Florida vs Ohio
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 | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Sale type | Tax lien certificate | Tax lien certificate (some counties) + foreclosure |
| Rate / penalty | Up to 18%, bid down to 0.25% | Up to 18%, bid down or negotiated |
| Redemption | 2 years | 1+ year |
These aren't the same kind of sale: Florida runs a tax lien certificate, while Ohio runs a tax lien certificate (some counties) + foreclosure. That changes what you actually hold after the sale — a claim against the debt in one case, the property itself (or a right to it) in the other.
Redemption windows differ: Florida gives owners 2 years, Ohio gives 1+ year — 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 →Ohio county treasurers may sell tax certificates (R.C. 5721.31): at auction the rate is bid down from 18% in quarter-point steps and the owner pays at least 6% of the price on redemption (R.C. 5721.32, 5721.30(E)), or the whole list goes to one buyer in a negotiated sale (R.C. 5721.33). The holder can file for foreclosure after one year (R.C. 5721.37) and the owner can redeem until the sale is confirmed. Where no certificate is sold, the county forecloses and the sheriff sells the property (R.C. 5721.18–5721.19).
Full Ohio page →Property & tax market
| | Florida | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $359,000 | $214,800 |
| Median property tax / year | $2,730 | $2,822 |
| Tax / home value | 0.8% | 1.3% |
| Tax / household income | 3.7% | 4.0% |
| Homes owned outright | 43.7% | 39.4% |
| “Other vacant” homes | 2.8% | 4.3% |
| Median year built | 1988 | 1970 |
Typical tax bills are close in the two states ($2,730 in Florida, $2,822 in Ohio), so a typical lien or opening bid is of a similar size — the difference is in the rules above, not 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 39.4% in Ohio. The Census “other vacant” share (foreclosures, homes in legal limbo or needing repairs, abandoned homes) is 2.8% against 4.3%: Ohio 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 Ohio a tax lien state?+
Florida is a tax lien certificate state. Ohio is a tax lien certificate (some counties) + foreclosure state.
Which has the higher rate, Florida or Ohio?+
Florida: Up to 18%, bid down to 0.25%. Ohio: Up to 18%, bid down or negotiated. Compare the actual statutory ceiling, not just the headline number — most "up to" rates get bid down at auction.
Which redeems faster, Florida or Ohio?+
Redemption windows differ: Florida gives owners 2 years, Ohio gives 1+ year — 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 Ohio?+
The median homeowner pays $2,730 a year in Florida and $2,822 in Ohio (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates). Typical tax bills are close in the two states ($2,730 in Florida, $2,822 in Ohio), so a typical lien or opening bid is of a similar size — the difference is in the rules above, not 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.