Putnam County Public Auctions & Sheriff Sales
Comprehensive guide to county sheriff foreclosure auctions, tax deeds, tax lien certificates, over-the-counter land purchases, and surplus funds in Putnam County, Florida.
Where to Bid on Putnam County Auctions
Public delinquent property auctions for Putnam County are managed by the Putnam County Tax Collector & Clerk of the Court and hosted online via Putnam County RealAuction Portal.
Putnam County Sheriff Sales & Judicial Foreclosures
In addition to delinquent tax sales, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office Civil Division conducts regular public foreclosure auctions ordered by the Circuit or Superior Court to satisfy mortgage default judgments, construction liens, and civil court executions.
Putnam County Lands Available for Taxes (Clerk) (Over-The-Counter)
Parcels and certificates that receive no bids during the scheduled public auctions enter the county's permanent Lands Available for Taxes (Clerk) inventory. Any citizen or investor can purchase these parcels directly from the Putnam County Tax Collector & Clerk of the Court over the counter for the delinquent taxes and fees owed, without competing in an auction.
Unclaimed Tax Sale Surplus Funds in Putnam County
When a delinquent property is auctioned in Putnam County for more than the outstanding taxes, penalties, and administrative fees, the resulting funds are termed excess proceeds (surplus funds). By law, these funds belong to the former property owner or their legal heirs.
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4 Steps to Bid on Properties in Putnam County
Pre-Auction Due Diligence
Review the Putnam County delinquent tax list published 4–6 weeks prior to the sale. Perform title searches on Parcel ID numbers to identify superior federal liens or mortgages.
Bidder Registration & Deposit
Register on RealAuction at least 48 hours prior to auction start. Deposit required bidder funds (often 5% of anticipated bid budget or flat $200 deposit).
Auction Bidding Strategy
Bid price upward against competing buyers. Ensure you do not exceed your predetermined maximum acquisition budget.
Payment & Deed Issuance
Settle the remaining purchase balance within 24 hours. The Putnam County Tax Collector & Clerk of the Court issues a certificate or records the tax deed with the County Recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: Putnam County Tax Sales
Is Putnam County a tax lien or tax deed county? ▼
Putnam County follows the Florida Tax Lien & Tax Deed statutes. Bidders either obtain a first-position tax lien certificate earning Up to 18% on Liens (Min. 5% mandatory floor) statutory return or purchase physical real property deeds at public auction.
Can I buy Putnam County tax properties online? ▼
Yes. Tax auctions are conducted through RealAuction (https://www.realauction.com). Registered bidders can participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
What happens if a property does not sell at auction in Putnam County? ▼
Unsold parcels are added to the Putnam County Lands Available for Taxes (Clerk) list. These properties can be acquired directly over-the-counter through the Putnam County Tax Collector & Clerk of the Court without an auction.