What are Murphy Act Lands?
A. Chapter 18296, Laws of Florida (1937), is known as the Murphy Act. The Act provided for forfeiture of lands for nonpayment of property taxes. Tax certificates were issued to landowners who failed to pay their taxes. If the taxes were not paid by June 9, 1939, title to the land went to the State, and these lands are now administered by the Board of Trustees. Chapter 253, F.S., is where the details for Murphy Act Lands can be reviewed. Many lands received under the Murphy Act are wetlands or marshland or have other natural resources and these are managed as conservation lands. However, there are many small Murphy Act parcels scattered about the state which are offered for sale as surplus.
