Florida real estate taxes are due November 30 each year
In Florida, property taxes on real estate are due on November 30. This is a hard important date. If you do not pay by that date, the county adds a penalty and begins charging interest. The tax bill itself arrives in the mail around August or September, and the amount is based on the assessed value of your property as of January 1 of that year.
The county tax collector's office handles collection. You can pay in person, by mail, online through your county's website, or by phone. Some counties also accept payment through third-party services like credit cards or payment apps, though these often charge a processing fee. The sooner you pay after receiving your bill, the sooner you avoid any risk of missing the important date.
If you own property in multiple Florida counties, each county sends its own bill and has its own tax collector. You will receive separate notices for each property, and each has the same November 30 important date.
Key Takeaways
- Florida property tax bills are due November 30 each year, with penalties and interest added if you miss this date.
- Your tax bill arrives in August or September and is based on the property value assessed on January 1.
- You can pay through your county tax collector by mail, online, phone, or in person — check your county's website for the exact methods available.
- If you own multiple properties in different counties, each county sends a separate bill with the same November 30 important date.
- Homestead exemptions and other discounts reduce your tax bill but do not change the due date.
What happens if you miss the November 30 important date
Paying after November 30 triggers a penalty on top of your tax bill. Florida law sets the penalty at 10 percent of the unpaid tax for the first month late, then 5 percent for each additional month, up to a maximum of 25 percent. Interest also accrues at 18 percent per year on the unpaid balance.
If your bill remains unpaid for two years, the county can place a lien on your property. This means the county has a legal claim against your home. You cannot sell or refinance the property without paying off the lien first. After three years of non-payment, the county may sell the property at a tax deed sale to recover the money owed.
If you are struggling to pay by November 30, contact your county tax collector before the important date. Some counties offer payment plans or can discuss hardship situations, though this varies by location.
How to find your bill and pay online
Your property tax bill arrives by mail in August or September. If you do not receive it, you can look up your bill online through your county tax collector's website. Most Florida counties allow you to search by property address or parcel number and view the bill when ready.
To pay online, visit your county tax collector's website and look for a "Pay My Taxes" or "Online Payment" link. You will need your property address or parcel number. Most counties accept payment by debit card, credit card, or electronic bank transfer. If you use a credit card, the county or a third-party processor will charge a convenience fee — typically 2 to 3 percent of the amount paid.
If you prefer to pay by mail, write a check to your county tax collector and include the payment stub from your bill. Mail it early enough to arrive before November 30. If you pay in person, bring the bill or your property information to the tax collector's office during business hours.
Homestead exemption and other ways your bill is reduced
If you own your home and live in it as your primary residence, you may be may have access to to a homestead exemption. This exemption reduces the assessed value of your home by up to $50,000, which lowers your tax bill. You must file for the exemption with your county property appraiser by March 1 of the year you want it to take effect.
Other exemptions and discounts exist for seniors, disabled people, veterans, and agricultural property owners. Each has different income or use requirements. These reductions lower the amount you owe, but they do not change the November 30 due date.
If you believe your property is assessed too high, you can challenge the assessment through your county property appraiser's office. The important date to file a formal challenge is typically in July or August. Lowering your assessment lowers your tax bill going forward.
Paying property taxes on a rental or investment property
If you own rental property or investment real estate in Florida, the same November 30 important date applies. You receive a separate bill for each property you own. These bills are not deductible from rent you collect — you must pay them directly to the county.
Many landlords and property investors set aside money each month to cover the annual tax bill, since the full amount is due in one payment. Some use a property management company that collects rent and handles tax payments on their behalf.
If you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to pay property taxes through an escrow account as part of your monthly mortgage payment. In that case, your lender pays the county on your behalf, and you do not pay directly. Check your mortgage documents or contact your lender to confirm whether taxes are escrowed.
Understanding your property tax bill
Your property tax bill shows the assessed value of your property, the tax rate set by your county and local taxing authorities, and the total amount due. The assessed value is not the same as the market value — it is set by the county property appraiser and is used only for tax purposes.
The tax rate is expressed as a millage rate, which is the amount of tax per $1,000 of assessed value. For example, if your assessed value is $200,000 and the millage rate is 10 mills, your tax is $2,000. The millage rate varies by county and can change year to year based on local government budgets.
Your bill may also include taxes for schools, fire districts, or other local services. These are all combined into one bill from your county tax collector. The November 30 important date covers the entire bill, not just the county portion.
Setting up automatic payments or reminders
Many county tax collector websites allow you to set up automatic payments on a date you choose. This removes the risk of forgetting the November 30 important date. You can usually schedule a one-time payment or recurring annual payments.
If you do not want automatic payments, set a calendar reminder for early November. This gives you time to gather funds and submit payment before the important date. Paying in early November also ensures your payment clears before the cutoff, even if there are mail or processing delays.
Some counties also offer email or text reminders when your bill is ready. Check your county tax collector's website to see if this service is available in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Florida property taxes in installments?
Florida law does not allow installment payments for property taxes. The full amount is due by November 30. However, some counties may work with you on a payment plan if you contact them before the important date and explain a hardship. This is handled case-by-case and is not may provide. Contact your county tax collector directly to discuss your situation.
What if I own property in multiple Florida counties?
Each county sends a separate bill with the same November 30 important date. You must pay each bill by that date to avoid penalties. You can pay online through each county's website or by mail to each county tax collector.
Do I still owe property taxes if I am selling my home?
Yes. Property taxes are due November 30 regardless of whether you are selling. At closing, the seller and buyer typically split the year's taxes based on the date of sale. Your title company or closing attorney handles this calculation. You remain responsible for taxes up to your closing date.
What if my property tax bill is wrong?
Contact your county property appraiser to dispute the assessed value. You can file a formal challenge by the important date set by your county, usually in July or August. You can also request an informal review of the assessment. Lowering the assessed value lowers your tax bill. This process is separate from paying your bill — you still owe the full amount by November 30 while your challenge is being reviewed.
Can I deduct Florida property taxes on my federal income tax return?
You may be able to deduct state and local property taxes on your federal return, but there is a limit of $10,000 per year under current federal tax law. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation, as rules vary based on your income and filing status.