Florida Real Estate Foreclosures

Real estate foreclosures in Florida occur when a property owner defaults on their mortgage payments, leading the lender to initiate legal proceedings to recover the outstanding debt.

Real Estate Foreclosure Business Directory

Judicial Foreclosure State

Florida is a judicial foreclosure state, which means that foreclosure proceedings must go through the court system. The lender (often a bank or mortgage company) files a lawsuit against the homeowner to obtain a court order to foreclose on the property.

Foreclosure Process

The foreclosure process in Florida typically starts when the homeowner fails to make mortgage payments for a certain period (usually around 90 days). The lender will send a notice of default to the homeowner, notifying them of the delinquency and giving them an opportunity to catch up on the payments.

Lis Pendens

After the notice of default, the lender files a lis pendens with the county clerk's office. This public record notifies interested parties that there is a pending foreclosure lawsuit against the property. It also marks the official beginning of the foreclosure process.

Foreclosure Lawsuit

Once the lis pendens is filed, the lender will initiate a foreclosure lawsuit in the county court where the property is located. The homeowner is served with a summons and complaint, which they have a certain period to respond to (usually 20 to 30 days). If the homeowner fails to respond or contest the lawsuit, the court may issue a default judgment in favor of the lender.

Auction Sale

If the court rules in favor of the lender, a foreclosure sale is scheduled. The sale can take place through a public auction conducted by the county sheriff's office or a designated auction company. The property is sold to the highest bidder, and the proceeds are used to pay off the outstanding mortgage debt.

Right of Redemption

In some cases, the homeowner may have a right of redemption, which allows them to reclaim the property by paying off the outstanding debt within a specified period after the foreclosure sale. However, Florida law does not provide a general right of redemption after a foreclosure sale.

Deficiency Judgments

In Florida, if the foreclosure sale does not generate enough funds to cover the outstanding debt, the lender may pursue a deficiency judgment against the homeowner. A deficiency judgment is a court order requiring the homeowner to repay the remaining balance.

Pre-Foreclosure and Short Sales

In some cases, homeowners facing financial difficulties may try to sell their property before the foreclosure process is completed. This is known as a pre-foreclosure sale or short sale. In a short sale, the lender agrees to accept less than the full amount owed on the mortgage. Short sales require lender approval and can be a complex process.

Investor Opportunities

Real estate foreclosures in Florida can present investment opportunities for buyers. Foreclosed properties may be sold at prices below market value, allowing investors to potentially acquire properties at a discount. However, it's essential to conduct thorough research, due diligence, and inspections before purchasing a foreclosed property.