The Short Answer

In Florida, a property tax “foreclosure notice” is usually notice that someone has applied for a tax deed sale. Your options typically include (1) redeeming the tax certificate by paying the delinquent taxes, interest, and costs before a tax deed is issued, and/or (2) raising a legal challenge based on problems like notice defects, mistaken identity/ownership issues, or other statutory noncompliance.

Because Florida tax deed challenges can turn on strict statutory requirements and short timelines, it’s important to speak with an attorney quickly—especially if the property is inherited or the owner is deceased.

What Florida Law Says

Florida’s tax deed process is governed primarily by Chapter 197. When a tax deed application is filed, the clerk must provide certain notices and publish notice of the sale. Separately, Florida law also allows redemption of the tax certificate up until the point a tax deed is issued (with limited exceptions tied to full payment for the deed being made to the clerk).

If you believe the notice is wrong (wrong person, wrong address, missing required notice steps, or you never received anything), the key legal question is often whether the statutory notice requirements were followed and whether there is a basis to seek court relief (for example, to stop or unwind a sale). Even when a statute says a failure to receive notice may not affect validity, notice compliance and due process issues can still be heavily litigated and fact-specific.

For additional background, you may also want to read: How Can I Stop a Property Tax Foreclosure (Tax Deed Sale) in Florida? and How Do I Clear Back Property Taxes on Inherited Real Estate and Avoid a Tax Deed Sale in Florida?.

The Statute

The primary law governing tax deed notice is Fla. Stat. § 197.522.

This statute requires the clerk (and, in certain situations, the sheriff) to provide specified notice of a tax deed application and impending sale, generally at least 20 days before the sale, using methods described in the statute.

Florida law also recognizes a right to redeem the tax certificate before a tax deed is issued under Fla. Stat. § 197.472, and it requires publication of notice of the tax deed application under Fla. Stat. § 197.512.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

While the statutes provide the general framework, applying them to your specific notice and property history is rarely simple. Legal outcomes often depend on:

• Strict Deadlines: Redemption is time-sensitive—under Fla. Stat. § 197.472, redemption is generally allowed only before a tax deed is issued (and timing can turn on whether full payment for a tax deed has been made to the clerk).
• Burden of Proof: If you’re challenging the notice, you may need records showing what was mailed, published, served, and when—plus proof of your legal interest (especially common in inherited-property situations).
• Exceptions and “Validity” Rules: Florida’s notice statute includes language stating that failure to receive certain notices may not affect the validity of the deed (see Fla. Stat. § 197.522), which can make challenges legally and factually complex.

Trying to handle this alone can lead to missed deadlines, incomplete filings, or losing leverage to negotiate a resolution. An attorney can quickly evaluate whether redemption is still possible, whether the notice complied with Florida law, and what court options may exist based on your facts.

Get Connected with a Florida Attorney

Do not leave your legal outcome to chance. We can connect you with a pre-screened Probate attorney in Florida to discuss your specific facts and options—especially if the property is part of an estate, has multiple heirs, or the titled owner is deceased.

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Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Florida law and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed attorney.