The Highland area of Valrico sits in the heart of eastern Hillsborough County, primarily in the 33594 zip code. Like much of the Valrico community, this area offers a mix of established neighborhoods and more recently developed subdivisions. Many families have called Highland home for decades, drawn by the area's schools, community feel, and relative affordability compared to communities closer to Tampa.
Financial hardship can reach any homeowner regardless of how long they have lived in their home or how strong the neighborhood is. If you are a Highland area homeowner facing foreclosure, this guide explains every option available to you under Florida law and Hillsborough County court procedures.
For a complete overview of foreclosure resources throughout the Valrico area, read our complete Valrico foreclosure guide.
How Foreclosure Works for Highland Area Homeowners
Highland is an unincorporated part of Hillsborough County. Foreclosure cases for properties here are handled by the 13th Judicial Circuit at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602.
Florida uses a judicial foreclosure process — meaning your lender cannot take your home without going through the courts. The process includes filing a complaint, serving you with legal papers, and obtaining a judgment from a circuit court judge. Each of these steps takes time and gives you opportunities to respond, negotiate, and explore your options.
Under Florida Statute §702.015, the lender must certify in their complaint that they have standing to foreclose. Defects in this certification — such as a broken chain of title or improper mortgage assignment — can be challenged in court. Read more about the full Florida foreclosure process.
Critical: From the date you are served with the foreclosure complaint, you have exactly 20 days to file a written answer with the Hillsborough County court. Missing this deadline allows the lender to seek a default judgment. Call (813) 733-7907 as soon as you receive foreclosure papers.
Highland Area Foreclosure Timeline
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Missed payments (pre-foreclosure period) | 3–6 months |
| Lis pendens and complaint filed | Month 1 |
| 20-day answer window | Months 1–2 |
| Litigation, mediation, and loss mitigation | Months 3–12 |
| Final judgment and auction (F.S. §45.031) | Months 10–14 |
From your first missed payment to the foreclosure auction, the total process in Hillsborough County typically takes 13 to 20 months. Homeowners who file answers and engage actively in the process routinely add months to this timeline.
HOA Considerations for Highland Area Homeowners
Some communities in the Highland area of Valrico are governed by homeowners associations. If you are a member of an HOA and your dues are delinquent, this is what you need to know for your foreclosure situation:
- Your HOA holds a lien on your property that is entirely separate from your mortgage lender's foreclosure action.
- In Florida, HOAs can file their own foreclosure action on a delinquent dues lien, which can run concurrently with the mortgage lender's foreclosure.
- Any buyer purchasing your home — whether in a pre-foreclosure sale or short sale — will typically require HOA balances to be cleared at closing.
- We do not publish specific HOA names, fee schedules, or dues for any Highland area community. Contact your HOA directly or call us at (813) 733-7907 for help understanding your specific community's requirements.
Your Options as a Highland Area Homeowner in Foreclosure
Sell Your Home Before the Auction
A pre-foreclosure sale is typically the best outcome when a homeowner cannot keep their home. You sell the property, pay off the mortgage and any liens, and if equity remains, you keep it. No foreclosure judgment enters your public record. The Valrico area has consistent buyer demand that works in your favor for a timely sale.
Barrett Henry, Broker Associate at REMAX Collective with 23+ years of real estate experience, specializes in pre-foreclosure sales in Valrico, Highland, and eastern Hillsborough County. Call (813) 733-7907 for a free home value consultation.
Short Sale
If your Highland area home is worth less than what you owe, a Florida short saleallows you to sell with your lender's approval for less than the full balance. The lender accepts the proceeds and typically forgives the remaining debt. Short sales cause significantly less credit damage than a completed foreclosure and carry shorter waiting periods before you can qualify for a new mortgage.
Loan Modification
If keeping your home is the goal, contact your lender's loss mitigation department to request a loan modification. Modifications can lower your payment through rate reductions, term extensions, or principal deferrals. Apply early — the review process takes time, and lenders can continue foreclosure while a modification is under review unless a court order requires otherwise.
Legal Defenses to Stop Foreclosure
Florida Statute §702.06 gives homeowners the right to raise affirmative defenses in foreclosure lawsuits. A qualified attorney can review your loan documents and the lender's complaint for errors that may delay or defeat the foreclosure. Learn more at our guide to stopping foreclosure in Florida.
Questions about your Highland area foreclosure? Call (813) 733-7907 — free consultation, no obligation.
Free Resources for Highland and Valrico Homeowners
- Bay Area Legal Services — Free legal representation for qualifying homeowners. Call (813) 232-1343.
- HUD-Approved Housing Counselors — Free foreclosure counseling. Call (800) 569-4287.
- Hillsborough County Clerk of Court — Check your case status at hillsclerk.com.
- Barrett Henry, REMAX Collective — Free consultation for Highland and Valrico homeowners. Call (813) 733-7907.
Ready to explore your options? Contact us today — no cost, no obligation. Call (813) 733-7907.
