Behind on property taxes in Hillsborough County? Sell before a tax deed sale.
A local Florida buyer for houses with back taxes in Hillsborough County. 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 Hillsborough County?
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.
For Hillsborough County properties, the local steps run through the Hillsborough County Circuit Court (13th Judicial Circuit) and the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.
How tax lien works in Hillsborough County
Every tax lien situation in Hillsborough County 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 Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough County
Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 left flood and wind damage across Hillsborough County, from South Tampa to inland neighborhoods along the Alafia River.
We buy houses with back taxes throughout Hillsborough County, including Brandon, Sun City Center and Tampa, and in unincorporated areas.
City pages: Tampa
| County | Hillsborough County, Tampa Bay |
|---|---|
| County seat | Tampa |
| Court for tax lien cases | Hillsborough County Circuit Court (13th Judicial Circuit) |
| Official records & court sales | Hillsborough County Clerk of Court |
| Property taxes | Hillsborough County Tax Collector |
| Where we buy | Brandon, Sun City Center, Tampa |
Options for Hillsborough County homeowners
You have more than one way out. Hillsborough County 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.
No listing, no staging, and no strangers walking through your Hillsborough County house. Here's the whole process.
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 Hillsborough County homeowners ask about tax lien
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.
Can I still sell after a tax certificate is sold?
Yes. You still own the property. The certificate is paid off from your sale proceeds at closing.
Who runs tax certificate and tax deed sales in Hillsborough County?
The Hillsborough County Tax Collector sells tax certificates each spring. Tax deed auctions are run by the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court.
Do you buy houses in every part of Hillsborough County?
Yes — including Brandon, Sun City Center and Tampa, the county seat of Tampa, and unincorporated areas.
Which court handles tax lien cases in Hillsborough County?
The Hillsborough County Circuit Court (13th Judicial Circuit). The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court keeps the official records and runs court-ordered sales.
How fast can you close in Hillsborough County?
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 Hillsborough County
Delinquent Taxes & Tax Liens help nearby
Get your no-obligation cash offer on your Hillsborough County property.
Two minutes to submit, a written offer within 24 hours, and the closing date you choose. Nothing to fix, nothing to list.