Tax Deed Surplus Funds (Full Guide)
How Surplus Works, Who Can Claim It & How to Recover Your Money Fast
What Are Tax Deed Surplus Funds in Broward County?
When a Broward County property is auctioned due to unpaid property taxes, bidders frequently pay far above the tax amount owed.
The extra money is called surplus funds — and it belongs to the former property owner.
Example
Delinquent taxes: $6,900
Winning bid: $52,300
Surplus funds: $45,400
Most former owners never claim this money because the county does not aggressively notify them, and the process is confusing.
The Equity Surplus Claims Department manages the entire process to minimize delays and prevent costly mistakes.
Visionary Surplus Recovery specializes in helping people locate, file, and collect these surplus funds in Broward and all 67 Florida counties.
Who Can Claim Surplus Funds in Broward County?
Florida Statute §197.582 defines who may claim. The hierarchy is:
1. Former Property Owner (Highest Priority)
The individual or entity that lost the property at the tax deed sale.
2. Heirs of the Former Owner
If the owner passed away, legal heirs (children, spouse, siblings, etc.) may claim the surplus.
Probate may be required — many times it isn’t. Visionary Surplus Recovery handles heir and probate-related cases regularly.
3. Lienholders With Eligible Claims
Examples:
Mortgage lenders
Judgment creditors
IRS
Lienholders may only claim if their lien existed before the tax deed sale.
4. Authorized Assignees
A former owner may legally authorize a company like Visionary Surplus Recovery to act on their behalf.
Broward County’s Surplus Claim Process (Step-by-Step)
1. Property Goes to Auction
Broward County conducts auctions through RealAuction.
2. A Surplus Is Created (If Bids Exceed Taxes)
If the winning bid exceeds the taxes and fees, surplus funds are generated.
3. Claimant Must File a Proper Claim
Broward requires:
Correct county forms
Identification
Proof of ownership
Legal supporting documents
Proper notarization
Possible probate documentation
4. Clerk Reviews Submitted Claims
This process usually takes 90–120 days, depending on:
Competing lienholders
Missing documents
Probate issues
Prior title complications
5. The County Issues a Check
Funds are mailed directly to the claimant or to the authorized representative.
Why Most Broward Homeowners Fail to Recover Their Surplus
❌ Complex paperwork
❌ Confusing state statutes
❌ Missing ownership documents
❌ Probate issues
❌ Competing claims from lenders
❌ Delayed or denied filings
❌ Not knowing funds exist
This is why Broward County has millions of dollars in unclaimed surplus funds every year.
Visionary Surplus Recovery makes the process simple and fast for homeowners.
Why Choose Visionary Surplus Recovery for Broward County Cases
We help homeowners across all 67 Florida counties — including Broward — get their surplus funds quickly.
We provide:
✔ Full surplus research
✔ All county-required forms completed
✔ Claim filing & document submission
✔ Lien & probate support
✔ Communication with the Clerk
✔ Faster approval & professional handling
Visionary Surplus Recovery ensures your claim is filed correctly the first time.
Broward County Tax Deed Auctions – 2025 Facts
Auctions run via BrowardRealAuction.com
Surplus exists only when bids exceed unpaid taxes
Former owners have first priority
Lienholders have secondary priority
Claims must follow Florida Statute §197.582
Surplus may eventually transfer to the State of Florida (Unclaimed Property) if not timely claimed
How Long Do You Have to Claim Surplus in Broward?
Surplus funds can be claimed as soon as the county finalizes the tax deed sale report.
If funds are not claimed within a certain period, they may be:
Reassigned to the State of Florida
Still claimable, but the process becomes more complex
Visionary Surplus Recovery handles both county-level and state-level claims.
Broward County Tax Deed Surplus FAQ
Does the county keep my surplus?
No. By law, the money belongs to the former owner or eligible claimant.
Can heirs claim?
Yes. Children, spouses, siblings, parents, and other legal heirs may claim.
What if multiple lienholders file claims?
The Clerk will prioritize according to Florida law.
Visionary Surplus Recovery handles lien disputes.
Can Visionary Surplus Recovery file on my behalf?
Yes — with proper authorization documentation.
Call Visionary Surplus Recovery Today
If your property was sold in a Broward County tax deed auction, you may be owed money — and the county will NOT call you to tell you.
Visionary Surplus Recovery helps homeowners secure the funds they’re legally owed.
