Tax Lien Redeemed! Why is it the same amount I bought it for?

[Account Closed]

I was super excited to find in the mail- my first tax lien check. Note says the tax lien redeemed. To my dismay though, it was for the exact same amount I purchased it for- $273.61.

I bought this Over the Counter Florida Tax Lien on 3/21/2019 and the check is dated 4/15/19.

My understanding is the Florida tax liens pay 5% penalty and 18% interest for OTC. Any idea why my check is the same amount as purchased? I plan to call the County office to ask on Monday.

My thoughts are that perhaps penalty and interested only accrues after a full month. If any can help confirm that or know of another reason please let me know!

[Roman M.]

Here are the two scenarios:

1. its was probably sale in error. 

2. Interest gets charged on the 1st of the month. So when you bought it on 21st interest was already charged for that month. If taxpayer pays taxes on the 29th of March then he doesn't get charged anything over. The county has 15 days from redemption date to pay you. So this kind of makes sense. The 5% late fee was already included because you bought an existing tax lien cert from the county. They can't charge 5% on top of 5%. If you would have bought it at the auction then 5% would apply