Kings Point in Sun City Center is one of Florida's premier active adult communities — a large, gated 55+ development with resort-style amenities, golf, and a vibrant social scene just south of Tampa. Many Kings Point homeowners are retirees on fixed incomes, and financial hardship can arise from unexpected medical expenses, loss of a spouse's income, or other life events that are common in retirement. If you are facing foreclosure in Kings Point, you have options — and the community's unique characteristics affect which options work best.
This guide explains how foreclosure works in Hillsborough County for Kings Point homeowners, the full timeline, and every option available to protect your home and your financial security.
How Foreclosure Works for Kings Point Homeowners
Kings Point is in Hillsborough County under the 13th Judicial Circuit. All foreclosure lawsuits are filed at the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602. Clerk contact: (813) 276-8100 | hillsclerk.com.
Under Florida Statute § 702.01, Florida requires a judicial foreclosure process. Your lender must file a civil lawsuit, serve you personally with the complaint, and prove their case before a judge before any auction can be scheduled. From the date you are served, you have exactly 20 days to file a written answer with the Hillsborough County court.
Missing the 20-day answer deadline can result in a default judgment, which fast-tracks the case to a sale without a full hearing. Filing a timely answer preserves all your legal rights and is the most important early action in any Florida foreclosure case. See the Florida foreclosure process guide for a complete breakdown.
Kings Point Foreclosure Timeline
| Stage | Typical Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Missed payments (pre-foreclosure) | 3–6 months |
| Lis pendens + complaint filed | Month 1 |
| 20-day answer period | Month 1–2 |
| Litigation and loss mitigation | Months 3–12 |
| Final judgment and auction | Months 10–14 |
Options for Kings Point Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
Pre-Foreclosure Sale
Kings Point homes sell regularly to age-qualified buyers attracted by the community's amenities, active lifestyle programs, and Florida climate. The 55+ buyer market for Sun City Center is strong and consistent. A pre-foreclosure sale lets you sell at market value to an age-qualified buyer, pay off the mortgage and HOA arrears, and keep any remaining equity — with no foreclosure judgment on your credit.
The key difference from a non-age-restricted sale: all buyers must be age-qualified under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA), which requires at least one resident to be 55 or older. This restricts the buyer pool but does not eliminate it — Kings Point's national reputation attracts buyers from throughout the country.
Short Sale
If you owe more than the current market value of your Kings Point home, a short sale with lender approval resolves the debt for an agreed amount. Less credit damage than a completed foreclosure, and shorter waiting periods before purchasing again.
Loan Modification
If you want to keep your Kings Point home and have sufficient income to support a modified payment, a loan modificationcan restructure your mortgage terms to restore affordability. Apply through your lender's loss mitigation department at any stage of the foreclosure process.
Reverse Mortgage Considerations
Some Kings Point homeowners may have a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM — reverse mortgage). Reverse mortgage foreclosures occur when the borrower fails to maintain the home as their primary residence, stops paying property taxes, or allows homeowners insurance to lapse — not when mortgage payments are missed (since there are no required monthly payments on a standard reverse mortgage). If you have a reverse mortgage in foreclosure, the resolution process is different from a traditional mortgage. Consult with a HUD-approved counselor for guidance specific to your situation.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 triggers an immediate automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362, halting all foreclosure proceedings. A 3-to-5-year court-supervised repayment plan allows you to cure mortgage arrears while keeping your home.
55+ Community Considerations for Kings Point Homeowners
- Age restriction compliance: All pre-foreclosure sale buyers must qualify under HOPA (55+ age requirement). Marketing must target appropriate buyer channels — national 55+ real estate networks, Florida retirement communities, and active adult buyer pools.
- HOA dues and special assessments: Kings Point has mandatory HOA fees covering extensive community amenities. Under F.S. § 720.3085, unpaid dues create independent lien and foreclosure rights for the HOA.
- Property taxes and Florida homestead: Florida homestead exemption and senior exemptions can reduce property tax obligations for qualifying homeowners. Ensure all eligible exemptions are applied — tax savings improve your ability to maintain the home during a difficult period.
- Estate and trust complications: If the property is held in a trust or the primary borrower has passed, the foreclosure process may involve additional steps. An attorney familiar with Hillsborough County probate and real estate law can help navigate these situations.
Barrett Henry, REALTOR® and Broker Associate at REMAX Collective with 23+ years of real estate experience, helps South Hillsborough homeowners — including Kings Point residents — navigate foreclosure. Call (813) 733-7907 for a free consultation.
Free Foreclosure Resources — Kings Point / Hillsborough County
- George E. Edgecomb Courthouse — 800 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602 — hillsclerk.com — (813) 276-8100.
- Bay Area Legal Services — Free legal aid for qualifying Hillsborough County homeowners.
- Tampa Bay CDC — Free HUD-approved housing counseling.
- HUD Housing Counselors — Free counseling including reverse mortgage guidance.
- Barrett Henry, REMAX Collective — Contact us or call (813) 733-7907.
Facing foreclosure in Kings Point? Contact us today — free consultation, no obligation.
