Savings & Sunshine: Why Florida is a Hotspot for Government Auctions

Florida is famous for its beaches — but savvy buyers know the Sunshine State is also a treasure trove of government surplus. From Miami to Tallahassee, agencies across Florida regularly list vehicles, real estate, electronics, and more on GovDeals, giving everyday buyers and resellers a chance to score big.

If you’re looking for bargains or a side hustle, here’s why GovDeals deserves a spot on your radar.

Why Buy Surplus in Florida

When government agencies no longer need vehicles, equipment, or other gear, they list it on GovDeals. These are well-kept items that you can buy at a fraction of the retail price. Buying used helps you save money—and it keeps good stuff out of landfills.

And with hundreds of government agencies in Florida using GovDeals, there’s always something new up for grabs. 

Florida Sold Results

1999 Contender 28' Cuddy - Sold for $75K in Hobe Sound, Florida

2018 Harley Davidson FLHTP Police - Sold for $5K in Delray Beach, Florida

Tiny Home with Trailer - Sold for $20K in Ospery, Florida

1989 Ford Bronco - Sold for $8K in Orlando, Florida

Vacant Cleared Residential Lot - Sold for 27K in Fort Pierce, Florida

15' Airboat - Sold for $23K in West Palm Beach, Florida

2023 Ford Bronco Raptor - Sold for $78K in West Melbourne, Florida

Storage Unit - Collectibles: Trading Cards and Sports Memorabilia - Sold for $7K in Port St. Lucie, Florida

Gym Equipment - Sold for $14K - in Jacksonville, Florida

1996 MD500E Helicopter - Sold for $800K in Jacksonville, Florida

128 Laptops and Tablets - Sold for $10K in Largo Florida

Jewelry - Sold for $10K in Plant City, Florida

Cummins Generator - Sold for $121K in Winter Haven, Florida

2014 PORSCHE 911 - Sold for $103K in Hollywood, Florida

2018 Bentley Bentayga - Sold for $66K - in Jacksonville, Florida

2021 ISUZU refrigerated Truck - Sold For $50K in West Palm Beach, Florida

Who’s Selling in Florida

Noteworthy Sellers using GovDeals in Florida:

• State of Florida
• Miami-Dade
• Jacksonville
• Florida State University
• Tallahassee
  
• University of Central Florida
• Brevard County Board of County Commissioners
• South Florida Water Management District
  
• Gainesville
• Palm Coast
• Palm County
• MartinCounty
  
• Polk County Sheriff's Office
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  
• Naples
• Escambia County
• School Board of Clay County
  
• Melbourne
• Delray Beach
• Toho Water Authority
• Flagler County Board of County Commissioners

There are numerous ways to find specific sellers on GovDeals.

• Find sellers near you by searching your zip code in our location search.
• Type in your zip code
• Adjust your radius
• Select the 'show map' box
• Hit search
• You've got a list of live auctions near you!

Keep track of your favorite sellers by bookmarking or favoriting their URL. To find the URL, click 'View Seller's Other Assets' on an auction page of a seller you are interested in. This will provide a list of all items for sale from that seller. Save it and check regularly.

Hundreds of new surplus auctions are listed on GovDeals every day!

What's Selling in Florida

Popular Items for Sale in Florida

Vehicles

Light and Heavy-Duty Trucks, Automobiles, SUVs, Boats, Buses, Vans, ATVs, Specialized Vehicles, and more.                                                                                                                                                                

Heavy Equipment

Dozers, Backhoes, Tractors, Excavators, Cranes, Highway/Road Equipment, and more.

Tech & Office Gear

Computers, Cell Phones, Monitors, Tablets, Audio/Visual Equipment, and more.

Consumer Goods

Furniture, Appliances, Collectibles, Clothing, Jewelry, Fitness Equipment, and more. 

Industrial Equipment

Building, Factory Support, Power, Generation, Transmission, and Distribution, Public Utility, and Warehouse and Material Handling Equipment, Forklifts, and more.

 
Real Estate

Permanent and Portable Buildings, Vacant Land, Residential and Commercial Property, and more. 

How to Resell Surplus and Make Money

One of the biggest advantages of buying on GovDeals is the resale opportunity. Whether you're side hustling on weekends or building a full-blown business, government surplus can feed your inventory at unbeatable costs.

Where to Resell

• Facebook Marketplace: Great for local resales — especially for selling items like furniture, tools, and equipment.
• eBay: Ideal for smaller items, electronics, or collectibles with national interest.
• Craigslist: Still works for certain categories and larger items like vehicles or trailers.
• Flea Markets or Auctions: In-person sales can help you move inventory quickly and profitably.

Flipping Tips

• Clean and Repair: A little polish goes a long way. Items in good visual condition sell faster and at higher prices.
• Do Your Research: Before bidding, check recent selling prices on resell platforms to ensure a strong profit margin.
• Tell the Story: Buyers love knowing the item’s origin. “From a local school district in Florida” or “Used in a city fleet” can help add credibility and appeal.
• Bundle for Value: If you bought a lot of similar items, bundle them into sets or offer bulk deals to attract buyers.

Ready to Start Flipping Florida Surplus?

Florida’s surplus market is as diverse as the state itself. From patrol boats in the Keys to buses in Orlando, surplus auctions give you access to high-value assets at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re flipping for profit, stocking a business, or just bargain hunting, GovDeals makes it easy to explore listings across the Sunshine State.

Good for Your Wallet—and the Planet

Last year, over 20,000 items were sold on GovDeals in Florida alone. That means fewer things went to waste and more people got affordable tools and gear.

Ready to Get Started?

• ✅ Create a free GovDeals account
• 🔔 Set alerts for your favorite categories
• 📍 Use location filters to shop items near you