Florida Foreclosures Are Rising in 2026: What Homeowners Can Do Before Losing Their Home

What Is Happening With Florida Foreclosures?

According to ATTOM's August 2026 foreclosure report, released September 17, 2026, Florida recorded 3,189 foreclosure starts, the highest number among all states.

Nationally, foreclosure filings increased 13% compared with August 2025.

However, an increase in foreclosure activity does not mean every homeowner facing financial difficulties will lose their property.

Some homeowners may qualify for mortgage assistance. Others may discover they have enough equity to sell their property and pay off their mortgage.

The key is understanding the numbers before making a decision.

Source: ATTOM, August 2026 report

1. Contact Your Mortgage Servicer Early

If you are struggling to make your mortgage payment, contact the company that services your loan.

Explain your financial situation and ask what assistance programs may be available.

Depending on your circumstances and loan type, possible options may include repayment plans, temporary forbearance, or loan modifications.

These options require evaluation and are not guaranteed.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends contacting your mortgage servicer as soon as you anticipate payment difficulties.

CFPB: Mortgage help

2. Find Out How Much Your Home Is Worth

Your property may be worth more than you think.

Before considering foreclosure, request a current market evaluation.

Compare three important numbers:

1. Your property's estimated market value.

2. Your total mortgage payoff and other liens.

3. Your estimated selling expenses.

For example, imagine your property could sell for $400,000 and your total mortgage payoff is $285,000.

The difference is $115,000 before commissions, closing costs, other liens, and expenses.

This does not mean you would receive $115,000, but it illustrates why understanding your equity matters.

How much is my Florida home worth?

3. Consider Selling Before Foreclosure

If keeping your home is no longer financially realistic, selling may be an option.

A traditional sale could allow you to pay off the mortgage and retain remaining proceeds after applicable expenses.

The amount available depends on your property value, outstanding debts, and transaction costs.

If the mortgage balance exceeds the property's value, a short sale may be another possibility.

A short sale requires approval from the mortgage lender or servicer and potentially other lienholders.

Selling does not automatically stop an existing foreclosure proceeding. Homeowners facing a lawsuit or scheduled auction should obtain legal advice promptly.

4. Understand the Foreclosure Timeline

For many residential mortgages, federal servicing rules generally prevent the servicer from making the first foreclosure filing until the borrower is more than 120 days delinquent, subject to exceptions.

Florida uses a judicial foreclosure process, meaning foreclosure generally proceeds through the courts.

If you receive a foreclosure summons or legal complaint, do not ignore it.

Contact a qualified Florida attorney immediately and follow the response deadline stated in your documents.

Homeowners who submit complete mortgage assistance applications early may have additional procedural protections. These protections depend on timing, completeness and applicable servicing rules, and do not guarantee approval.

Waiting until an auction is scheduled can significantly limit available options.

CFPB: 12 CFR § 1024.41

5. Get Professional Guidance Before Making a Decision

Every homeowner's circumstances are different.

Someone experiencing temporary unemployment may have different options from someone facing a permanent reduction in income.

A homeowner with substantial equity may also have alternatives that are unavailable to someone whose mortgage exceeds the property's value.

A HUD-approved housing counselor can help homeowners understand mortgage assistance programs. Ask the counselor about the service and any applicable terms.

A licensed real estate professional can help evaluate property value and potential selling options.

A Florida attorney can explain legal rights, deadlines, and foreclosure proceedings.

Your Next Step Matters

If you are behind on mortgage payments in Orlando, Kissimmee, Tampa, or anywhere in Florida, gathering accurate information early is important.

Before deciding whether to keep or sell your home, understand its market value, mortgage balance, and potential options.

DomoNova helps connect Florida homeowners with real estate and mortgage professionals who can provide personalized guidance.

You do not have to make an important housing decision without understanding your options.