Veterans’ Families Losing Foreclosure Funds Due to Lack of Notification

Military families often face a unique burden in foreclosure: many don’t receive timely notice of surplus funds owed after a VA loan foreclosure sale. In numerous cases reviewed by The Foreclosure Focus, heirs of veterans lost tens of thousands of dollars in surplus because they didn’t receive post-sale notices, and probate was never initiated.

This press release advocates for veteran-specific surplus protections and standardized procedures between county courts and VA foreclosure departments. Families who served should not be penalized by bureaucracy.

With foreclosure filings on the rise in Palm Beach County, many residents are turning to the online auction process either to protect their property or purchase foreclosed real estate. To help Floridians understand the ins and outs of foreclosure auctions, The Foreclosure Focus has compiled key information from the Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller’s Office, offering clarity for homeowners, heirs, and investors alike.

What Is a Foreclosure?

A foreclosure is a forced sale of property ordered by the court to satisfy an unpaid mortgage or lien. Once a judgment is entered, the property is scheduled for auction—where it may sell for more than the debt owed. In such cases, the homeowner of record may be entitled to surplus funds.

Learn more about surplus funds here

Where and When Are Foreclosure Sales Held?

All foreclosure sales in Palm Beach County are now conducted online, typically Monday through Thursday at 10:00 a.m., with proxy bidding available as soon as a case appears on the online auction calendar.

View the Palm Beach foreclosure auction schedule

No sales take place on court holidays, and the Clerk does not guarantee clear title to the properties sold. Bidders and interested parties are responsible for doing their own research prior to bidding.

How to Register & Bid at Auction

To place a bid, you must:

• Register online ahead of time
• Meet advance deposit requirements
• Provide proof of identity or affiliation if requested

Even judgment holders (such as lenders) must register before bidding.

Read our guide: How to Bid at a Florida Foreclosure Auction

After the Sale: What Comes Next?

If you win the auction, the Clerk will process your Certificate of Title, which legally transfers ownership to you. However, delays may occur depending on case volume and documentation accuracy. Updates are posted on the county’s Certificate of Title Information page.

What happens after a foreclosure sale?

Accepted Payments & Fees

Deposits and final payments must be made using the following accepted methods:

• ACH transfers
• Cash
• Cashier’s checks from a U.S. or Canadian bank
• Attorney trust account checks
• Wire transfer (for final payments)

The Clerk does not accept:

• Personal checks
• Credit cards
• Third-party cashier’s checks

Explore updated fees and payment rules

Important Forms

Homeowners seeking to claim leftover equity must file an:

• Owner’s Claim for Mortgage Foreclosure Surplus

Download surplus claim forms