Tax Delinquency in St. Johns County: A Homeowner’s Guide to Saving Your Equity

If you have received a “Notice of Tax Deed Sale” from the St. Johns County Clerk of Court, or if you are seeing your property listed in The St. Augustine Record, you are in the final stages of the collection process.

St. Johns County follows Florida’s strict “Two-Step” tax system. It begins with a certificate sale (which is a warning) and ends with a Tax Deed Auction (where you lose the home). If you are at the deed auction stage, the clock is ticking down to the minute the bidding starts.

This guide is designed to help homeowners in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, and Hastings understand the difference between a certificate and a deed, the “2-Year Rule,” and how to sell your house to save your equity before the Clerk auctions it off.

The 2-Step Process: Certificate vs. Deed

Step 1: The Tax Certificate Sale (The Warning) If you fail to pay your property taxes by April 1st, the Tax Collector will sell a “Tax Certificate” on your property, typically on or before June 1st.

  • What this means: An investor pays your taxes for you. You still own the home.
  • The Cost: You now owe the investor the tax amount plus interest (up to 18%).
  • The Timer: The investor must wait two years before they can force a sale of your home.

Step 2: The Tax Deed Application (The Danger) If you haven’t paid off the certificate after two years, the investor can file a “Tax Deed Application.”

  • What this means: The investor is forcing the Clerk of Court to auction your house to get their money back.
  • The Result: The Clerk schedules a public auction at the Richard O. Watson Judicial Center (or online). If you don’t pay the full amount before the sale, you lose the property permanently.

Important Contact Information & Links

To manage your tax situation effectively, use these official resources:

  • Check Your Tax Balance: St. Johns County Tax Collector (Search by name, address, or account number).
  • Tax Deed Auction Calendar: St. Johns County Clerk – Tax Deed Search (Check if your home is scheduled for sale).
  • Tax Collector (Jennifer Ravan):
    • Address: 4030 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
    • Phone: (904) 209-2250.
  • Clerk of the Circuit Court (Tax Deed Dept):
    • Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084.
    • Phone: (904) 819-3600.

The 2026 Timeline: What You Need to Know

1. The “Notice of Application” When the investor applies for the Tax Deed, you will receive a certified letter warning you that the property will be sold. By law, this must also be published in The St. Augustine Record for 4 consecutive weeks prior to the sale.

2. The Auction St. Johns County Tax Deed sales are typically held online via the Clerk’s auction vendor (RealAuction) or occasionally in person at the courthouse.

  • The Bid: The opening bid is usually the sum of all back taxes, interest, and fees.
  • Homestead Rule: If the property is your primary residence (Homestead), the opening bid will include 50% of the assessed value in addition to the taxes owed.

3. The “Drop Dead” Deadline You have the right to redeem your property (pay off the debt) up until the moment the winning bidder pays the Clerk.

  • Once the auction ends and the high bidder sends their wire transfer (usually required within 24 hours), the sale is final. A “Tax Deed” is recorded, and you no longer own the home.

The Cost of Waiting: Fees and Interest

Florida’s penalties are steep.

  • 18% Interest Cap: At the certificate sale, investors bid on the interest rate. It can be lower, but it is often capped at 18%.
  • The “Statutory Opening Bid”: If it goes to a deed sale, you must pay:
    • All back taxes plus accrued interest.
    • The Tax Collector’s fees.
    • The Clerk of Court’s fees ($60 application fee, plus recording fees).
    • The cost of the title search and newspaper advertising.

Your Options: Keep It or Sell It?

Option 1: Redeem the Property (Keep It) To stop the auction, you must pay the “Redemption Amount” in full to the Tax Collector (not the investor).

  • Certified Funds Only: Once the property is advertised for sale, personal checks are not accepted. You must pay with cash, cashier’s check, or money order at the Lewis Speedway office.

Option 2: Sell the House (Save Your Equity) If you cannot afford the redemption amount, selling the house yourself is the smartest move to prevent total loss.

We Buy St. Johns County Homes As-Is.

  • We Beat the Clock: If your auction is scheduled for next week, we can often buy the house and pay off the Tax Collector at closing.
  • Keep Your Equity: If your home in Ponte Vedra is worth $600k but you owe $20k in taxes, letting it go to auction is a financial disaster. Sell it to us, pay off the $20k, and pocket the rest.
  • Any Condition: From historic properties in downtown St. Augustine to mobile homes in Hastings, we buy “as-is.”

How Consistent Homebuyers Helps

We are experienced in the St. Johns County market and understand the Clerk of Court’s auction process.

  • We Handle the Paperwork: We communicate directly with the Clerk to ensure the “Stop Sale” order is issued in time for closing.
  • Probate & Heirs: Many tax deed properties are inherited. We can help you navigate the probate process to clear the title and sell the house before the tax man takes it.
  • No Commissions: You keep more of your equity to start fresh.

Don’t wait until the auction closes. Once the bidder pays, it is too late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my house back after the Tax Deed Sale? Generally, NO. Unlike some other states, Florida does not have a “redemption period” after the tax deed is issued. Once the winning bidder pays the Clerk, the property belongs to them.

What happens if the house sells for more than the taxes owed? If the house sells at auction for a “surplus,” the Clerk holds that money. You can file a claim for it, but be careful—third-party “surplus recovery” companies often try to take a huge percentage of your money. Selling the house yourself before the auction guarantees you get the maximum equity without the hassle.

Do you buy land in St. Johns County? Yes. We buy vacant land, lots, and acreage in St. Johns County that may be facing tax deed sales.

Need a Hand with the Logistics?

Dealing with the Clerk of Court is confusing. If you are struggling to understand your “Opening Bid” amount or want to know exactly what your home is worth today, we are here to support you.

Disclaimer: Consistent Homebuyers is a real estate investment firm, not a law firm or financial institution. We do not provide legal or tax advice. We recommend all clients consult with their own legal counsel or tax professional regarding their specific situation.

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Stop The Tax Deed Sale. Save Your Equity. If your name is on the auction list in St. Johns County, time is running out. Fill out the form below for a fair, no-obligation cash offer, or call us at (703) 687-0741.

More Resources for St. Johns County Homeowners