A notice recorded in the county's official records that a lawsuit affecting the property has been filed. In Florida it marks the public start of a foreclosure.
Why it matters to a bidder
For a buyer it is the earliest public signal that a property is heading toward a sale, often months ahead. The date it was recorded also matters later: Florida presumes the owner of record on that date is the one entitled to any surplus from the sale.
How Florida Foreclosure Auctions Work, Step by StepOther terms
- Final judgment of foreclosure
- Certificate of sale
- Right of redemption
- Objection to foreclosure sale
- Certificate of title
- Surviving lien
- Writ of possession
- Surplus funds
- Tax deed sale
Next, after lis pendens
- How to Read a Florida Final Judgment of ForeclosureThe final judgment tells you who is foreclosing, how much is owed, which interests are wiped out and when the sale is. How to read one before you bid.
- What Plaintiff Max Bid Means at a Florida Foreclosure SaleThe plaintiff max bid is the lender's pre-set credit bid at a Florida foreclosure sale: where it comes from, why it is hidden, and what a third party must beat.
- The Complete SystemEvery step we run before we bid, on real Florida dockets.
- Talk to us firstFifteen minutes, weekdays. Nothing is charged on the call.