By Prop Hunters · Published · Miami Lakes, FL
Falling behind on property taxes is more common than people think, especially after a parent passes away, when an older owner's income drops, or when a house sits vacant. In Miami-Dade, unpaid taxes follow a set yearly cycle under Florida law. Knowing where you are in it helps you decide what to do.
Each year that goes by can add another certificate, plus interest and fees. Our general guide to Florida tax certificates and tax deeds goes into more detail.
When you sell, the title company orders a tax search. Any delinquent taxes, outstanding certificates and the current year's taxes are paid from the sale proceeds at closing, along with any mortgage. You don't have to bring the taxes current before you list or sign a contract, as long as the sale closes before the property is lost at a tax deed sale.
If a tax deed application has already been filed, timing matters. Act early, and talk with a Florida attorney about redemption and deadlines.
Delinquent taxes rarely come alone. We often see them together with:
We buy Miami-Dade houses with back taxes as-is and handle the payoffs through the title company. That includes Miami, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, Opa-locka and Homestead. Call or text 305-812-9445 (hablamos español), or send us the address.
Yes. Delinquent taxes and outstanding tax certificates are paid from the sale proceeds at closing, as long as the sale closes before the property is sold at a tax deed sale.
Florida property taxes are billed in November and become delinquent on April 1 of the following year. Tax certificates on delinquent parcels are generally sold around June 1.
No. A tax certificate is a lien. You still own the house. The risk comes later: after two years from April 1 of the year the certificate was issued, the holder can apply for a tax deed.
Act quickly. You may still be able to redeem by paying what's owed before the sale. Talk with a Florida attorney and the Tax Collector about the exact deadline.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. For your account, contact the Miami-Dade Tax Collector. For deadlines and redemption, talk with a Florida attorney.