When a foreclosure or tax deed sale happens in Hillsborough County, bidders often pay more than what was owed on the property. That extra money is called a surplus. It may belong to you or your family.
Unfortunately, many residents first hear about this money from for-profit surplus recovery companies. These outfits use high-pressure tactics and often charge inflated fees. Surplus Advocates is different. We are a Florida nonprofit, created to return surplus funds to the rightful owners—not to exploit them.
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Call 407‑SURPLUS (407‑787‑7587) or begin online to request a confidential case review. No upfront costs.
Hillsborough County • Tampa • Brandon • Riverview • Plant City • Temple Terrace • Sun City Center
Mission-Driven, Not Money-Driven
We exist to help Tampa Bay families—not to maximize commissions.
Transparent Nonprofit-Based Fees
No upfront costs. You’ll know the fee before we begin, and it applies only if we succeed.
Local Knowledge
We’re familiar with Hillsborough County court processes and the unique timelines that affect foreclosure and tax deed surpluses.
Respectful Outreach
We don’t use scare tactics or robocalls. Our approach is professional, ethical, and client-centered.
Your Privacy Is Protected
We secure your information and never sell or reshare it.
When an auction in Hillsborough County brings in more money than the debt, the balance is considered surplus (also called “excess proceeds” or an “overbid”). This money may be available to former property owners or heirs—but the process to claim it is not automatic, and the deadlines are critical.
Our nonprofit team manages the filings, deadlines, and court compliance so you don’t have to deal with confusing procedures.
Confirm Eligibility Quickly
Prepare and File Court Documents Correctly
Protect Against Competing or Fraudulent Claims
Ensure Privacy Through Secure Processing
Charge No Upfront Fees
Provide Ongoing Updates in Plain Language
We proudly serve communities across Hillsborough County, including Tampa, Brandon, Riverview, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Apollo Beach, Sun City Center, Valrico, Seffner, Thonotosassa, Lithia, Dover, and beyond.
Whether you live locally or have since moved out of the area, we can still assist with your recovery process.
✔ No upfront charges
✔ Transparent and fair nonprofit fees
✔ Honest communication—no pressure sales tactics
✔ A focus on community protection, not corporate profits
A surplus (also called excess proceeds or an overbid) is money left after a court‑ordered sale when the winning bid exceeds the amounts owed. Surplus Advocates helps eligible owners and heirs recover funds that may be owed to them.
Our nonprofit mission means client protection, lower nonprofit‑based fees, and no high‑pressure tactics. We focus on returning funds to the right people, not maximizing commissions.
No. There are no upfront costs. Our nonprofit‑based contingency fee applies only if we recover funds and are paid out of the court registry at the same time the rest of the surplus is disbursed.
Timelines vary by case, court queues, and any competing claims. Some matters resolve in weeks; others take longer. We keep you informed throughout.
Yes. We routinely assist Floridians who have moved or are out of state. We coordinate everything securely.
Most clients do not. We manage the process and advise you if any additional steps are needed.
All communities countywide, including the cities and neighborhoods listed above.
Call 407‑SURPLUS (407‑787‑7587) or request a confidential review online. We’ll confirm eligibility and outline next steps—no obligation.
It’s common to be solicited by multiple for-profit “surplus chasers.” Before you sign anything, talk with us—your nonprofit alternative.
Yes—surplus claims made with the court must be made within certain timeframes. Acting quickly is essential not only to ensure the claim is timely filed before the money is turned over to the state, but also to make sure no one tries to abscond with the money.
Surplus Advocates is a collective of experienced agents and professionals who have identified problems in the ways surplus funds are overseen and administered.In the course of our collective professions, we have witnessed millions of dollars being stolen from homeowners, and millions more lost to exploitation and unlawful fees. Occasionally a crime ring will make the news, or an attorney will be sent to jail or disciplined, but the same loopholes and oversights have been exploited year after year.We formed Surplus Advocates as a non-profit to help foreclosed owners and to show that there is a way for a private organization to recover tax deed and foreclosure surplus funds for owners without any additional cost to the government, and without engaging in exploitative practices. Unlike for-profit surplus chasers, who frequently only try to track down owners they can get the largest fees from, our goal is to help anyone, whenever possible, without charging any out of pocket fees. We then use the fees and costs we receive from the court registry to further our mission, rather than line our pockets.
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A Delaware Non-Profit Organization
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