Franklin County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Tax Deed Surplus Funds Guide

Tax Deed Surplus Funds Guide (2025 Edition)**
How to Claim Surplus Funds in Apalachicola, Eastpoint, Carrabelle & All Franklin County Communities

If your property in Franklin County was recently sold at a tax deed auction, you may still be entitled to tax deed surplus funds—the remaining money after past-due property taxes and fees are satisfied.

These funds do not get sent automatically.
The Franklin County Clerk of Court & Comptroller requires a valid, properly documented claim. Missing documents, probate issues, and priority disputes cause many homeowners to lose money that legally belongs to them.

This full 2025 guide explains the process and how Visionary Surplus Recovery assists homeowners throughout Franklin County.

What Are Tax Deed Surplus Funds in Franklin County?

When a tax deed sale occurs, bidders compete to buy the property. If the winning bid exceeds the amount owed for:

• delinquent taxes

• interest

• administrative fees

• advertising costs

• Clerk fees

…the remaining balance becomes surplus funds.

These surplus funds belong—by law—to the property’s former owner or qualifying heirs unless a superior lienholder has legal claim.

Who Can Claim Tax Deed Surplus Funds in Franklin County?

1. Former Property Owner

If you owned the property at the time of the tax deed sale, you have first right to the remaining equity.

2. Heirs of a Deceased Owner

Heir claims often require probate or legal authority such as Letters of Administration.
We assist with this process.

3. Court-Appointed Estate Representatives

Personal Representatives, Executors, or Administrators.

4. Lienholders (in priority order)

Such as:

• mortgages

• judgments

• IRS liens

• state tax liens

• HOA/COA liens

• child support liens

Only liens recorded before the sale count for surplus distribution.

Franklin County Tax Deed Surplus Claim Process (2025)

This is the accurate, county-specific workflow followed in Franklin County:

Step 1 — Identify if surplus exists

Review the tax deed file and Clerk-held surplus amounts.

Step 2 — Determine legal eligibility

Identify whether you are a primary claimant (owner/heir) or a lienholder.

Step 3 — Complete and notarize the correct claim documents

Franklin County requires:

• a notarized surplus claim form

• valid state ID

• proof of ownership or legal interest

• supporting legal documents (probate, deed history, lien proof, etc.)

Step 4 — Submit your claim to the Franklin County Clerk of Court & Comptroller

Incorrect forms or missing documents result in automatic rejection.

Step 5 — Clerk reviews priority & claimant standing

If multiple claims exist, the Clerk distributes funds based on statutory order.

Step 6 — Clerk issues funds

Once approved, surplus funds are released to the rightful claimant.

Why Franklin County Surplus Claims Get Rejected

Homeowners in Franklin County frequently lose their surplus due to:

❌ Missing probate when the owner has passed

Heir claims are denied without proper legal authority.

❌ Incorrect, outdated, or incomplete forms

Even small omissions invalidate the submission.

❌ Notarization errors

Wrong date, missing stamp, or expired commission.

❌ Filing under the wrong priority

Lienholders can override a homeowner if the filing is incorrect.

❌ No proof of identity or ownership

The Clerk requires document-backed verification.

❌ Name mismatches

(very common with marriages, divorces, or middle initials)

❌ Filing after other claims deplete the surplus

Once funds are fully distributed, there is no recovery option.

Visionary Surplus Recovery prevents these issues and manages the entire process for you.

How Visionary Surplus Recovery Helps Franklin County Homeowners

Our dedicated Equity Claims Department handles everything on your behalf, including:

✔ Full case review & surplus verification
✔ Pulling deeds, liens, and Clerk records
✔ Preparing and notarizing all required claim documents
✔ Probate coordination for estate or heir cases
✔ Handling every communication with the Franklin County Clerk
✔ Ensuring priority protection from competing claims
✔ Guiding homeowners from start to payout

Our mission is to secure the funds you’re legally owed—quickly, safely, and without the frustrating paperwork.

**Check Your Surplus Instantly

(Free Online Tool)**

Use our Confirm Surplus Eligibility Tool to check:

• whether a surplus exists

• if you qualify

• whether liens affect your payout

• if probate is required

• how much you may be entitled to

No cost. No obligation.

Need to Sell a Franklin County Property Instead?

Visionary Estates UPP LLC (Unlocking Property Potential) also helps homeowners who prefer immediate solutions.

We provide:

✔ Cash offers
✔ Fast closings
✔ As-is purchases
✔ Help with tax-delinquent, inherited, or distressed homes

A great option if you want a fast financial reset while we handle the surplus claim separately.

Major Cities & Communities We Serve in Franklin County

This page is optimized for searches across the entire county, including:

• Apalachicola

• Eastpoint

• Carrabelle

• St. George Island

• Lanark Village

• Alligator Point (Franklin portion)

• Bald Point

• Magnolia Bluff

• Ward Ridge

Return to Index

👉 Florida Tax Deed Surplus Funds by County (2025 Guide)
Browse the full list of all 67 Florida counties.