Behind on property taxes in Fort Myers? Sell before a tax deed sale.
A local Florida buyer for houses with back taxes in Fort Myers. Two minutes to request an offer, and you choose the closing date.
- Written cash offer within 24 hours
- No obligation to accept
- You pick the closing date
Can I sell a house with back taxes in Fort Myers?
Yes. Back taxes are paid from the sale proceeds at closing, which redeems any tax certificate and stops a tax deed. In Florida you can redeem up until the tax deed is issued, so selling early protects your equity.
We handle Fort Myers closings through a Florida title company, which coordinates payoffs with the Lee County Clerk of Court records.
How tax lien works in Lee County
Every tax lien situation in Lee County, which includes Fort Myers follows Florida law. These are the stages and the local offices involved.
Taxes due
Florida property taxes are mailed in November and become delinquent if unpaid by April 1.
Tax certificate sale
The Lee County Tax Collector sells a tax certificate on the unpaid taxes by June 1. The buyer earns interest; you still own the home.
Two-year clock
Two years after April 1 of the year the certificate was issued, the holder can apply for a tax deed (s. 197.502).
Tax deed auction
The Lee County Clerk of Court schedules a public auction. For homestead property the opening bid includes half of the assessed value.
Redemption
You can redeem by paying the full amount owed any time before the tax deed is issued.
What's different about Fort Myers
Fort Myers is the Lee County seat and one of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Hurricane Ian made landfall in Lee County in 2022. Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral and Sanibel saw catastrophic surge, and many damaged homes are still subject to the FEMA 50% substantial-damage rule.
We buy houses with back taxes in McGregor, Dunbar, Whiskey Creek, Villas and Iona, and anywhere else in Fort Myers, plus nearby Cape Coral and Lehigh Acres.
| County | Lee County, Southwest Florida |
|---|---|
| County seat | Fort Myers |
| Court for tax lien cases | Lee County Circuit Court (20th Judicial Circuit) |
| Official records & court sales | Lee County Clerk of Court |
| Property taxes | Lee County Tax Collector |
| Where we buy | McGregor, Dunbar, Whiskey Creek, Villas, Iona · nearby Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres |
Is selling right for your Fort Myers house?
A cash sale isn't the only path. Fort Myers homeowners in this spot usually weigh pay in full, installment plan, refinance and sell for cash. We're happy to talk through each one — no pressure.
Compare every option in the Florida guide →- Several years of taxes are unpaid
- A tax certificate was sold on the property
- You received a tax deed application notice
- The house needs work you can't afford
Three steps. Your schedule.
Selling to us takes three steps, and you control the timing of every one.
Tell us about the house
Share the address and a few details online or by phone. It takes about two minutes and costs nothing.
Get a written cash offer
We review the property and recent nearby sales and send a no-obligation cash offer, usually within 24 hours.
Pick your closing date
Close in as little as 7 days through a Florida title company, or pick a later date. We cover normal closing costs.
What Fort Myers homeowners ask about tax lien
What happens to surplus after a tax deed sale?
If the auction brings more than what's owed, the surplus goes to lienholders and then the former owner, who must claim it from the Clerk.
Do I lose my homestead exemption if I'm behind?
Not automatically, but a tax deed sale ends your ownership. Selling first lets you keep your equity.
Who runs tax certificate and tax deed sales in Lee County?
The Lee County Tax Collector sells tax certificates each spring. Tax deed auctions are run by the Lee County Clerk of Court.
Do you buy houses in Fort Myers?
Yes. We buy in McGregor, Dunbar, Whiskey Creek and Villas and every other part of Fort Myers, as well as the rest of Lee County. Submit the address and we'll confirm within a day.
How fast can you close in Fort Myers?
As little as 7 days after you accept, using a Florida title company. If you need more time, we'll set the date that works for you.
Related help
Other situations in Fort Myers
Delinquent Taxes & Tax Liens help nearby
Get your no-obligation cash offer on your Fort Myers property.
Two minutes to submit, a written offer within 24 hours, and the closing date you choose. Nothing to fix, nothing to list.