If you’re dealing with back property taxes and the stress of a tax lien in Orlando, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Florida homeowners fall behind — and many aren’t aware of their options until it’s almost too late.
But here’s the good news: you can still settle tax liens and sell fast in Orlando without losing your home or equity — if you act quickly and know the process.
As a local real estate investor and agent, I help homeowners navigate tough tax situations every week. This guide walks you through how tax liens work, your best options, and how you can still sell your house — fast, as-is, and without drama.
What Is a Tax Lien in Florida?
A tax lien is a legal claim placed on your property by the county when you don’t pay your property taxes.
Here’s how it works in Orlando and throughout Florida:
- Property taxes are due on November 1st
- They become delinquent on April 1st
- The county sells a tax lien certificate to investors in June
- You owe taxes + interest + fees until the lien is paid off
- After 2 years, the lien holder can request a tax deed sale, and your home may be auctioned off
Many homeowners think they’re out of time — but even after a lien is placed, you can still settle and sell before losing your property.
Can You Sell a House With a Tax Lien in Orlando?
Yes — you can sell a house with a tax lien in Orlando.
Here’s the key: the tax lien must be paid off at or before closing. In most cases, the lien is paid using proceeds from the sale — so you don’t have to pay anything upfront out of pocket.
This is a standard process and handled by the title company.
You can:
- List the house and sell on the open market
- Accept a cash offer and sell as-is, quickly
- Use your sale proceeds to pay off the tax lien at closing
If you’re trying to settle tax liens and sell fast in Orlando, the second option — cash sale — is usually the fastest and least stressful path.
Common Reasons Homeowners End Up With Tax Liens
- Fixed or limited income (especially retirees)
- Job loss or unexpected medical expenses
- Inherited property with unpaid taxes
- Divorce or separation
- Mortgage paid off but taxes forgotten
- Escrow issues with your lender
Whatever the reason, you’re not alone. The key is acting before your property moves to tax deed sale status.
What Happens If You Ignore the Lien?
If the tax lien remains unpaid:
- Interest continues to grow
- The lien holder may eventually request a tax deed sale
- Your property is then auctioned publicly
- You lose ownership and walk away with nothing — even if you had equity
You do not need to let it get to that point.
You can settle tax liens and sell fast in Orlando before your situation reaches crisis mode.
3 Ways to Settle Tax Liens and Still Sell Fast in Orlando
1. Sell As-Is to a Cash Buyer
If your home needs work or you’re in a hurry, selling to a local investor like myself is usually the best solution.
How it works:
- You request a cash offer (no listing or showings required)
- We review your tax lien balance
- At closing, we pay off the lien and you walk away with the rest
You don’t need to clean, repair, or remove anything. We’ll handle the lien payoff through the title company.
Time to close: as fast as 7–14 days.
2. List and Sell on the MLS (If Time Allows)
If your home is in great shape and time isn’t urgent, you may choose to list it with a local agent.
However, keep in mind:
- Buyers may get nervous about the lien
- You’ll need to disclose it
- Financing delays could impact your timeline
Time to close: 30–60+ days (depending on the buyer)
This can work — but it’s not ideal for urgent situations.
3. Negotiate a Partial Payoff or Installment Plan
In some cases, the tax collector or lienholder may accept a partial payoff. However, this is rare and depends on the certificate holder.
You can contact:
- Orange County Tax Collector (if local to Orlando)
- The lien certificate investor (if known)
This process takes time and may not be possible in every case. It’s best suited for homeowners who want to stay in the property, not sell.
Can You Sell Even If the Tax Lien Is Old?
Yes — even if your tax lien is 18–24 months old, there may still be time.
Most investors or lienholders wait the full 2-year redemption period before initiating a tax deed application.
Once the tax deed process begins, your time is short — but even then, many homeowners can sell to a cash buyer fast and stop the auction.
This is why speed matters. The earlier you sell, the more options you keep.
Real Example: Settling Tax Liens in Orlando Without Upfront Costs
A homeowner recently reached out with:
- $9,400 in unpaid property taxes
- A tax lien already sold
- Home in poor condition and no savings to fix it
We made a fair, all-cash offer and handled everything:
- Paid off the lien at closing
- Covered all title and closing costs
- Closed in 12 days
The homeowner avoided foreclosure, walked away with cash, and was free of the property.
This is a common solution when you settle tax liens and sell fast in Orlando using investor help.
Final Thoughts: Settle Tax Liens and Sell Fast in Orlando the Smart Way
If you’re behind on taxes, facing a lien, or getting notices from the county — don’t panic, but do act now.
You do have options. You can sell, pay off the debt, and move on — all without going to auction or court.
As a local real estate professional and investor, I help Orlando-area homeowners:
- Settle property tax liens
- Avoid tax deed auctions
- Sell homes quickly, as-is
- Get cash in days — not months
If you’re ready to explore your options, start with a no-obligation conversation.
Request a Cash Offer Now or call (305) 775-8750
You can also call me directly to ask questions about your lien, timeline, or property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sell my house in Orlando if there’s a tax lien on it?
Yes. The lien will be paid off at closing, and you’ll receive the remaining proceeds.
Will I owe anything out of pocket?
Usually not. If the sale price covers the lien and closing costs, you won’t need to pay anything upfront.
Can I sell if a tax deed sale is already scheduled?
Possibly. If the title company can get a payoff before the auction date, you can still sell — but time is critical.
What if the house needs repairs?
We buy homes as-is, in any condition, and handle liens at closing.