Tax Collector sets date for annual certificate sale Bidders to compete for interest on tax-delinquent properties

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 30, 2019) – Investors looking for Lee County real estate should go online and get registered now for the upcoming Lee County Tax Collector Tax Certificate Sale. Tax Collector Larry Hart has opened registration for the annual sale of properties with unpaid real property taxes. Registration closes for the auction-style sale on May 13 at 11:59 p.m. and the sale takes place on May 21 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. online at leefl.realtaxlien.com.
Tax certificates represent liens for delinquent taxes, interest and charges associated with the properties involved in the sale. Tax certificate holders pay the delinquent taxes to the county in exchange for the chance to reap interest of as much as 18% per year.
“The auction takes care of tax delinquencies that would otherwise drain resources from the people of Lee County, and it’s a chance to make a real estate investment that could really pay off,” Hart said. “It’s definitely worth checking out.”
Buying a certificate isn’t the same as buying the property, but beginning April 1, 2021, anyone holding a certificate issued in this year’s sale that has not been paid or redeemed can apply for a tax deed to sell the land. That right expires along with the certificate on April 1, 2026.
Each certificate goes to the bidder willing to accept the lowest interest rate. The bidding starts at 18% and progresses downward in 0.25% increments. Any certificate that isn’t bid on will be issued to the county and available for purchase from leetc.com after the auction.
To learn about certificate redemptions, transfers and cancelations, visit leetc.com/taxes/tax-certificates.  To become a registered bidder, go to http://leefl.realtaxlien.com/.
About Lee County Tax Collector
The Lee County Tax Collector (LCTC) exists to serve the citizens of Lee County. The office takes pride in organizational excellence and offering exemplary customer service and operates by the credo of “We’ve got your back.” The LCTC operates leetc.com, the official interactive website of the tax collector, which allows county residents to quickly and easily take care of motor vehicle and vessel registration, pay property taxes, make appointments for concealed weapon permits and more. The agency operates seven service centers throughout the county to provide efficient, convenient services. The LCTC works to provide innovative and quality service that supports the growth and sustainability of the community. For more information, visit leetc.com or follow Lee County Tax Collector on social media.