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Florida Foreclosure Filings Rising: What Owners Should Know

Foreclosure filings in Florida are climbing, but a filing is not a completed foreclosure. Here is what the distinction means for homeowners.

Updated September 24, 2026Florida foreclosure filings

Florida foreclosure filings are increasing, but most filings never become completed foreclosures. Learn what the distinction means and what options homeowners have.

Florida Foreclosure Filings Rising: What Owners Should Know

Florida foreclosure filings are on the rise, and the trend has caught the attention of homeowners and media outlets alike. The video above breaks down a critical distinction that most coverage overlooks: a foreclosure filing is not the same as a completed foreclosure. While the numbers may sound alarming, many homeowners who receive a filing still have options to keep or sell their home before the process reaches its conclusion. This article explains what the video covers, why the distinction matters, and what questions homeowners should be asking if they find themselves in this situation.

Why Florida Foreclosure Filings Are Increasing

According to the video, the current wave of foreclosure filings in Florida is not driven by the same risky lending practices that fueled the last housing crisis. Instead, the video points to a combination of rising insurance premiums, climbing property taxes, and higher interest rates all hitting homeowners at the same time, even as home prices have reached record highs.

This creates a squeeze that can be difficult to see from the outside. A homeowner may have significant equity in their property but still struggle to keep up with monthly obligations when insurance, taxes, and mortgage payments all increase within a short window. The result is more filings, but the underlying cause is different from what many people assume.

The Difference Between a Filing and a Completed Foreclosure

The central point of the video is that a foreclosure filing is the beginning of a legal process, not the end. A filing means a lender has initiated action, but the homeowner has not necessarily lost the property. The video emphasizes that the number that truly matters is how many filings become completed foreclosures, because that is when options run out.

Homeowners who receive a filing may still be able to cure the default by catching up on missed payments, negotiate with their lender, or sell the property before the process concludes. Each situation is different, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances, the lender involved, and the timeline of the case.

Options Homeowners May Have After a Filing

If you have received a foreclosure filing, it is worth understanding the range of options that may still be available. The video mentions curing the default and selling the home as two paths homeowners can explore. Beyond those, some owners negotiate loan modifications, repayment plans, or other arrangements with their lender.

Because every case involves different facts, timelines, and legal considerations, homeowners facing a filing should consult with a qualified attorney or HUD-approved housing counselor before making decisions. Acting early generally preserves more options than waiting.

  • Curing the default by bringing payments current
  • Selling the property before the foreclosure is completed
  • Negotiating a loan modification or repayment plan with the lender
  • Consulting a foreclosure attorney or HUD-approved housing counselor

Questions to Ask Before Making a Decision

If you are a Florida homeowner dealing with a foreclosure filing, asking the right questions early can help you understand your position. These are practical starting points for conversations with your lender, attorney, or housing counselor.

No two situations are identical, so the answers to these questions will shape which options are realistic for your specific case. Getting professional guidance tailored to your circumstances is more reliable than general advice.

  • How much do I owe to bring my mortgage current?
  • What is the timeline before the process moves to the next stage?
  • Do I have enough equity to sell the home and pay off the mortgage?
  • Am I eligible for any loss mitigation or hardship programs through my lender?
  • What are the tax or credit implications of each option?

When Selling As-Is May Make Sense

For some homeowners, selling the property before a foreclosure is completed may be the most practical path forward. This can be especially true when the home has equity but the owner cannot sustain the rising costs of insurance, taxes, and mortgage payments. Selling as-is removes the need for repairs, staging, or extended listing periods.

Good Neighbor Home Buyers is a direct home buyer based in Port St. Lucie that purchases homes as-is for cash in seven Florida counties: Brevard, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee. If you are exploring a sale as one of your options, requesting a no-obligation cash offer can help you understand what your home might bring in a direct sale.

Why Context Matters More Than Headlines

Headlines about rising foreclosure filings can create urgency and anxiety, but the video makes an important point: the raw filing number does not tell you how many homes are actually lost. Understanding the difference between a filing and a completed foreclosure helps homeowners evaluate their own situation more clearly.

If you are a Florida homeowner who has received a filing or is struggling with rising costs, the most important step is to understand your specific options before time narrows them. Professional guidance from an attorney, housing counselor, or trusted advisor is the safest starting point.

Related home-selling resources

Considering a sale? Request a no-obligation cash offer from Good Neighbor Home Buyers or call (772) 448-1829.

This article is educational. Consult a licensed attorney or tax professional for advice about your specific situation.

Video transcript
Florida Foreclosure Filings Are Rising—But Filings Aren’t Homes Lost

Florida now leads the country in foreclosure filings per zip code, and this time, it's not risky loans. It's insurance, property taxes, and interest rates climbing at once, while home prices hit new record highs. ABC News, using ATTOM data, found filings up 71% between 2020 and 2025, then another 21% in the first half of 2026. But here's what most people miss: a filing isn't a lost home. Owners can still cure the default or sell before the bank takes it. So the number that actually matters isn't the filings, it's how many people become completed foreclosures. That's where options run out. If that's your situation in one of our seven Florida counties, Good Neighbor Home Buyers buys as is for cash. Use getmycashoffer online or call 772-448-1829.

Related

This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. For your specific situation, talk to a qualified professional.

Frequently Asked

Questions, answered.

Don't see yours? Call us at (772) 448-1829.

  • Not necessarily. A foreclosure filing is the start of a legal process, not the conclusion. Many homeowners who receive a filing are able to cure the default, negotiate with their lender, or sell the property before the process is completed. Outcomes depend on individual circumstances.

  • The video attributes the increase to rising insurance premiums, higher property taxes, and increased interest rates all affecting homeowners at the same time, rather than risky lending practices like those seen in the previous housing crisis.

  • In many cases, yes. Homeowners may be able to sell their property before the foreclosure process is completed, especially if they have equity. Consulting with an attorney or housing counselor can help you understand the timeline and requirements in your situation.

  • A filing means a lender has initiated the foreclosure process. A completed foreclosure means the process has concluded and the homeowner has lost the property. Many filings never reach completion because homeowners resolve the situation before that point.

  • Consulting a qualified foreclosure attorney or HUD-approved housing counselor is generally advisable. They can review your specific situation, explain your rights, and help you evaluate which options may be available to you.

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