Union County Florida Foreclosure Surplus Funds – Official Homeowner Guide

Understanding Surplus Funds Under Florida Foreclosure Law

Under Florida Statute §45.032, surplus funds—also called excess proceeds from a foreclosure sale—are created when a property sells for more than the total amount owed under the final judgment, including allowable costs and fees.

Who Is Entitled to Surplus Funds?

Foreclosure surplus funds generally belong to:

• The former homeowner

• Heirs or estates of a deceased owner

• Other legally eligible claimants based on priority

Surplus funds do not belong to the lender once the judgment amount has been satisfied.

Where Are Union County Surplus Funds Held?

All foreclosure surplus funds in Union County are deposited into the Union County Clerk of Court court registry. Funds remain held until released through verified claim documentation and, when applicable, disbursement subject to court order.

Foreclosure Surplus vs. Tax Deed Surplus (Important Distinction)

Many homeowners search for “county surplus funds” without realizing there are two separate processes.

• Foreclosure surplus funds arise from judicial foreclosure sales

• Tax deed surplus funds arise from tax deed auctions

If you are looking for Union County tax deed surplus funds, you may click here to view county tax deed surplus information.
If you are seeking foreclosure surplus funds in Union County, continue reading.

How Surplus Funds Are Created in Union County

Judicial Foreclosure Sales

Most Union County surplus funds result from mortgage foreclosure auctions where third-party bids exceed the final judgment amount.

HOA and Lien Foreclosures

Homeowners associations and lienholders may foreclose judicially, creating judicial foreclosure sale proceeds that may generate surplus funds.

Excess Proceeds After Judgment Satisfaction

After payment of the judgment, fees, and costs, any remaining funds are classified as surplus funds held in the court registry.

Step-by-Step: How to File a Surplus Funds Claim in Union County

1. Confirm Where the Funds Are Held

Foreclosure surplus funds are maintained by the Union County Clerk of Court & Comptroller, typically through the Civil Court Services Division or Foreclosure Department.

2. Prepare Required Claim Documentation

A complete claim may require:

• Government-issued photo ID

• Proof of prior ownership

• Foreclosure case number

• Assignments (if applicable)

• Probate documentation (for deceased owners)

• Notarized affidavits or verified claim forms

3. File the Claim Properly

Claims must comply with clerk filing procedures and statutory timelines. Improper filings may be rejected or delayed.

4. Clerk Review & Court Approval

The Clerk reviews submissions for compliance. Some claims require judicial review before funds may be released.

5. Disbursement of Funds

Approved claims may be paid by:

• Check

• Wire transfer

• Zelle (when authorized)

All payments are subject to court order and registry release procedures.

Why Surplus Funds Claims Get Denied in Union County

Common denial or delay reasons include:

• Incorrect or missing documentation

• Probate not completed

• Improper or unenforceable assignment agreements

• Competing claims or unresolved liens

• Filing after statutory deadlines

⚠️ Important Filing Warning
Claims initially filed without professional representation that later require correction, amendment, or litigation may be subject to modified recovery terms, including a higher recovery fee, due to the additional work required.

Probate & Heirs: What Happens If the Owner Is Deceased

When Probate Is Required

Union County will not release foreclosure surplus funds without proper legal authority when the owner is deceased.

Summary vs. Formal Administration

• Summary administration may apply to smaller estates

• Formal administration is required for larger or contested estates

Until probate authority is established, funds remain held in the court registry.

Major Cities, Urban Areas & Neighborhoods in Union County

Cities & Municipalities

• Lake Butler (County Seat)

• Worthington Springs

Common High-Foreclosure Zip Codes

• 32054

• 32697

Neighborhoods & Rural Communities

• Swift Creek

• Raiford area communities

• Lake Butler Heights

Streets Commonly Appearing in Foreclosure Filings

• West Main Street

• Southeast 6th Avenue

• Southwest 3rd Street

• County Road 231

Schools, Colleges & Medical Facilities

• Union County High School

• Lake Butler Elementary School

• North Florida Evaluation and Treatment Center (Raiford)

• Local VA-connected treatment facilities frequently referenced in filings

What Happens If You Do Nothing

If foreclosure surplus funds are not claimed:

• Funds may eventually escheat

• Lienholders may assert claims

• Recovery becomes more legally complex over time

Delays often increase procedural difficulty and reduce recovery efficiency.

Filing a Claim Yourself vs. Using a Professional Firm

Why Homeowners Choose Visionary Surplus Recovery

Visionary Surplus Recovery serves as an Equity Surplus Claims Department, assisting Union County homeowners and heirs with:

• Attorney-managed claims

• Clerk-compliant filings

• Probate included

• No upfront fees

• Faster processing and fewer denials

Visionary Surplus Recovery is not a government entity and does not guarantee outcomes.

Pre-Foreclosure Help in Union County (Before Auction)

Homeowners still in pre-foreclosure may have options to:

• Stop foreclosure in Union County

• Protect remaining home equity

• Sell a property as-is in as little as 7 days

Through our partner Visionary Estates UPP LLC, homeowners may receive a cash offer before foreclosure, avoid auction, and choose their closing timeline.

📞 Call David – Cash Acquisitions Manager
813-335-8082

What Happens After You File a Claim

• Clerk review timelines vary

• Court approval may be required

• Funds are distributed upon registry authorization

Frequently Asked Questions About Surplus Funds in Union County

How long does it take to receive surplus funds?
Typically 30–90 days depending on court approval and claim complexity.

Does the bank get the surplus?
No. The surplus belongs to the former homeowner or eligible claimant.

Can I file myself?
Yes, but filing errors frequently cause delays or denials.

What if multiple heirs exist?
Probate is usually required before funds can be released.

Are surplus funds taxable?
Consult a qualified tax professional.

Union County Homeowner Resources

Homeowners may also benefit from reviewing the Florida foreclosure surplus funds guide, Union County tax deed surplus funds, or nearby county procedures such as foreclosure surplus funds in Baker County and Bradford County Clerk of Court surplus funds.

If your property has not yet gone to auction, explore options to stop foreclosure in Union County or sell your home fast in Union County before foreclosure through our equity protection programs.