Florida vs Alabama
Same underlying data as the individual state pages, side by side. Statutory rates and redemption windows only — always confirm against the county's own auction notice before bidding.
| | Florida | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Sale type | Tax lien certificate | Tax lien certificate |
| Rate / penalty | Up to 18%, bid down to 0.25% | Up to 12%, bid down (lien auction counties) |
| Redemption | 2 years | 3–4+ years |
Both states run the same kind of sale — tax lien certificate — so the real difference between them comes down to rate and redemption, not the underlying mechanism.
Redemption windows differ: Florida gives owners 2 years, Alabama gives 3–4+ years — the state with the shorter window resolves faster, for better or worse depending on what you're optimizing for.
Florida sells tax lien certificates at auction with bidding conducted by bid-down — investors compete by accepting a lower interest rate, down from the statutory maximum of 18%. Property owners have two years to redeem before the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed.
Full Florida page →Each Alabama county chooses every year between a tax lien auction and a sale of the property (Code of Ala. § 40-10-180). Lien auctions start at no more than 12% and are bid down (§ 40-10-184), and the holder may foreclose only after four years and before ten (§ 40-10-197). Property sales are bid up on price, redeem within three years at 8% interest (§ 40-10-120, § 40-10-122), and the excess bid only earns interest up to 15% of market value.
Full Alabama page →Property & tax market
| | Florida | Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $359,000 | $209,900 |
| Median property tax / year | $2,730 | $788 |
| Tax / home value | 0.8% | 0.4% |
| Tax / household income | 3.7% | 1.2% |
| Homes owned outright | 43.7% | 45.9% |
| “Other vacant” homes | 2.8% | 7.7% |
| Median year built | 1988 | 1986 |
A typical home in Florida pays 3.5× the property tax of one in Alabama ($2,730 against $788 a year). One unpaid year is roughly the face value of a one-year certificate, so a typical Florida lien ties up about 3.5× the money of an Alabama one — and, at the same rate, earns 3.5× the dollars.
Homes owned outright — where no lender has a reason to pay the delinquent bill for the owner — are 43.7% of owner-occupied homes in Florida and 45.9% in Alabama. The Census “other vacant” share (foreclosures, homes in legal limbo or needing repairs, abandoned homes) is 2.8% against 7.7%: Alabama has more of the empty properties that tend to go unredeemed — and to need work if the deed ends up yours.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates (tables B25077, B25103, B25081, B25002, B25004, B25035, B19013). Medians of what owners report paying, not statutory rates. County-level figures are on each state page.
Quick answers
Is Florida or Alabama a tax lien state?+
Florida is a tax lien certificate state. Alabama is a tax lien certificate state.
Which has the higher rate, Florida or Alabama?+
Florida: Up to 18%, bid down to 0.25%. Alabama: Up to 12%, bid down (lien auction counties). Compare the actual statutory ceiling, not just the headline number — most "up to" rates get bid down at auction.
Which redeems faster, Florida or Alabama?+
Redemption windows differ: Florida gives owners 2 years, Alabama gives 3–4+ years — the state with the shorter window resolves faster, for better or worse depending on what you're optimizing for.
Are property taxes higher in Florida or Alabama?+
The median homeowner pays $2,730 a year in Florida and $788 in Alabama (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates). A typical home in Florida pays 3.5× the property tax of one in Alabama ($2,730 against $788 a year). One unpaid year is roughly the face value of a one-year certificate, so a typical Florida lien ties up about 3.5× the money of an Alabama one — and, at the same rate, earns 3.5× the dollars.
Want to line up more than two states, or swap in different ones? Use the interactive comparison tool — up to four states at once.
See where these two rank against all 50 states: full rankings.
This page is general information, not financial or legal advice. Rates and redemption periods are set by state statute and can change by county or legislative session — always confirm against the county's own auction notice before bidding.