Palm Beach County Tax Deed Surplus Funds (Full Guide)
How to Claim Surplus, Who Qualifies & What Homeowners Need to Know in 2025
What Are Tax Deed Surplus Funds in Palm Beach County?
When a Palm Beach County property is sold at a tax deed auction for more than the unpaid taxes, the extra money becomes surplus funds—and the rightful owner is the former homeowner, not the county.
Example
Taxes owed: $4,750
Winning bid: $41,900
Surplus funds: $37,150
Most Florida homeowners never recover this money because the process is complicated and the county does not actively help you claim it.
Visionary Surplus Recovery specializes in locating, filing, and recovering surplus funds for homeowners in Palm Beach County and throughout all 67 Florida counties.
The Equity Surplus Claims Department manages the entire process to minimize delays and prevent costly mistakes.
Who Can Claim Surplus Funds in Palm Beach County?
Under Florida Statute §197.582, the following individuals or entities may claim tax deed surplus funds:
1. Former Property Owner (Highest Priority)
You have the first and strongest right to the surplus proceeds.
2. Heirs of the Former Owner
If the original owner passed away, heirs may claim the funds.
This applies even if probate has not been filed — Visionary Surplus Recovery can determine whether probate is required.
3. Eligible Lienholders
Examples include:
Mortgage lenders
Judgment creditors
IRS liens
HOA/Condo liens
Lienholders can only claim if their lien predates the tax deed sale.
4. Authorized Representatives
Homeowners may legally appoint a surplus recovery company like Visionary Surplus Recovery to process their claim.
Palm Beach County Tax Deed Surplus Claim Process (Explained Step-by-Step)
1. The Property Goes to Tax Deed Auction
Palm Beach County conducts sales through Grant Street Group (RealAuction).
2. A Surplus Is Created (If Bidders Bid Above Taxes)
If the winning bid exceeds the taxes, fees, and costs, the remainder becomes surplus.
3. The County Files a Report of Sale
This report documents:
Winning bid
Surplus amount
Former owner of record
Lienholders
4. Claimant Files a Surplus Claim
You must submit:
Palm Beach County surplus claim form
Valid ID
Ownership documentation
Legal supporting forms
Probate or heirship docs (if needed)
Notarization
Even one error can delay or deny a claim.
5. Clerk Reviews the Claim
Palm Beach County typically takes 90–120 days to review and distribute surplus funds.
6. Funds Are Released
Checks are issued by the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.
Why Many Palm Beach Homeowners Lose Their Surplus Funds
Most claims fail due to:
❌ Missing or incorrect documentation
❌ Submitting the wrong county forms
❌ Not understanding Florida Statute §197.582
❌ Heirship complications
❌ Incorrect probate filings
❌ Competing lienholder claims
❌ Not knowing funds exist
Visionary Surplus Recovery handles these issues every day — and ensures claims are filed correctly.
Visionary Surplus Recovery Handles Palm Beach County Surplus Claims
We help homeowners across Florida locate and recover surplus funds fast.
Our team provides:
✔ Full surplus screening
✔ All county forms prepared for you
✔ Document collection
✔ Probate & heir support
✔ Filing with the Clerk
✔ Handling lienholder disputes
✔ Faster and more accurate processing
Palm Beach County cases are among the most complex—let experts handle it for you.
Palm Beach County Tax Deed Auction Facts (2025)
Auctions run on RealAuction.com
Surplus funds belong to the former owner
Lien priority follows Florida law
Funds may transfer to the State of Florida (Unclaimed Property)
Surplus does not expire but becomes harder to claim over time
Heirs can claim even without probate filed yet
How Long Do You Have to Claim Surplus in Palm Beach County?
The best time to file is immediately after the sale, once the Clerk publishes the Surplus Notice.
If you wait too long, your funds may:
Transfer to Florida’s unclaimed property division
Require more extensive documentation
Be claimed by certain types of lienholders
Visionary Surplus Recovery handles both county-level and state-level surplus claims.
Palm Beach County Surplus FAQ
Will the county notify me?
Only through a mailed notice — many never receive it.
Can I still recover funds years later?
Yes, but the process becomes more complex.
What if I made mistakes trying to file myself?
Visionary Surplus Recovery can correct or refile your claim.
Do heirs qualify?
Absolutely — heirs have strong legal rights to surplus funds.
Call Visionary Surplus Recovery Today
If your home was sold in a Palm Beach County tax deed auction, you may be owed thousands — sometimes tens of thousands — of dollars.
Let experts recover what legally belongs to you.
