Contact Us – By Phone, Online, or In Person
Message Us For A Free
Surplus Review
Phone
Two Florida Locations
How do I get started with Surplus Advocates?
Contact us via our website or phone.
We’ll review your foreclosure of tax deed sale documents and confirm you’re entitled to surplus funds.
We send you the assignment form for signature.
Our attorneys file your claim and handle all court appearances.
No risk, no upfront cost—and you’ll have the peace of mind of working with a trusted non-profit partner.
Do you service all 67 Florida counties?
Yes. Our hired attorneys have handled surplus recoveries in every Florida county—from Duval to Monroe—so we know the quirks of each clerk’s office and circuit court.
How can I protect myself from fraud and scams?
Beware of:
Firms demanding large upfront fees
“Surplus chasers” who take assignments without proper identification
- “Flat-Fee” Arrangements
- People knocking on your door
- Promises that someone will save your house
- Asking you to sign a seperate retainer for an attorney
Guarantees of magical fast-track recoveries
Surplus Advocates is the only non-profit dedicated to this work in Florida, with licensed attorneys who have appeared in every circuit.
What documents will I need?
• A fully executed assignment of surplus form
• Photo ID or other proof of identity
• Any closing or sale documents you received from the clerk
We handle the drafting, notarization, and filing—so you don’t have to.
What fees does Surplus Advocates charge?
As a registered non-profit, we do not charge the high, hidden fees that many for-profit firms do. There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs—our legal team works on a contingency basis to recover 100% of what you’re owed.
After the court orders the payment of your surplus, our fee (which never exceeeds 12%) is deducted from the court registry along with your remainder check.
Who is entitled to claim a surplus?
Entitled claimants include the former homeowner, mortgagees, junior lienholders, or any party with a recorded interest. We help identify and verify all possible claimants before preparing your assignment.
How does the surplus assignment process work in Florida?
Notice & Holding: The clerk mails a Notice to interested parties and holds surplus proceeds.
Claim & Assignment: You execute a written “assignment of surplus” in our favor.
Attorney Petition: Our Florida-licensed attorneys file a petition with the circuit court.
Court Order & Disbursement: Once approved, the clerk disburses funds to Surplus Advocates, who forward your share.
What is a tax deed surplus?
After a tax deed sale, Florida Statutes § 197.522 directs the clerk to hold any excess funds when the winning bid exceeds the delinquent taxes, interest, and costs. That held amount is the “tax deed surplus,” which may belong to the former owner or other lienholders.
What is a foreclosure surplus?
A foreclosure surplus (sometimes called an “overage”) occurs when a property sells at the foreclosure sale for more than the total of the outstanding mortgage, liens, fees, and costs. Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 45.031) requires the clerk to hold those excess proceeds for the former owner or other entitled parties.
