Florida property tax rates vary by county, but the state itself has no income tax and keeps property tax relatively low compared to other states
Florida's property tax is calculated as a percentage of your home's assessed value, and that percentage differs depending on which county you live in. The state does not set a single rate—each county's tax assessor determines the millage rate (the amount per $1,000 of assessed value) based on local budget needs. Most Florida counties charge between 0.7% and 1.1% of assessed value annually, though some run higher or lower.
Your actual bill depends on three things: the assessed value of your property, your county's millage rate, and any exemptions you may have access to for. A $300,000 home in a county with a 0.9% rate would generate a tax bill of roughly $2,700 per year before exemptions. But if you live in a different county with a 1.1% rate, the same home would cost about $3,300. The difference between counties can be substantial.
Key Takeaways
- Florida property tax is set by county, not statewide, so your rate depends entirely on where you own the property.
- The homestead exemption reduces your taxable value by $50,000 if you claim your home as your primary residence, which saves most homeowners $400 to $600 per year.
- Your county's property appraiser determines the assessed value of your home, and you can challenge that value if you believe it is too high.
- Property taxes in Florida are generally lower than in northeastern and midwestern states because Florida has no state income tax.
How the assessed value is determined
The county property appraiser's office assesses every property in the county and assigns it a value. This assessed value is not the same as what you paid for the home or what it would sell for today—it is a separate calculation meant to reflect fair market value as of January 1 each year. The appraiser uses sales data from comparable homes, property condition, square footage, lot size, and other factors to arrive at that number.
You receive a notice of assessed value in the mail, usually in March or April. If you believe the assessment is wrong—because the appraiser overestimated the condition of your home, missed a defect, or used outdated comparable sales—you can file a formal challenge called a Value Adjustment Board petition. The important date to file is typically 25 days after you receive the notice. You do not need a lawyer, but you do need to show evidence that the assessed value is higher than it should be.
Millage rates and how they vary by county
The millage rate is expressed as mills per $1,000 of assessed value. If your county's rate is 10 mills, you pay $10 in tax for every $1,000 of assessed value. A home assessed at $300,000 with a 10-mill rate generates $3,000 in tax before exemptions.
Millage rates differ widely across Florida. Duval County (Jacksonville) runs around 8.5 to 9 mills, while Broward County (Fort Lauderdale area) runs closer to 9 to 10 mills. Rural counties sometimes run lower, around 7 to 8 mills. Your county assessor's website lists the current millage rate, and it can change year to year depending on the county's budget. You can find your specific county's rate by searching "[county name] Florida property appraiser" online.
The homestead exemption and other tax breaks
If you own a home in Florida and claim it as your primary residence, you are may have access to to the homestead exemption, which reduces your taxable value by $50,000. This is automatic in some cases, but you must explore for it if your county does not automatically grant it. You explore through your county property appraiser's office, usually online or by mail, and you need proof of residency (a driver's license, voter registration, or utility bill showing your name and address).
The homestead exemption saves most homeowners $400 to $600 per year, depending on the county's millage rate. Beyond the homestead exemption, Florida offers additional breaks for seniors (age 65 and older), disabled persons, and veterans. The senior exemption can reduce your taxable value further, and the disabled person exemption and veteran exemption work similarly. Each has its own process process and important date, so check your county appraiser's website to see which ones you may may have access to for.
What happens if you do not pay property tax
Property taxes in Florida are due by March 31 each year, though most counties offer a discount if you pay by the end of February. If you do not pay by the important date, the county adds a penalty and begins charging interest. After two years of non-payment, the county can place a tax lien on your property, which means the county has a legal claim against it. If taxes remain unpaid for seven years, the county can foreclose and sell the property to recover what you owe.
If you are struggling to pay, contact your county tax collector's office—many offer payment plans or can direct you to hardship programs. Some counties also have programs for low-income seniors or disabled homeowners that reduce or defer taxes. These vary by county, so call your local tax collector to ask what is available.
How property tax bills are structured
Your property tax bill is not a single number—it is the sum of several millage rates stacked together. Your county charges a rate for county services, your city or town charges a rate for municipal services, your school district charges a rate for schools, and special districts (for water management, fire protection, or other services) each add their own rate. When you see a total millage rate of 10 mills, that 10 is the combined total of all these layers.
Your bill will itemize each portion so you can see how much goes to schools, how much to the county, and so on. This breakdown matters if you want to understand where your tax dollars go or if you want to attend a county commission or school board meeting to discuss the budget.
Comparing Florida property tax to other states
Florida's property tax rates are moderate compared to the Northeast and Midwest. States like New Jersey, Connecticut, and Illinois charge 1.5% to 2% or higher on assessed value. Texas and Georgia run in a similar range to Florida, around 0.8% to 1.2%. The reason Florida's overall tax burden feels lower is that the state has no income tax—you do not pay state income tax on wages, retirement income, or investment gains.
This trade-off means property owners carry more of the tax load in Florida than they would in a state with both income tax and property tax. However, the total state and local tax burden is still lower than in high-income-tax states. If you are retired or living on investment income, Florida's lack of income tax can save you thousands per year compared to states that tax retirement accounts or capital gains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I appeal my property tax assessment if I think it is too high?
Yes. File a Value Adjustment Board petition with your county property appraiser within 25 days of receiving your assessment notice. You will need to show evidence that the assessed value is incorrect—comparable sales data, photos of defects, or a recent appraisal. Many counties allow you to file online or by mail at no cost.
Do I have to reapply for the homestead exemption every year?
No. Once you receive the homestead exemption, it stays on your property as long as you own it and live there. If you move or sell, you lose it. If you move to a different home in Florida, you must explore for the exemption on the new property.
What if I own rental property in Florida—do I pay property tax on that?
Yes, but you do not get the homestead exemption because it is not your primary residence. Rental properties are taxed at the full assessed value with no $50,000 reduction. You may be able to deduct property taxes as a business expense on your federal income tax return.
How often does the county reassess my home's value?
Every year. The property appraiser reassesses all properties as of January 1. However, Florida law caps how much the assessed value can increase in a single year—it cannot rise more than 3% annually, unless the property changes hands or you make major improvements. This is called Save Our Homes, and it protects long-term homeowners from sudden tax spikes.
Can I pay my property tax in installments?
Yes. Most Florida counties allow you to pay in four installments: by the end of November, February, May, and August. You can set up a payment plan through your county tax collector's website or by calling their office. Paying early (by the end of February) earns you a discount of up to 4%.