Property Appraisal

According to Florida law, the Property Appraiser has the responsibility of determining the just or market value of every property for tax purposes as of January 1 each year. In addition, he is also in charge of accepting and approving applications for tax exemptions and classifications and then calculating the taxable value accordingly.

Sometimes the market value of your property decreases or remains the same as the property transactions are made in the marketplace, but the assessed value of your property increases. That is probably because of the Recapture Rule. The Property Appraiser is required by the rule to annually raise the assessed value of the homestead properties by 3 percent or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. The assessed value of the non-homestead property should increase by a maximum of 10 percent.

If you do not agree with the assessed value of your property and the denial of your application for tax exemptions, tax deferral, or property classification, you can contact or visit the Property Appraiser’s Office for a discussion, file a petition with the value adjustment board (VAB), or file a suit in circuit court.

Property Tax

The taxing authorities initiate the Truth in Millage (TRIM) process to determine the final budget of the jurisdiction and then set the millage or tax rate. Based on the taxable value made by the Property Appraiser and the millage or tax rate set by the taxing authorities, the Tax Collector calculates the amount of the property taxes and mails out the tax bills in November.

There are various methods of paying property taxes - pay by mail, in person, or online. You can choose the most convenient method of payment according to the instructions shown on the bill. If your property has a mortgage, the mortgage provider is responsible for paying the taxes from the escrow account. Please note that property taxes are due by March 31 each year.

If you have overpaid your property taxes, you can request a refund from the Tax Collector by submitting Form DR-462 within four years after January 1 of the tax year you overpay the taxes. You will receive a refund if your application is approved by the Tax Collector.

Select a county to find your property appraiser or tax collector: