Behind on property taxes in Panama City? Sell before a tax deed sale.
We buy houses with back taxes across Panama City as-is, for cash. Tell us your timeline and we'll build the closing around it.
- Written cash offer within 24 hours
- No obligation to accept
- You pick the closing date
Can I sell a house with back taxes in Panama City?
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 Panama City closings through a Florida title company, which coordinates payoffs with the Bay County Clerk of Court records.
How tax lien works in Bay County
Here's how a tax lien case usually moves in Bay County, which includes Panama City. Knowing where you are on this timeline tells you how much room you have to sell.
Taxes due
Florida property taxes are mailed in November and become delinquent if unpaid by April 1.
Tax certificate sale
The Bay 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 Bay 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.
Panama City: local facts that affect your sale
Panama City was among the hardest-hit areas when Hurricane Michael struck Bay County in 2018. Hurricane Michael made landfall in Bay County as a Category 5 storm in 2018, and some properties still carry unresolved damage and rebuilding costs.
We buy houses with back taxes in St. Andrews, Cove, Lynn Haven, Callaway and Panama City Beach, and anywhere else in Panama City and the rest of Bay County.
| County | Bay County, the Panhandle |
|---|---|
| County seat | Panama City |
| Court for tax lien cases | Bay County Circuit Court (14th Judicial Circuit) |
| Official records & court sales | Bay County Clerk of Court |
| Property taxes | Bay County Tax Collector |
| Where we buy | St. Andrews, Cove, Lynn Haven, Callaway, Panama City Beach |
Options for Panama City homeowners
A cash sale isn't the only path. Panama City homeowners in this spot usually weigh pay in full, installment plan, refinance and sell for cash. We'll tell you honestly if another option fits better.
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 Panama City 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 Panama City homeowners ask about tax lien
When does a Florida tax certificate turn into a tax deed?
The certificate holder can apply for a tax deed two years after April 1 of the year the certificate was issued (s. 197.502). The Clerk then schedules an auction.
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 Bay County?
The Bay County Tax Collector sells tax certificates each spring. Tax deed auctions are run by the Bay County Clerk of Court.
Do you buy houses in Panama City?
Yes. We buy in St. Andrews, Cove, Lynn Haven and Callaway and every other part of Panama City, as well as the rest of Bay County. Submit the address and we'll confirm within a day.
How fast can you close in Panama City?
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
Delinquent Taxes & Tax Liens help nearby
Get your no-obligation cash offer on your Panama City property.
Two minutes to submit, a written offer within 24 hours, and the closing date you choose. Nothing to fix, nothing to list.