How the bill is calculated
The county property appraiser sets the assessed value, and taxing authorities (county, city, school board and others) set millage, which is dollars per $1,000 of taxable value. Total rates differ by city and neighborhood, and a rough planning range is often quoted as one to two percent of value, so check the exact address on the county tax records.
The price can reset the assessment
After a sale, the appraiser may reassess the property closer to market value, so the seller's old bill is not a reliable guide for the buyer. Ask your agent to estimate the new bill before you make an offer.
Homestead exemption and caps
A primary residence can qualify for the homestead exemption, which lowers taxable value, and for the Save Our Homes cap that limits yearly assessment increases. You must own and live in the home as your permanent residence on January 1 and apply with the county by the deadline (usually March 1). Second homes, rentals and homes owned by many foreign buyers do not qualify, and non-homestead property has a separate cap on yearly increases.
Bill dates
Bills are normally mailed around November 1, paid early in November with the largest discount, and become delinquent after March 31. Mortgage lenders often collect tax monthly into escrow.
Next step
Rules and amounts change, so confirm current figures with the county appraiser and a tax professional. Lidiya Tretyak is a licensed Florida real estate agent with Douglas Elliman and speaks English, Russian and Ukrainian; the first consultation is free.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and programs change — confirm details with a Florida attorney and a US tax professional.
