Foreclosures

WE ARE BRINGING BACK LIVE, IN-PERSON FORECLOSURES!

While digital platforms are convenient, nothing compares to seeing your competitors and the excitement of live bidding.

Live bidding eliminates the risks of online technical and/or platform glitches, slow internet or the loss of internet service and gains strategic benefits – like reading the competition and reacting in real-time; thus, allowing you to secure properties for your portfolio at the best possible value.

All auctions will take place in the front lobby of the Courthouse in Port St. Joe, Florida. Auction dates and times will be posted appropriately according to Florida statute. Interested parties are encouraged to check Gulf County Clerk’s official website for a list of scheduled auctions.

The Clerk’s Office will not maintain escrow accounts. Any bidder currently having an escrow account balance will be issued a refund. Therefore, please remember to bring cash or certified funds for your five (5) percent winning bid deposit. You will not be allowed to leave the courthouse to obtain these funds.

Current Foreclosure Sales

All Gulf County Foreclosure Sales begin at 11:00 A.M. in the courthouse lobby.

Foreclosure Sale Policy

TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

You can obtain a listing of current and available foreclosure sales on the clerk’s website, gulfclerk.com. They are also available by researching the legal ad section of The Star newspaper. These sales are published once a week for two consecutive weeks.

It is recommended that you come into the Clerk’s Office and review the file before the sale. It is the bidder’s responsibility to research the property before the sale for possible liens, mortgages, taxes, or any other encumbrances. Any legal questions you may have regarding the steps required in obtaining a clear title will need to be addressed to an attorney.

It is not possible to bid by mail. If you wish to bid, you must appear in person at the sale. Our bidding process starts with the minimum bid requirement of $100.00, and the highest bidder is awarded the bid. The $70.00 cost of sale must be paid before conducting the sale. The original proof of publication shall be filed before sale.

If the Plaintiff is the successful bidder, no money is deposited with the Clerk. If a third party is the successful bidder, they shall post with the Clerk five percent of their bid at that time. The remaining balance is due at 5:00 p.m. on the day of the sale. All bids must be paid in cash, money order, cashier’s check, certified check, or governmental agency checks. A Certificate of Title will be issued in ten days.

The Registry of the Court Fees is to be paid by the successful bidder. The fee is 3 percent of the first $500.00, and 1.5 percent of the remaining balance. There is no charge for recording. The successful bidder, whether it be the Plaintiff or a third-party, shall be responsible for the documentary stamps placed on the Certificate of Title. The fee is calculated at $7.00 per thousand, based on the total amount of the bid.

I hope this answers any questions you may have regarding foreclosure sales.

JAMES M. TERRY
CLERK OF COURT

Revised 1/2/25

If you have additional questions concerning the procedures for foreclosure sales held by the Clerk of Court, please contact our office at (850) 229-6112, ext. 2307.