15 Questions Consumers Ask
Pasco & Hernando County • Florida Statute 197.582
1. WHAT ARE SURPLUS FUNDS?
When your property sells at a tax deed auction for more than you owed in taxes, interest, costs and fees, the extra money is called surplus or excess proceeds. Under FS 197.582, the Clerk must pay it to the former owner, not keep it.
2. HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE MONEY WAITING?
If you lost property in Pasco or Hernando County to a tax deed sale in the last 12 months, there is a strong chance. Fill out the Free Surplus Check form — we search Clerk records and respond within 24 hours Monday-Friday.
3. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO CLAIM IT?
ONE YEAR ONLY from the date the tax deed was issued under FS 197.582(2). After that, it goes to the State under FS 197.582(3) and becomes much harder to recover.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FEE?
No upfront fees. We cover all costs. Contingency only — lowest fee in Florida, can't be beat in writing. You pay nothing unless we recover. We get paid only when you get paid.
5. DO I NEED A LAWYER?
No. We are not a law firm. We are document preparation and filing specialists under FS 197.582. We prepare the affidavit, W-9, ID package and file with the Clerk.
6. WHAT COUNTIES DO YOU SERVE?
Pasco and Hernando County ONLY. Local in Hudson, FL. We come to you. We check both Clerk records daily.
7. WHAT IF THE OWNER DIED? I'M AN HEIR.
Heirs can claim. Spouse, child, or legal heir. We help with heir affidavit, death certificate, and probate paperwork if required.
8. HOW LONG UNTIL I GET MY CHECK?
Typically 30-90 days after filing once approved. Probate or heir cases 4-7 months. Payment comes directly from the Clerk.
9. WILL THE COUNTY NOTIFY ME?
Under FS 197.582(6) the Clerk must mail certified notice, but many people moved or missed it. Don't rely on it — let us check for free.
10. HOW DO I START?
Fill out the intake form with first name, last name, current address, property address that sold, date of sale, phone and email. Or call/text 352-900-0142.
11. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED?
Government ID, proof of former ownership if you have it, and we provide W-9 and affidavit. For heirs: death certificate and proof of relationship.
12. WHAT IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE HEIRS OR LIENS?
We handle it. Multiple heirs split per law or family agreement. We research lien priority — owner has priority over most liens for tax deed surplus under Florida law.
13. HOW DO I KNOW YOU'RE LEGIT?
BBB Verified Business Hudson FL, 5-star Google reviews, real local address, real phone 352-900-0142, FS 197.582 is real law. No upfront fees — illegal to charge upfront for recovery.
14. WHAT IF MY MONEY WENT TO THE STATE?
If past the 1-year Clerk deadline, it transfers to Florida Department of Financial Services as unclaimed property. Harder and longer (6-12 months) to recover. Act before it goes to the State.
15. WHY CHOOSE RICK'S OVER NATIONAL COMPANIES?
National companies use call centers and charge 30-40%. We are local, you get Rick directly, lowest fee can't be beat, we cover all costs, records checked daily, and we don't stop until you get your money. You found the best.