Selling a House With Back Taxes in Florida
Selling a house with back taxes in Florida can feel intimidating, especially when unpaid property taxes, tax liens, or looming tax sales are involved. Many homeowners worry they cannot sell until everything is paid off — but that’s not always true.
Florida law allows homeowners to sell properties with back taxes under certain conditions. Understanding how back taxes work, how they affect a sale, and what options are available can help you avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary stress.
What Are Back Taxes on a House in Florida?
Back taxes are unpaid property taxes owed to the county. When taxes are not paid on time, penalties, interest, and fees begin to accrue. Over time, unpaid taxes can lead to:
- Tax certificates being sold to investors
- Tax liens attached to the property
- Risk of a tax deed sale
Back taxes stay attached to the property — not the homeowner — which means they must be addressed during the sale.
Can You Sell a House With Back Taxes in Florida?
Yes, you can sell a house with back taxes in Florida. However, the unpaid taxes typically must be paid off at closing for the title to transfer cleanly to the new owner.
In most cases:
- Back taxes are paid from sale proceeds
- The remaining balance goes to the seller
- If proceeds are insufficient, alternative solutions may be needed
The key is understanding the total amount owed and timing involved.
Difference Between Back Taxes, Tax Liens, and Tax Certificates
Many homeowners use these terms interchangeably, but they are different:
- Back Taxes: Unpaid property taxes owed to the county
- Tax Certificate: Sold to investors when taxes go unpaid; earns interest
- Tax Lien: A legal claim against the property due to unpaid taxes
Each affects the sale differently, especially if deadlines or redemption periods are involved.
What Happens If Back Taxes Are Not Paid?
If back taxes remain unpaid:
- Interest and penalties continue to grow
- Tax certificates may mature
- A tax deed sale could be initiated
Once a tax deed sale is scheduled, selling becomes more time-sensitive and complicated. One house we sold in Lee County Florida had over $30,000 in back taxes. There were several tax liens against the property but we caught it before a tax foreclosure.
Selling Before a Tax Deed Sale in Florida
Timing matters. Selling before a tax deed sale allows more flexibility and options. Waiting too long can reduce control and increase costs.
Homeowners facing:
- Tax sale notices
- Multiple years of unpaid taxes
- Rapidly increasing balances
often benefit from acting sooner rather than later.
Selling a House With Back Taxes As-Is
Many properties with back taxes also have deferred maintenance or other issues. Selling as-is can help by:
- Avoiding repair costs
- Reducing delays
- Allowing faster closings
This approach is common when back taxes overlap with other financial or property challenges.
Can Back Taxes Be Paid at Closing?
In most situations, yes. At closing:
- Back taxes are paid directly to the county
- Tax certificates are redeemed
- Title is cleared for transfer
This allows the transaction to proceed without the seller paying taxes out of pocket beforehand.
Common Situations Where Back Taxes Occur
Back taxes often appear alongside:
- Inherited properties
- Vacant or abandoned homes
- Financial hardship or job loss
- Divorce or separation
- Long-term absentee ownership
Understanding the full situation helps determine the best selling strategy.
Making the Right Decision When Back Taxes Are Involved
Selling a house with back taxes in Florida doesn’t have to lead to foreclosure, tax sales, or prolonged financial strain. Knowing your options early gives you the ability to act on your terms and protect what equity remains.
Related Resources for Florida Home Sellers
If your property has problems like liens, foreclosure risk, probate, major repairs, title issues or tenant issues, additional guidance may help you understand how these challenges interact with unpaid taxes. Check our many other education information in selling your Florida house on our Home Selling Resource Page.