How to Get Out of a Timeshare in Florida (2026 Honest Guide)
How to Get Out of a Timeshare in Florida (2026 Honest Guide)
Quick Answer: You have 4 realistic options to exit a Florida timeshare: (1) return it to the resort through a “deed-back” program if they offer one, (2) sell it to a cash buyer like Homeinc, (3) list it on a resale marketplace like RedWeek, or (4) hire a timeshare exit company (most expensive, highest risk). This guide walks through the trade-offs of each.
Why Getting Out of a Timeshare Is So Hard
Timeshare contracts are designed to be perpetual. When you bought, you almost certainly signed a “in perpetuity” contract that binds you and your heirs to pay annual maintenance fees forever. Resorts profit when you pay fees, not when you sell. That is why resort resale departments are notoriously slow and ineffective. Florida has some of the most owner-friendly timeshare exit laws in the country, but even here, getting out cleanly typically takes 3-12 months and often costs money.
Your 4 Real Options
Option 1: Deed-Back to the Resort
Some major resort brands (Marriott Vacation Club “Ovation”, Hilton Grand Vacations, Diamond Resorts “Transitions”, Wyndham “Ovation”) have official surrender programs. Requirements typically: current on all fees, not in foreclosure, not in bankruptcy, and hold all original documents. Cost: usually $500-$2,500 in transfer fees. Timeline: 3-12 months. This is the cleanest option if you qualify.
Option 2: Sell to a Cash Buyer (Homeinc)
Homeinc buys Florida timeshares directly in cash. We pay you for the timeshare and assume the ongoing contract with the resort. No upfront fees. Written offer in 24-48 hours. Closing in 30-60 days after we clear the resort’s right-of-first-refusal period. We can even buy timeshares with unpaid maintenance fees.
Option 3: Resale Marketplaces
RedWeek, Timeshare Users Group, and ARDA’s Resale Registry are legitimate. Expect 6-24 months of listing. Typical prices: 5-10% of original purchase price, often $1 for lower-tier weeks. Best for high-brand deeded weeks that still have some resale demand.
Option 4: Timeshare Exit Companies (Buyer Beware)
Examples: Wesley Financial Group, Timeshare Compliance, Nationwide Timeshare Exit Team. They charge $3,000-$10,000+ upfront. Some have been shut down by state attorneys general or the FTC for fraud. If you go this route, verify licensing, check Better Business Bureau complaints, verify AG complaints in your state, and never pay upfront without a written guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just stop paying my Florida timeshare?
No — stopping payment will destroy your credit, the resort can foreclose (many timeshare deeds allow non-judicial foreclosure), and in most states you remain personally liable for accrued fees, late charges, and legal costs. Do not walk away from the contract without a plan.
Do “timeshare exit companies” actually work?
Some do, many do not. Most charge $3,000-$10,000 upfront with no guarantee. Several large firms (Reed Hein/Timeshare Exit Team, Pandora Marketing, others) have been shut down or fined by state attorneys general. Do heavy due diligence before paying anyone upfront.
Can I just sell my timeshare on eBay or Facebook?
Yes, but most Florida timeshares have little to no resale value. Weeks-based deeded units sometimes sell for $1 with the buyer just wanting the transfer. Points contracts vary widely by brand. Expect long listing times.
What if I owe back maintenance fees?
This is one of the most common situations. Homeinc buys timeshares with unpaid maintenance fees — we factor them into our offer or pay at closing. Most exit companies will not touch delinquent timeshares.
What about inherited timeshares?
Florida has an “estate closure” process where heirs can decline a timeshare inheritance during probate. If probate is already closed and you are stuck with it, Homeinc buys inherited timeshares. Coordinate with your estate attorney.
Get a Straight-Answer Cash Offer From Homeinc
Call (888) 850-2636. No upfront fees. Written offer in 24-48 hours. If your timeshare has no resale value we’ll tell you honestly and suggest alternatives — we do not charge to look.
