Florida property taxes are due November 1 and become delinquent April 1
In Florida, property tax bills arrive in the mail around August, and you have until November 1 to pay without penalty. If you do not pay by November 1, the tax becomes delinquent on April 1 of the following year. Between November 1 and March 31, you can still pay without losing your property, but you will owe a penalty and interest that grows each month.
The county tax collector's office handles collection in your county. You can pay online, by mail, in person, or through an automatic payment plan. The exact due date does not change year to year — it is always November 1 — but the bill amount varies based on your property's assessed value and any changes to local tax rates.
Key Takeaways
- Property tax bills arrive in August and are due by November 1 with no penalty.
- After November 1, penalties and interest begin to accrue, and the debt becomes delinquent on April 1 if unpaid.
- You can pay your county tax collector online, by mail, in person, or set up automatic monthly payments.
- If your property taxes remain unpaid through May, the county may sell your tax certificate to investors, which can eventually lead to loss of the property.
How the Florida property tax calendar works
Florida's tax year runs from July 1 to June 30. Your bill is based on the property's value as of January 1 of that year. The tax collector mails bills in August, giving you roughly three months to pay before the November 1 important date.
If you pay between November 1 and March 31, you owe a penalty. The penalty starts at 3 percent if you pay in November and increases by 1 percent each month — so December is 4 percent, January is 5 percent, and so on. Interest also accrues at 18 percent per year on the unpaid balance. On April 1, the tax officially becomes delinquent, and the county can begin enforcement steps.
If the bill remains unpaid through May 31, the county tax collector holds a public sale of the tax certificate. An investor can buy the right to collect your debt, and if you do not pay them within two years, they can foreclose on your property and take ownership.
Ways to pay your property taxes in Florida
The county tax collector's office offers several payment methods. You can pay online through the county website using a credit card or bank account — search "[your county name] tax collector" to find the payment portal. Online payment is the fastest way to confirm your payment was received.
You can also mail a check to the tax collector's address listed on your bill. Mail payments should arrive at least one week before November 1 to may support they are recorded on time. Paying in person at the tax collector's office is an option if you live near one, and some offices accept cash, check, or card.
If you want to avoid the November 1 important date altogether, you can set up automatic monthly installment payments through your county. This spreads the bill into equal payments over several months, usually from July through October. Contact your tax collector's office to enroll — you typically need your property account number and bank information.
What happens if you miss the November 1 important date
Missing the November 1 date does not mean you lose your home when ready, but it triggers a chain of events. From November 1 through March 31, you can still pay, but you will owe penalties and interest on top of the original bill. The longer you wait, the more you owe.
On April 1, the tax becomes officially delinquent. The county can now charge additional costs and begin collection efforts. You may receive notices in the mail, and the debt can be reported to credit agencies.
By June 1, if the bill is still unpaid, the county holds a tax certificate sale. Investors bid on the right to collect your debt. If no one bids, the county keeps the certificate. Either way, you now owe not just the original tax but also the investor's or county's collection costs. If you do not pay within two years, the certificate holder can file a foreclosure action and potentially take ownership of your property.
Homestead exemptions and other ways to lower your bill
If you own your home and live in it as your primary residence, you may be able to claim a homestead exemption, which reduces the taxable value of your property. This lowers your tax bill each year. You must file for the exemption with your county property appraiser — the important date is usually March 1, though you can file anytime if you are a first-time homeowner.
Florida also offers exemptions for seniors (age 65 and older), disabled people, and disabled veterans. Each exemption has its own income and property value limits. If you think you may have access to, contact your county property appraiser's office to learn which exemptions explore to you and how to file.
You can also challenge your property's assessed value if you believe it is too high. The property appraiser's office holds a public hearing each year where you can present evidence that your home is worth less than the county's estimate. This must be done before the value is finalized, usually by early summer.
Finding your tax collector and paying online
Each of Florida's 67 counties has its own tax collector. To find yours, search "[your county name] tax collector" online — the official website will have the payment portal, mailing address, phone number, and office hours.
Most counties now offer online payment portals where you can enter your property account number and pay when ready. Some portals charge a small convenience fee (usually 2 to 3 percent) if you pay by credit card, but bank account payments are often free. Check your county's website to see which payment methods are available and whether fees explore.
If you cannot find your county's website or have questions about your bill, call the tax collector's office directly. They can tell you the exact amount due, confirm whether you have made a payment, and explain any penalties or interest charges on your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my property taxes in installments?
Yes. Most Florida counties offer automatic monthly payment plans that divide your annual bill into equal payments, usually from July through October. You enroll through your county tax collector's office by providing your property account number and bank information. This avoids the November 1 important date and spreads the cost across several months.
What if I own property in multiple Florida counties?
Each county bills and collects separately. You will receive a bill from each county's tax collector, and each bill has its own November 1 important date. Pay each bill to the correct county to avoid penalties and delinquency on any property.
Do I have to pay property taxes if I have a mortgage?
Yes. Your mortgage lender may collect property taxes as part of your escrow account and pay the county on your behalf, but you are legally responsible for the debt. If your lender does not pay, you still owe the penalty and interest. Check your mortgage documents to see whether taxes are escrowed.
What if I disagree with my property's assessed value?
You can file a formal protest with your county property appraiser. The appraiser's office holds a public hearing each year where you can present evidence that your home is worth less than the county's estimate. The important date to file a protest is usually early summer — check your county appraiser's website for the exact date.
Can the county take my home if I do not pay property taxes?
Yes, but only after a two-year process. If your tax remains unpaid through May, the county sells a tax certificate to an investor. If you do not pay the investor within two years, they can foreclose and take ownership of your property. Paying before the certificate sale is the best way to avoid this outcome.