Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about surplus funds recovery in Florida. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us for personalized help.
General Questions
What are surplus funds?
Surplus funds are excess money left over after a property is sold at a tax deed sale or foreclosure auction for more than what was owed in taxes, liens, mortgage debt, and associated fees. This excess money rightfully belongs to the former property owner.
How do I know if I'm owed surplus funds?
You may be owed surplus funds if your property was sold at a tax deed sale or foreclosure auction and the sale price exceeded the amount owed. Our free eligibility check can quickly determine if you have a valid claim.
How much could I be owed?
Surplus amounts vary widely, from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. The amount depends on your property's sale price versus what was owed in taxes, liens, or mortgage debt. We've helped clients recover anywhere from $1,000 to over $100,000.
Is there a deadline to claim surplus funds?
Yes, there are strict deadlines that vary by county, typically ranging from 2-4 years from the sale date. These deadlines are firm and missing them means losing your right to recover the funds permanently. Don't wait - contact us immediately if you think you may be owed surplus funds.
Our Services & Process
What are your fees?
We work on a contingency basis - you pay nothing upfront. Our fee is only collected when we successfully recover your surplus funds. The specific percentage will be clearly outlined in your service agreement before we begin work on your case.
How long does the recovery process take?
Most surplus recovery cases are completed within 60-90 days from start to finish. However, the timeline can vary depending on county procedures, case complexity, and whether there are multiple claimants involved.
What documents do I need to provide?
You'll need basic property information (address, approximate sale date), valid identification, and any property documents you may have. We handle obtaining most of the required documentation from county records.
Do you guarantee recovery of my surplus funds?
While we work diligently to recover surplus funds for all eligible clients, we cannot guarantee specific results. Success depends on various factors including property records, county procedures, and legal requirements that are beyond our control.
Eligibility & Requirements
Who is eligible for surplus funds recovery?
To be eligible, you must have been the legal owner of the property at the time of sale, the property must have been sold for more than what was owed, and the claim must be filed within the statutory deadline. We can quickly assess your eligibility with our free evaluation.
What if I wasn't the original owner of the property?
You may still be eligible if you legally owned the property at the time of the sale. This includes properties you inherited, purchased, or acquired through other legal means. We can help determine your eligibility regardless of how you obtained ownership.
Can I claim surplus funds if I filed bankruptcy?
Bankruptcy doesn't automatically disqualify you from surplus recovery, but it can complicate the process. We have experience handling surplus claims involving bankruptcy situations and can help navigate any additional requirements.
What if there are multiple claimants?
When multiple parties have potential claims to surplus funds, the process becomes more complex. We have experience coordinating with other claimants and ensuring our clients receive their rightful share according to legal priority and property ownership records.
Legal & Compliance
Are you a law firm?
No, Riverview Assets Recovery is not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice. We are a professional service company that specializes in surplus funds recovery procedures. If you need legal advice, we recommend consulting with a qualified attorney.
Are you affiliated with the government or courts?
No, we are an independent service provider and are not affiliated with any government agency, court system, or county office. We work as your representative to navigate the surplus recovery process with the appropriate authorities.
Is this legitimate or a scam?
Surplus funds recovery is a legitimate process established by Florida law. However, there are scams in this industry. We are a legitimate business with transparent processes, contingency-based pricing, and clear communication throughout the process.
Can I file the claim myself?
Yes, property owners can file surplus claims independently. However, the process involves complex legal requirements, strict deadlines, and detailed county-specific procedures that most people find challenging to navigate alone. Our expertise helps maximize success and minimize delays.
Specific Situations
What's the difference between tax deed and foreclosure surplus?
Tax deed surplus comes from properties sold at tax deed sales for unpaid taxes, while foreclosure surplus comes from properties sold at foreclosure auctions for unpaid mortgage debt. Both types of sales can generate surplus funds if the sale price exceeds what was owed.
What if my property was sold years ago?
You may still be eligible if the sale was within the statutory deadline period (typically 2-4 years, varying by county). Even older sales may qualify in certain circumstances. Our eligibility check can quickly determine if your case is still viable.
What if I live out of state?
Living outside Florida doesn't disqualify you from surplus recovery. We handle cases for clients nationwide who previously owned Florida property. We can manage the entire process remotely and keep you updated throughout.
What if my claim is denied?
If a claim is initially denied, we review the denial reasons and, if appropriate, file appeals or work to address any issues. Our experience with county procedures helps minimize denials through proper initial filing.
Working with Riverview Assets Recovery
Why should I choose your company?
We offer no upfront fees, experienced expertise in Florida surplus recovery, transparent communication, and coverage across all 67 Florida counties. Our contingency-based pricing means we're motivated to maximize your recovery.
How do I get started?
Start with our free eligibility check, which takes just 2 minutes. If you're eligible, we'll provide a detailed explanation of your case and our services. There's no obligation and no cost for the initial assessment.
How will you communicate with me during the process?
We provide regular updates via phone, email, or text based on your preferences. You'll be informed of all major developments, and you can contact us anytime with questions about your case status.
What happens after you recover my surplus funds?
Once surplus funds are recovered, they are disbursed according to county procedures. Our fee is deducted from the recovery amount, and you receive the remaining funds. We provide complete documentation of the recovery and disbursement process.
Still Have Questions?
Our surplus recovery experts are here to help with personalized answers to your specific situation.
Ready to Recover Your Surplus Funds?
Don't let deadlines pass. Our free eligibility check takes just 2 minutes and could reveal thousands of dollars you're owed.
No upfront fees • Contingency-based pricing • Licensed in all 67 Florida counties