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Lis pendens
A notice recorded in the county's official records that a lawsuit affecting the property has been filed. In Florida it marks the public start of a foreclosure.
Final judgment of foreclosure
The court order that fixes the amount owed and directs the clerk to sell the property on a set date.
Certificate of sale
Filed by the clerk right after the auction. It names the winning bidder and ends the owner's right of redemption.
Certificate of title
The document that transfers ownership to the winning bidder, issued 10 days after the certificate of sale if nobody objects.
Surviving lien
Any claim that stays attached to the property after the sale, such as a senior mortgage, unpaid property taxes or certain municipal liens.
Writ of possession
A court order directing the sheriff to remove occupants so the new owner can take the property.
Surplus funds
Money left over when a property sells for more than the judgment. It goes to junior lienholders and then the former owner, not the buyer.
Tax deed sale
A separate clerk-run auction of property with unpaid taxes under Chapter 197, Florida Statutes. Different rules, same need for title work.