Process
Escheat
When unsold or unclaimed property passes to the government by law.
In some tax sale systems, land that never sells eventually escheats to the county. Unclaimed surplus funds can also escheat.
How it works by state
- Florida
- Land offered at a tax deed sale that remains unsold for three years escheats to the county, free of the related certificates and liens.
General information, reviewed 2026-10-12. Not legal advice. Rules change and each county publishes its own sale terms; confirm with the county before bidding.
Related terms
- Lands Available for TaxesIn Florida, properties that received no bid at a tax deed sale and can be bought afterward for the opening bid.
- Struck OffA parcel that received no qualifying bid at a tax sale and stays with (or goes to) the government.
- Surplus FundsMoney left from a tax sale after the taxes, interest, and costs are paid. Also called excess proceeds.