Updated almost 6 years ago on . Most recent reply
Owner is decease and taxes are not being paid
How can I go about acquiring the property of the owner is deceased? The home is vacant and taxes are not being paid. The home is located in Florida.
Most Popular Reply
@Kenesha Lewis, Greg and Mark correctly point you to the expected and generally preferred method of acquiring Real Property after the former owner dies. In every county, there will also be instances in which none of the heirs will care enough or be motivated enough to deal with the property or put it through probate. Typically such properties remain vacant and derelict until they are foreclosed for delinquent property taxes.
If a property has been truly "abandoned" it is possible to interrupt the property tax foreclosure process by paying the delinquent taxes yourself and simply using it as though it were your own. Eventually, (7 years in Florida), you can have the title quieted in your name. See:
https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/12388/86727-renting-without-owner-permission-can-this-be-legal-even-semi-legal