Orlando, FL – April 2025
New court data confirms that a majority of foreclosure auctions in Florida are closing above judgment amounts, creating surplus funds that must be returned to the former homeowner or their heirs.
“In many cases, the court has thousands waiting — but no one has filed a claim,” said a surplus fund coordinator.
Homeowners from 2021 to 2024 are being urged to check their sale records immediately.
Surplus Funds From Florida Foreclosures Now Reach Over $250 Million Unclaimed
Tampa, FL – April 2025
Analysts report that Florida foreclosure auctions have produced more than $250 million in unclaimed surplus funds. These refunds are sitting in clerk-held accounts, waiting to be claimed by the rightful parties.
“This isn’t speculative. These are court-verified funds in real names — and the list grows weekly,” said a real estate attorney.
Advocates are calling for mandatory surplus notices and better heir support to prevent loss.
Homeowners Often Unaware That Florida Foreclosure Refunds Exist
Miami, FL – April 2025
Despite legal protections, many former Florida homeowners don’t know they’re entitled to surplus equity refunds after foreclosure. This gap in knowledge has led to millions in lost funds every year.
“They move out and never look back — even though thousands may be sitting in their name,” said a legal outreach worker.
New awareness campaigns are rolling out across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Florida Surplus Fund Claims Now Accepted by Mail and Mobile Upload in Most Counties
St. Petersburg, FL – April 2025
To make surplus fund recovery more accessible, most Florida counties now accept claim packets via mail or secure upload, eliminating the need for in-person court visits.
“We’ve removed one of the biggest hurdles — you don’t need to take off work to file anymore,” said a county clerk.
Forms and instructions are now available online or through certified surplus recovery agents.
Florida Launches Statewide “Check Your Surplus” Public Awareness Initiative
Tallahassee, FL – April 2025
Florida’s Office of Court Administration has launched a statewide public service initiative encouraging former property owners to check for unclaimed surplus funds after foreclosure.
“We’re turning confusion into clarity — and putting money back where it belongs,” said the program’s director.
Radio, digital, and social media campaigns will run through July in all 67 counties.
Many Surplus Fund Claims Filed Too Late — Advocates Urge Faster Action
Jacksonville, FL – April 2025
Surplus fund claimants across Florida are missing critical deadlines — allowing leftover equity to be claimed by lienholders or forfeited to the state. Recovery specialists are emphasizing urgency in filing.
“Don’t assume the money will wait — in many cases, you only have a few months,” said a foreclosure recovery agent.
Claim timelines vary but are typically 60 to 365 days post-sale depending on the case and court.
Auction Data Reveals Foreclosed Properties in Florida Selling for 125–140% of Judgment Values
Naples, FL – April 2025
Foreclosed homes in Florida are selling at well over judgment amounts, according to auction records. This means more properties are generating surplus equity — and more homeowners are eligible for refunds.
“The surplus isn’t rare anymore — it’s standard,” said a court sale analyst.
Top counties for high-surplus auctions include Collier, Sarasota, Orange, and Lee.
Surplus Fund Specialists Target Probate-Linked Foreclosure Cases in 2025 Outreach Plan
Sarasota, FL – April 2025
Recovery firms are launching new outreach efforts focused on foreclosure cases involving deceased homeowners, where heirs may be owed thousands but haven’t filed due to probate confusion or misinformation.
“If there’s a will — or even if there isn’t — heirs may still have a claim,” said a probate specialist.
Free claim reviews and affidavit support are now being offered in more than 40 counties.
Real Estate Attorneys Encouraged to Offer Surplus Claim Services to Foreclosure Clients
Fort Lauderdale, FL – April 2025
Attorneys representing homeowners in foreclosure are being encouraged to offer surplus claim services to their clients, as part of a more holistic exit strategy when the property is lost.
“It’s not just about the home — it’s about recovering what’s left,” said a foreclosure defense lawyer.
Toolkits and training are now available for legal professionals looking to add surplus recovery to their offerings.
QR Flyers for Surplus Fund Lookups Now Being Distributed Statewide in Florida
West Palm Beach, FL – April 2025
A new round of printed QR code flyers linking to court-based surplus lookup tools is being distributed in libraries, housing offices, and notary clinics across Florida.
“People don’t realize the court owes them money — we’re putting that discovery in their hands,” said a mobile outreach director.
The QR platform allows users to check for funds in under 60 seconds using their name or property address.
