HOW WE PRODUCE OUR FIGURES

• Starting Bid
• Assessed Value
• Profit on Paper
• Profit After Rehab
• Surplus After Auction

STARTING BID

We gather properties that are scheduled in a Tax Deed Auction. Within those records, the county shows a “Starting or Opening Bid”. This starting bid consists of the Property Taxes that are delinquent (all of the Tax Lien Certificates) as well as some county fees. Also, if a property IS Homestead at the time of the auction, the County will add half of the assessed value to the starting bid. When we calculate our figures, we take all of this into account to provide you with the most accurate numbers. We do NOT use Market Value. We give you the base line figures so that you can determine if this even LOOKS like a property you want to pursue and then you can do a deeper research.

ASSESSED VALUE

We obtain the Assessed Value from the Tax Rolls for each County. You can see all available value options in the screenshot below. For our purposes, we use AV_RESD_NON_RESD (Assessed Value – Residential and Non-Residential Property)

PROFIT ON PAPER

This figure is an estimate of potential profit based on publicly available data. It is calculated by taking the property’s assessed value and subtracting the starting bid and any known liens.

For properties with a homestead exemption, the calculation is adjusted to account for how those properties typically behave at auction. In these cases, the formula factors in a portion of the assessed value to reflect that bidding outcomes and available equity can differ compared to non-homestead properties.

All known liens are then deducted to provide a more realistic estimate of what profit could remain after obligations are satisfied.

This is a simplified, “on paper” estimate intended to help identify potential opportunities—it is not a guarantee of actual results.

PROFIT AFTER REHAB

This figure builds on the Projected Profit on Paper by applying a conservative adjustment to account for estimated repair, renovation, and resale-related costs.

After calculating the potential profit using the property’s assessed value, starting bid, and any known liens (with adjustments for homestead properties), the result is reduced by 20% to represent typical rehab and associated expenses.

We use 20% as a standardized estimate across all properties for consistency; however, actual costs can vary significantly depending on the condition of the property, location, and scope of work required. Experienced investors may choose to adjust this percentage based on their own criteria and risk tolerance.

This provides a more realistic estimate of potential profit after factoring in expected costs.

Like all figures provided, this is an estimate based on available data and standard assumptions—it is not a guarantee of actual results.

SURPLUS AFTER AUCTION

This figure is an estimate of the potential surplus that may remain after a tax deed auction, based on publicly available data.

It is calculated by comparing the property’s assessed value to the starting bid. For properties without a homestead exemption, the estimate is simply the difference between these two amounts.

For properties with a homestead exemption, the calculation includes an additional 50% of the assessed value. This reflects Florida’s homestead-related surplus distribution rules, where certain equity protections may impact how surplus funds are determined and distributed.

It’s important to note that in many tax deed auctions, competitive bidding often drives the final sale price to or above the property’s assessed value, and sometimes significantly higher. Because of this, actual surplus amounts may exceed this estimate.

This figure is intended to help identify properties where surplus funds may exist, but actual surplus depends on the final auction results and other factors at the time of sale.

Like all figures provided, this is an estimate only and is not a guarantee of actual surplus funds.

Disclaimer

All figures, estimates, and data presented on this website—including but not limited to estimated surplus, potential profit, rehabilitation costs (including the 20% estimate), property values, lien information, and homestead status—are derived from publicly available sources such as county tax rolls, clerk of court records, and online auction platforms.

While we make reasonable efforts to compile and present this information accurately, we do not create, control, or verify the underlying data provided by these third-party sources. As such, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information displayed.

All calculations and estimates provided on this website are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as exact figures. Actual results may vary significantly based on factors including, but not limited to, updated records, undisclosed liens, property condition, legal determinations, and auction outcomes.

We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or discrepancies in the data provided by third-party sources, nor for any decisions made based on the information presented on this website.

Users are strongly encouraged to perform their own independent research, verify all information directly with the appropriate county offices, and consult with qualified professionals (such as attorneys, title experts, or real estate professionals) before making any financial or legal decisions.

By using this website, you acknowledge and agree that all information is provided “as-is” without any warranties, express or implied, and that you assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this information.