Duval County Tax Deed Surplus Funds (Full Guide)
How to Claim Surplus Funds, Who Qualifies & What Homeowners Must Know in 2025-2026
What Are Tax Deed Surplus Funds in Duval County?
When a property in Duval County is auctioned for delinquent taxes, the winning bid often exceeds the amount owed. The excess money becomes surplus funds, and these funds belong to the former owner or qualified heirs, not the county.
Example:
Taxes + fees owed: $6,450
Winning bid: $52,000
Surplus funds created: $45,550
Duval County does not automatically send this money to homeowners.
You must file a valid, complete surplus claim — and most homeowners never do.
The Equity Surplus Claims Department manages the entire process to minimize delays and prevent costly mistakes.
Visionary Surplus Recovery helps homeowners in Duval County and all 67 Florida counties recover these funds quickly and correctly.
Who Can Claim Surplus Funds in Duval County?
Under Florida Statute §197.582, the following parties may claim surplus funds:
1. Former Property Owner (Primary Right)
You are the first in priority to receive any surplus created at the tax deed sale.
2. Heirs of the Former Owner
If the owner passed away, heirs may file a surplus claim even if:
No probate has been filed
No will exists
Multiple heirs exist
Visionary Surplus Recovery can help determine whether probate is required.
3. Eligible Lienholders
Examples:
Mortgage companies
Judgments
IRS liens
HOA/COA liens
State or federal agencies
Lienholders must prove their lien predates the sale.
4. Authorized Recovery Companies
Homeowners can legally authorize Visionary Surplus Recovery to file and manage their claim from start to finish.
Duval County Tax Deed Surplus Claim Process (Explained)
1. Property is Sold at a Tax Deed Auction
Duval County auctions are conducted through RealAuction.com.
2. Surplus Is Calculated
If bids exceed taxes and costs, the remaining balance becomes surplus funds.
3. The Clerk Files a Notice of Surplus
This is posted on the Duval County Clerk website and mailed to interested parties.
4. Claim Is Submitted
You must submit:
Duval County surplus funds claim form
Valid identification
Proof of prior ownership
Any required probate documents
Correct notarization
Supporting legal documentation
Errors are common and lead to delays or denial.
5. Clerk Reviews the Claim
Typical timeline: 90–120 days, depending on complexity.
6. Funds Are Disbursed
Checks are issued directly by the Duval County Clerk of Courts.
Why Duval County Surplus Claims Are Often Denied
Duval County is one of the stricter counties in Florida due to:
Extensive lienholder filings
Heavy auction volume
Higher rate of incomplete submissions
Common reasons for denial:
❌ Missing forms
❌ Incorrect notarization
❌ No proof of ownership
❌ Multiple competing claims
❌ Heir issues with probate
❌ Incorrect legal interpretation of lien priority
Visionary Surplus Recovery professionally prepares each claim to avoid these issues.
Duval County Tax Deed Auction Insights (2025)
Auctions held weekly on RealAuction
Duval produces some of Florida’s largest surplus payouts
Surplus often exceeds $20,000–$80,000+ in many cases
Heirs frequently qualify even with no probate filed yet
Surplus funds may transfer to Florida Unclaimed Property if unclaimed
How Long Do You Have to Claim Surplus in Duval County?
There is no hard expiration date, but waiting makes the process harder.
Over time:
Funds may transfer to the State of Florida
Additional documentation becomes required
Heirs risk competing claims
The best practice: file immediately after the sale.
Duval County Surplus FAQs
Does Duval County contact me automatically?
Only by mail — many homeowners never receive the notice.
Can I claim surplus after years?
Yes, but requires more steps.
What if both heirs and lienholders file?
The Clerk will follow lien priority law; we handle disputes.
Will Visionary Surplus Recovery manage probate if needed?
Yes — probate support is included in our processing.
Back to: Florida Tax Deed Surplus Funds by County (2025 Guide)
Let Visionary Surplus Recovery Recover Your Duval County Surplus Funds
If your Duval County property was sold at a tax deed auction, you may be owed thousands — sometimes tens of thousands.
Visionary Surplus Recovery handles everything from form preparation to probate support.
