Opinion ID: 1832827
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: improper sale time

Text: Respondent contends that the trial court did not err in denying petitioner's motion to vacate and set aside the sale, relying on this Court's decision in Mitchell v. Mason, 75 Fla. 679, 79 So. 163 (1918), as controlling. In Mitchell , as in the case sub judice, the sale occurred subsequent to a statement by the individual conducting the sale that it would not be held, resulting in a possible bidder not being present at the time the sale took place. There this Court upheld the sale, but in doing so placed great emphasis on two circumstances present in that case. First, it was specifically noted in Mitchell that the sale was not otherwise irregular: There is no question as to the regularity of the sale, such as lack of published notice, improper time, place, or terms of sale, nor lack of jurisdiction of the court, nor authority of the special master to sell. (emphasis added) (79 So. 164) Here, on the other hand, it is conceded that the sale of the property occurred almost three hours after the time of sale set by the trial court and for which it had been advertised to take place. While a three-hour gap alone may not be sufficient to set aside an otherwise valid judicial sale, it is a significant factor to be considered on a motion to vacate, especially when it is remembered that the object of this procedure is to bring about the sale of the property at as near its full market value as possible, and to assure this, to attract all possible bidders at the appointed hour of sale. [2] Courts have an important interest in preserving the integrity of their sales and should closely examine any discrepancies between the notice of the sale as published and the conduct of the sale in fact. Only in this way can there be assurance that members of the general public have a realistic opportunity to participate in the sale and that the rights of those parties affected thereby are not prejudiced. It is noteworthy that the Mitchell court was extremely hesitant to disturb the chancellor's ruling which had rejected the claim that the sale price was inadequate because of the absence of a possible bidder, where it appeared that the moving party there had waited over four years to file his motion to set aside the sale. Moreover, it was Mitchell's own attorney who misstated to the special master for conducting the sale that proper supersedeas stay had been obtained and bond duly posted when such was not the case, leaving a most serious question of good faith which is required to set aside such a sale. In this setting the Court felt no compulsion in resolving the motion against the tardy complaining party. This is made plain where it was stated: Upon a motion of this kind depending for its effectiveness upon ministerial errors which have not been brought to the attention of the court, no matter what the reason for delay, for many years afterwards, the court should require a very high degree of clearness and certainty in proof in every particular. (emphasis supplied) Sub judice there could be no serious contention that Petitioner Ohio Realty acted tardily or was guilty of delay. Its motions to vacate and set aside the sale were both timely and persistent, the first coming within a week after the sale. In short, our decision in Mitchell v. Mason, supra , is not controlling here, and we cannot escape the conclusion that reliance was erroneously placed on it, at least in part, by the trial court in denying petitioner's motion to vacate the sale.