Once association counsel obtains a personal judgment against the unit owner for failure to pay maintenance fees, late fees, attorneys’ fees and costs and other charges, we look for ways to collect on the judgment. If the delinquent unit owner owns a vehicle, one method of collecting on the judgment is by levying the vehicle and selling it at auction.
The process varies slightly from county to county, however, the overall concept is the same. Ownership of the vehicle must be confirmed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Once ownership is confirmed, and the make, model and VIN number is provided, the sheriff will levy the vehicle. The vehicle is then towed away and stored at a facility, while the sheriff advertises the sale date. On the date of sale, the vehicle is sold at auction. After commissions are paid, the remainder of the auction proceeds is applied to the judgment.