Columbia county tax collector
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You may call us at 386-758-1077 or you can send us a message.
Columbia County Tax Collector’s Office
PROPERTY TAX INFORMATION
Tax Certificates & Tax Deeds
Understand the process, find payment assistance and connect with the office that handles your question.
Know the difference
Tax certificate
A lien associated with unpaid real estate taxes. Buying a certificate does not convey ownership of the property.
Start with: Tax Collector
Tax deed sale
A public auction of property through the Clerk following the tax deed application process. It is a later, separate process.
Start with: Clerk of Court
A certificate being issued does not mean the property has already been sold. Unresolved delinquent taxes can eventually lead to a tax deed application and sale.
For property owners: payments & redemption
Ask for a current payoff amount
Contact the Tax Department at 386-758-1080. Have the parcel or account number, tax year and any certificate or tax deed notice available.
Ask staff to confirm all outstanding years, the amount due for your intended payment date, accepted payment methods and whether a tax deed application is pending. Interest and costs can change the amount needed.
What does redemption mean?
Redeeming a certificate means paying the required certificate amount, interest, costs and charges through the Tax Collector. Obtain a current amount and payment instructions before sending payment.
If you received a tax deed notice
Contact the Tax Department promptly and give staff the notice or sale information. Confirm the case status and whether redemption remains available.
Under section 197.472, Florida Statutes, redemption is available after a certificate is issued and before a tax deed is issued, unless the buyer has made full payment to the Clerk, including documentary stamps and recording fees. Confirm the applicable cutoff directly with the office.
For certificate holders & prospective bidders
Certificate sale information
Columbia County’s published certificate instructions direct registration and county-held certificate purchases to its online certificate sale website. Review that site’s current registration, payment and sale instructions.
Columbia County certificate sale website →
Certificates involve investment risk. Review the property and applicable requirements before participating; a certificate purchase does not provide possession or a deed.
County-held certificates
Certificates not purchased at the annual sale may be held by the county. Availability and the amount required to purchase depend on the certificate. Use the sale website or contact the Tax Department for current information.
Applying for a tax deed
Section 197.502 generally allows a certificate holder to apply after two years have elapsed since April 1 of the certificate’s issuance year and before cancellation of the certificate. Confirm eligibility with the Tax Department.
The application requires additional payments and costs, including amounts for other outstanding certificates and applicable taxes, interest and sale-related expenses. Ask for the current application requirements and cost calculation.
Tax deed sales & related questions
The Columbia County Clerk conducts tax deed sales and issues deeds to successful bidders. Use the Clerk’s current information for schedules, sale details, payment requirements, lands available for taxes and unclaimed tax deed funds.
Visit the Clerk’s tax deed page
Clerk tax deed questions: 386-719-7580
Does buying a certificate make me the property owner?
No. A certificate represents a tax lien. Ownership through a tax deed involves a separate application and sale process under Florida law.
Who do I contact about a payoff or redemption?
Start with the Tax Department at 386-758-1080. If a deed sale is pending, provide the case and sale information so staff can confirm status and payment instructions.
Who handles surplus funds from a tax deed auction?
Contact the Clerk of Court at 386-719-7580 for overbid or surplus funds information and the applicable claim process.
Does a tax deed guarantee clear, marketable title?
The Clerk advises that purchasing a tax deed does not guarantee clear and marketable title. Review the Clerk’s information and seek appropriate title or legal assistance with questions about a specific property.
Information reviewed October 21, 2026. Confirm current amounts, case status and sale instructions with the responsible office.
Services
Kids Tag Art
Kids Tag Art is a fundraising project that inspires elementary grade art students and raises money for the school's art program. A special thanks goes out to our Platinum Sponsor- Nutrien and our Gold Sponsors- Edward Jones, Baya Pharmacy, Walmart Transportation, First Federal Bank, & LKQ!
