What Is a Quiet Title Action? A Tax Deed Guide
By Israel Chen ·
Short answer: A quiet title action is a lawsuit that asks a court to declare who owns a property and to end other claims against it. Tax deed buyers use one so a title company will insure the property and a buyer can get a loan to buy it.
Why tax deed buyers use it
A tax deed doesn't guarantee marketable title. Until that's dealt with, many buyers and lenders won't touch the property, so the title is what stands between a cheap purchase and a real resale price.
How it generally works
- A lawyer files in the circuit court where the land sits.
- People who may have a claim are named and given notice.
- If the court is satisfied, it enters a judgment, which is recorded.
The other route
Specialist firms offer a title certification, a research-based path aimed at insurable title without a suit. Compare price and time, and ask which title insurer will accept the result. More on both routes.
Budget for it before you bid: enter your title cost in the bid calculator. I'm a law student, not a lawyer, so hire a Florida attorney for your own case.
Questions
Do I need a quiet title action after a Florida tax deed?
Not always, but if you plan to resell with title insurance you'll usually need a quiet title action or a title certification.
Sources
Israel Chen buys Florida tax deeds, mostly in Volusia County. MBA, second-year law student (not a lawyer) and computer scientist. About me.
Next: the Florida guide, the Volusia guide, the glossary, or work with me. Not legal, tax or investment advice.