Star Thing LLC — St. Petersburg, FL
The wind
shifted.
Two business lines, one company. We recover surplus funds from Florida tax deed sales and buy houses directly for cash.
Se habla español · (917) 920-5868 · (727) 492-5595
F.S. §197.582 · Tax deed surplus disbursement
Recover your surplus funds
Lost a property to a tax deed sale? The leftover money belongs to you. We handle the paperwork — you pay nothing unless we recover your funds.
All cash · As-is · No agents
Sell your house direct
We buy houses with cash. No agents, no commissions, no repairs. We close through a licensed Florida title company.
Surplus Recovery
What are surplus funds?
When a property is sold at a tax deed auction, the sale price often exceeds the unpaid taxes. The difference is called surplus funds — and by Florida law (F.S. §197.582), that money belongs to the former property owner.
Most owners never find out the money exists. County clerks hold the funds, but they are not required to track you down. If no one files a claim, the money eventually goes to the state under Chapter 717.
Don't wait. Under §197.582, competing lienholders can file claims against the same surplus — and the longer you wait, the more likely others reduce what you receive.
Private Company
We are not a government agency and have no affiliation with any Clerk of Court or county government.
You Can File Yourself
You have the right to file a claim directly with the Clerk at no cost. You do not need to hire us or anyone else.
Verify Independently
Contact your county Clerk of Court to confirm whether surplus funds exist. We encourage you to verify before signing anything.
No Upfront Cost
Our fee is 20–35% of what you receive, taken only after the Clerk sends your money. 3-business-day cancellation right.
Verify
We confirm the surplus amount and check for liens or competing claims.
Prepare
We complete your county's specific claim form and gather supporting documents.
Sign
You sign a notarized affidavit — the one document we can't sign for you.
File
We submit the full claim package to the Clerk and confirm they received it.
Track
We follow up every 30 days and send you written status updates.
Get Paid
The Clerk sends the funds. You receive your share, we receive our fee.
| Amount Recovered | Our Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under $5,000 | 35% | Small claims require proportionally more work |
| $5,000 – $25,000 | 30% | Standard recovery |
| $25,000 – $50,000 | 25% | Mid-range claims |
| Over $50,000 | 20% | Large claims — reduced rate |
| Complex cases | +5% | Probate, competing liens, or multiple heirs |
Real Estate Investment
How we determine our offer
We look at comparable recent sales in your area, the condition of your property, and any repairs that would be needed. Our offer reflects a fair price for a fast, as-is cash sale with no agent fees or commissions taken from your proceeds.
You are never obligated to accept. You can compare our offer to any other option — list with an agent, sell to another buyer, or keep the property. No pressure.
We Buy Directly
Star Thing LLC buys your house from you. We are not a real estate agent, broker, or middleman. No commissions.
No Obligation
You are free to reject our offer, list with an agent, or sell to anyone else. No pressure, no commitment until you sign.
We May Assign
We may transfer our contract to another buyer before closing. If we do, your sale price and closing date stay exactly the same.
Get Legal Advice
We encourage you to have a lawyer review any contract before you sign it. Take your time.
Offer
We evaluate your property and make a cash offer. No cost, no obligation.
Inspect
We inspect the property at our expense within 7 business days. You do nothing.
Title
The title company runs a title search. We handle any issues that come up.
Close
You sign at the title company and receive your money — usually the same day.
Get Paid
You receive the exact price in your contract. Nothing is deducted from your proceeds.
Find Your County Clerk
Every Florida county Clerk of Court maintains surplus fund records. Contact your Clerk directly to verify whether surplus funds exist from your tax deed sale. Search for "surplus funds," "tax deed surplus," or "unclaimed funds" on their website.
Links go to each county Clerk of Court's main website. Search for "surplus funds" or "tax deed surplus" once there. You can also search the Florida Department of Financial Services unclaimed property database for funds that have already been sent to the state.
Common questions
Surplus Recovery
Is this a scam?
We understand the concern — you got a letter out of nowhere. Star Thing LLC is a registered company operating in Florida. We disclose everything upfront: who we are, what we charge, and that you can file for free yourself. Unlike many recovery companies, we do not take assignment of your rights — you keep full ownership of your claim at all times. We encourage you to verify the surplus directly with your county Clerk before doing anything.
How did you get my information?
Tax deed sales are public records filed with each county Clerk of Court. The sale price, property address, and former owner's name are all publicly available. We identified you through these public property records — not through private databases or purchased data.
How are you different from other companies?
Most surplus recovery companies require you to assign your rights — meaning they legally own your claim. We don't. Our agreement is a service contract: you hire us to do the work, but you keep full ownership of your claim and sign the affidavit yourself. We also disclose our exact fees upfront, tell you that you can file for free, and never charge hidden "consultation" or "processing" fees.
How do I know if I have surplus funds?
Contact your county Clerk of Court and ask about surplus from your tax deed file number. You can also search your county's online tax deed records. If you received a letter from us, we've already confirmed surplus exists — but we encourage you to verify directly.
Should I just file the claim myself?
You can, and we tell you that in writing. Some claims are straightforward. Others involve probate, competing lienholders, multiple counties, or clerks who require attorney filings. We handle the complex ones so you don't have to.
What documents do I need to provide?
Two forms of government-issued photo ID, a completed W-9 tax form, and your signature on a notarized claim affidavit. We prepare everything — you just sign.
Can I see how much surplus is available before I sign?
Yes. We tell you the approximate surplus amount before you sign anything. You can also verify it directly with your county Clerk of Court — we encourage this.
How long does it take?
After filing, most claims are processed in 30 days to 7 months depending on the county and complexity. We follow up every 30 days and send you written updates.
What does the Clerk of Court do with my claim?
The Clerk receives your claim package, verifies your identity and ownership, and forwards it to the County Attorney for review. The County Attorney determines who is legally entitled to the surplus under F.S. §197.582. Once approved, the Clerk issues payment. Processing typically takes 30 days to 7 months depending on the county.
Will I need to go to court?
Usually no. Most surplus claims are processed administratively by the Clerk of Court and County Attorney — no court appearance required. In rare cases where multiple people claim the same surplus, the matter may go before a judge. If that happens, we retain a Florida attorney at our expense to represent your interests.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not to work with us. Some counties require an attorney to file the claim — if yours does, we hire one at our expense, not yours. Your fee stays the same either way.
What if the former owner is deceased?
We handle deceased owner claims. You'll need a death certificate and either Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary from probate court. If probate hasn't been opened, we can walk you through the process. These cases are more complex, which is reflected in the fee (+5%).
What if someone else already filed?
We check for competing claims before we sign you. If another company or lienholder has already filed, we'll tell you and explain your options.
Can my mortgage company take the surplus?
If your mortgage was satisfied through the tax deed sale proceeds, the lender has no further claim to the surplus. If the mortgage was not fully paid off, the lender may have a competing lien. We check for this before you sign — it's part of our verification in Step 01.
What if my claim is denied?
If the Clerk denies the claim, we review the reason, correct any issues, and refile if possible. If the denial is based on a legal determination — such as a superior lienholder being entitled — we explain your options. You owe us nothing if the claim is ultimately unsuccessful.
Can I cancel after signing?
You can cancel within 3 business days for any reason, no questions asked. After that, our agreement includes an exclusivity period (typically 6 months). If we've already started work on your claim — lien searches, clerk calls, document preparation — and you cancel, our fee still applies if the funds are eventually disbursed. The full terms are in the Recovery Agreement, which you receive before signing.
Are the surplus funds taxable?
We can't give tax advice. Surplus funds may be considered a return of equity in your former property, which could have tax implications depending on your situation. We recommend consulting a tax professional. You'll receive the Clerk's disbursement documentation for your records.
Real Estate
What happens after I accept the offer?
Once you sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement, both sides are committed. We deposit earnest money with the title company to show we're serious. During the 7-business-day inspection period, either side can walk away. After that, the contract is binding — if we fail to close, you keep the earnest money. If you change your mind after the inspection period, you would be in breach of contract.
What does "assignment" mean?
We may transfer our right to buy your property to another buyer before closing. If we do: your sale price does not change, your closing date does not change, and the deed goes directly from you to the new buyer. We earn a fee from the new buyer — it does not come out of your sale price.
Do I need to make repairs?
No. We buy as-is. You do not need to fix, clean, or prepare anything. We accept the property in its current condition.
How fast can you close?
Typically 14–30 days from the signed contract, depending on title clearance. Some deals close faster if the title is clean.
What if I still owe on my mortgage?
We can still buy. The mortgage gets paid off at closing through the title company, directly from your sale proceeds. You receive whatever is left after the payoff.
Do I need to move out before closing?
Yes, unless we agree otherwise in writing. The property should be vacated by closing day.
What is a title company?
A title company is a licensed third party that handles the closing. They verify the property's ownership history, ensure there are no outstanding liens, hold the earnest money in escrow, prepare closing documents, and distribute funds. The title company is independent — they report what they find. All Florida real estate closings go through a title company or attorney.
For clerks, attorneys, and title companies
Surplus Recovery
Is this an assignment of rights?
No. Our surplus recovery agreement is a service contract. The owner retains full ownership of their claim at all times. The owner signs the notarized affidavit personally. We do not take assignment of surplus fund rights under F.S. §45.033 or any other provision.
What authority does Star Thing have?
The owner signs a limited Authorization to Act as Representative, which permits us to communicate with the Clerk and County Attorney, file the claim package, and receive status updates. This is not a Power of Attorney under Chapter 709. If a county requires a formal POA, we provide a separate POA naming a natural person agent per F.S. §709.2105.
How does disbursement work?
We request split disbursement where accepted — the Clerk issues separate checks to the owner and to Star Thing LLC per a notarized Authorization and Direction to Pay. Where split disbursement is unavailable, we use an attorney trust account or direct payment from the owner. The owner's W-9 and our W-9 are included in the claim package.
What do county clerks need to know?
The claim is filed in the owner's name. Star Thing LLC is the representative, not the claimant. All required documents — owner's notarized affidavit, government ID, W-9, proof of ownership, and our authorization — are included in the claim package. We follow each county's specific filing requirements and forms.
What fee cap applies?
The 12% fee cap under F.S. §45.033(3)(d) applies only to assignees of foreclosure surplus. We are not assignees and we handle tax deed surplus under F.S. §197.582, not foreclosure surplus. Our fees are governed by the service agreement between the owner and Star Thing LLC.
Real Estate / Wholesale
What do title companies need to know?
Our Purchase and Sale Agreements include an assignment clause. The contract is assignable to an end buyer before closing. The seller's sale price and terms do not change upon assignment. We notify the seller of the assignee's identity at least 3 business days before closing. The assignment fee is reflected on the settlement statement.
How is the assignment fee structured?
The assignment fee is paid by the end buyer (assignee) at closing, shown on the settlement statement. It does not come from the seller's proceeds. The non-refundable deposit portion is collected upon execution of the Assignment Agreement, with the balance paid through the closing statement at the title company.
Is this brokerage activity?
No. Star Thing LLC purchases property as a principal under a binding Purchase and Sale Agreement, not as a broker or agent. Under Florida Statute Chapter 475, a "broker" is someone who acts for another for compensation. We act for ourselves — we are a party to the contract. Assignment of a purchase contract by a principal is not brokerage activity requiring licensure. We do not list properties, advertise properties for sale, or collect commissions.
What about proof of funds?
We provide a Proof of Funds letter upon request. If the contract is assigned, the end buyer provides their own proof of funds at closing. Our Purchase Agreement states that proof of funds may be provided by Buyer or Buyer's designated assignee.
What disclosures are included?
Our Purchase Agreement includes all required Florida disclosures: radon (F.S. §404.056), energy efficiency (F.S. §553.996), flood (F.S. §689.302), property tax (F.S. §689.261), code enforcement (F.S. §162.06), and lead paint (pre-1978 properties). Seller Property Disclosure is requested within 3 days of signing.
General — applicable to both business lines
Who is Star Thing LLC?
Star Thing LLC is a real estate services company based in St. Petersburg, FL (7901 4th St N #30711). We assist former property owners with filing tax deed surplus claims under F.S. §197.582 and purchase residential real estate directly as a principal. We are not attorneys, not a government agency, and not licensed real estate brokers.
What do Florida attorneys need to know?
We are not engaged in the practice of law. We do not provide legal advice to clients. When a county requires attorney filing for surplus claims, we retain Florida-licensed counsel at our expense to file on behalf of the owner. For real estate transactions, all closings are handled by licensed title companies. We welcome attorney review of our agreements and encourage clients to seek independent counsel before signing.
Can I review your standard agreements?
We are happy to provide copies of our standard agreements — Recovery Agreement, Authorization to Act, Authorization to Pay, Purchase Agreement, and Assignment Contract — to any attorney, clerk, or title company for review upon request. Contact us at (917) 920-5868.
How does Star Thing handle compliance?
Our outreach letters include all four required disclosures: that we are a private company, that the owner can file for free, that the owner can verify funds directly with the Clerk, and that our service is optional. Our agreements comply with FDUTPA (F.S. §501.201+). We do not use private investigator-restricted databases — all skip tracing uses public records only. We maintain DNC compliance for telephone outreach.
Star Thing LLC
Star Thing LLC operates in Florida. Surplus recovery under F.S. §197.582. Direct real estate acquisition for cash. 7901 4th St N #30711, St. Petersburg, FL 33702.