SUBJECT
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Declare surplus and authorize the private conveyance of the County’s interest in Parcel ID Number 252824-353600-004061. ($5,000, one-time revenue)
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DESCRIPTION
The County acquired a fee interest in Parcel ID Number 252824-353600-004061 through the escheatment process by a Final Judgment dated February 7, 1968, which was subsequently recorded in Official Records Book 1145 at Pages 121 through 124. The parcel is a rectangular shaped parcel, containing approximately 1,307 square feet, located to the north of Avenue J Northwest in the Winter Haven area. The County has no future need or use for the property and due to the size and of the property along with the fact that it does not appear to have independent access to a public road, it is only of use and benefit to the owners of the three adjacent properties. The owner of one of these properties, who purchased the parcel in early 2024, contacted the County and expressed an interest in purchasing the County-owned parcel. The County then contacted the other two adjacent property owners, via certified mail, and received no responses. The County requested the amount of $5,000 for the purchase of the parcel based on an in-house valuation utilizing available data. The owner never responded to the County’s request and it was discovered that the property was subsequently sold in September 2025. County staff then contacted the new owner of the property, Angel R. Mercado, who expressed an interest and has agreed to pay the amount of $5,000 for the purchase of the property.
Florida Statutes allow for the disposal of County-owned real property by declaring the property surplus and authorizing its private conveyance. Doing so will allow adjacent property owner to purchase the property, place it back on the tax roll, remove the property from the County Land Inventory and allow the County to cease maintenance any activities associated with the parcel. The subject parcel is being transferred in “as is” condition and the conveyance of the property will be by County Deed.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board declare the above-mentioned County-owned parcel surplus and authorize the private sale of the property, including any interest that may otherwise be reserved by Florida Statutes, to Angel R. Mercado for the amount of $5,000, with the condition that the recording fees and documentary stamps shall be borne by the buyer.
FISCAL IMPACT
Proceeds from the sale of the parcel to be deposited into the appropriate fund, to be determined by Finance and Accounting.
CONTACT INFORMATION
R. Wade Allen, Director
Real Estate Services
863-534-2577