Lora C. Bell, Washington County Clerk of Court, is proud to offer RealTaxDeed, a web-based service that moves the sale of the Washington County tax deed property online.
If you are interested in becoming a bidder for an upcoming sale or would like further information on the properties listed for sale, you can register at www.washington.realtaxdeed.com.
Click below for additional information regarding training.
RealAuction Online Tax Deed Training
BUYERS BEWARE!!
All properties are sold “AS IS” and bidders are responsible for conducting their own research as to the condition of the property and the state of the title of the property being sold. There may be encumbrances (outstanding judgments, current year’s taxes, and other liens) that survive the tax deed sale and become the responsibility of the winning bidder. YOU MUST DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH FOR EACH PROPERTY or consult with someone who can advise you legally. The Clerk’s Office makes no warranties or representation about the location or condition regarding any property, the condition of structures or fixtures, its marketability, existing or potential uses, zoning regulations or laws that may affect current or future uses of the property, outstanding or potential liens, mortgages or encumbrances or defects in title that may exist.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Files
Files for each property scheduled for Tax Deed Sale are available for review at the Clerk of Court’s Office located at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, FL 32428, during normal business hours, 8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, EXCEPT the day of the sale.
Advertisement
Each parcel is advertised four (4) consecutive weeks prior to sale in The Washington County News.
Payment
Auctions are held on properties offered for sale to the highest bidder. The Clerk’s Office conducts the sale via public auction on the Internet in accordance with Florida Statute 197.542. The site provides information for each sale item, including the name of owner, legal description and the opening or base bid.
Anyone may bid on the properties; however, they must register on this web site and place a deposit with the clerk no later than 24 hours prior to the sale.
The deposit amount for each winning bid is the greater of $200.00 or 5% of the winning bid. Deposits may be made in the form of electronic check (ACH), wire transfer- required a minimum of 4 days in advance through the RealAuction website (RealAuction) or by cash, cashier’s check or money order, however, these forms of payments must be delivered to the Clerk of Court’s office. Certain restrictions may apply, please check with the Clerk’s office for all rules regarding deposits. No personal checks will be accepted for the purchase of property.
The remainder of the bid is due within 24 hours, including the recording fee and state documentary stamps of .70 per $100.00 of the bid. After the sale, the remainder of the winning bid may be made in the form of a wire transfer, cash, cashier’s check or money order. No personal checks will be accepted for the purchase of property.
Upon payment of the remainder of the bid, the tax deeds will be prepared and mailed out.
Liens
The Clerk of Court is prohibited by law from providing legal advice and/or opinions concerning the real estate properties sold at auction. When conducting a Tax Deed Sale, the clerk is merely performing its statutory function and therefore makes no representations or warranties as to the status of the title or the status of any liens on the property. If you have any legal questions regarding the bid process, title to the property, liens affecting the property, or any other matters related to the Tax Deed Sale, you should consult an attorney. In general, Tax Deed Sales are governed and administered by the clerk in accordance with Florida Statute 197.
EACH SALE IS BASED SOLELY ON THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED ON THE CURRENT TAX ROLL AND IN NO WAY INVOLVES REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE STATUS OF THE TITLE TO THE LAND OR ANY IMPROVEMENTS ON THE PROPERTY.
Information on Properties
No legal or real estate opinions will be given by the Clerk of Courts Office regarding the properties offered for sale. It is recommended that the properties be thoroughly researched prior to the sale. If you have any legal questions regarding title to the property, liens affecting the property or any other matters related to the Tax Deed Sale, you should consult an attorney.
After the Sale
When the entire bid amount is presented, tax deeds will be prepared and mailed out.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH FLORIDA STATUTE 197.542(2) AND THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE’S RULES AND REGULATIONS 12D-13.63(8): THE CLERK SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO RECOGNIZE THE BID OF ANY PERSON WHO HAS PREVIOUSLY BID AND REFUSED FOR WHATEVER REASON TO HONOR SUCH BID.
Tax Deed Sale Lists
Publications in PDF can only be viewed and printed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader version 4.0 or higher. The downloadable Acrobat Reader software is available at NO CHARGE from the Adobe Systems website.
