When Are Property Taxes Due in Florida? Important Deadlines to Know 

If you own property in Florida, staying on top of property tax deadlines can help you avoid penalties and even save money. While Florida does not have a state income tax, property taxes play a major role in funding essential services like schools, roads, and emergency response.

So, when are property taxes due in Florida? They become payable on November 1 each year and are considered late after April 1 of the following year. Missing deadlines can lead to extra fees, interest charges, or even a tax lien on your property. Below, we’ll walk you through Florida’s property tax process and how to stay ahead of your payments.

What Are Property Taxes in Florida?

Property taxes in Florida are assessed annually based on your home’s market value and the local millage rate (the tax rate per $1,000 of assessed property value). These taxes help fund public services and infrastructure in your community.

Each year, the county property appraiser determines your property’s assessed value, while the tax collector is responsible for mailing bills and collecting payments. Your total tax bill depends on:

• The assessed value of your home, which is based on market trends and property characteristics.

• The local millage rate, which varies by county and determines how much tax you owe per $1,000 of property value.

For example, if your home’s assessed value is $250,000 and your local millage rate is 5.2, your tax bill would be $1,300 ($250,000 ÷ 1,000 × 5.2).

Important Florida Property Tax Deadlines To Remember

Staying informed about tax deadlines helps you avoid late fees and take advantage of early payment discounts. Here’s what you need to know:

November 1: Tax Bills Issued

Tax bills are typically mailed on or about November 1 each year. ​

Early Payment Discounts

Florida offers incentives for early payment of property taxes. Taking advantage of these discounts can result in significant savings​:​

• 4% discount if paid in November.

• 3% discount if paid in December.

• 2% discount if paid in January.

• 1% discount if paid in February.

March 31: Final Payment Deadline

All real estate property taxes are due in full (with no discount) by March 31. Payments not paid or postmarked by March 31 are delinquent. ​

April 1: Delinquency Date

Taxes become delinquent on April 1, at which point penalties and interest may apply. It's key to pay on time to avoid these additional charges. ​

Are Property Taxes Paid in Advance in Florida?

No, property taxes in Florida are paid in arrears, meaning they apply to the previous calendar year rather than the current one. For example, property taxes assessed for 2024 are not due until November 1, 2024, and become delinquent after April 1, 2025 if unpaid. This differs from some states where property taxes are paid in advance for the upcoming year.

Since property taxes are based on the prior year, they are often prorated at closing when a home is sold. The seller typically pays for the portion of taxes covering their ownership period, while the buyer assumes responsibility for the remainder of the tax bill once it comes due. This ensures a fair division of property tax obligations between both parties. Buyers should review their closing statements to understand how property taxes are allocated in the transaction.

What Happens If You Miss a Property Tax Deadline?

Failing to pay your property taxes on time can lead to costly consequences, including:

Penalties and Interest

If property taxes remain unpaid after April 1, a 3% penalty is added to the amount due. Additionally, interest accrues at a rate of 1.5% per month on delinquent tangible personal property taxes. These charges continue to accumulate until the entire tax amount is paid. ​

Tax Certificates

If taxes remain unpaid, the tax collector may sell a tax certificate, which is a lien against the property. Purchasing a tax certificate allows investors to pay the owed taxes in exchange for the right to collect that debt, plus interest, from the property owner. To remove the lien, the property owner must pay the tax collector all delinquent taxes plus accrued interest, penalties, and advertising fees. 

If the debt remains unpaid for 90 days, the Department will charge a 10% administrative collection processing fee to cover the collection costs.

Ways to Manage Property Tax Payments in Florida

Staying on top of property tax payments is important for avoiding penalties and keeping your finances in order. Homeowners in Florida have options to make payments more manageable, including installment plans and partial payments.

Installment Payment Plan

Florida allows property owners to pay their taxes in quarterly installments instead of a lump sum. To enroll, you must apply with your county tax collector by April 30 of the year the taxes are assessed. To qualify, all prior-year taxes must be paid in full.

Partial Payments

Some Florida counties accept partial payments throughout the year, helping homeowners reduce interest and penalties on unpaid balances. However, any remaining balance after March 31 is considered delinquent and subject to penalties. Each county has different rules, so it’s important to check with your local tax collector's office for specific guidelines.

Planning ahead and using these payment options can help make property tax management easier and prevent unexpected financial strain.

Stay on Top of Property Taxes and Home Value Today!

Keeping up with property tax deadlines helps you avoid penalties and take advantage of discounts, but that’s only part of the equation. Knowing your home’s true market value is just as important—it impacts not only your tax obligations but also your long-term financial strategy.

Whether you’re thinking about selling or just want a clearer picture of your investment, Florida Realty Marketplace connects you with real estate experts who can provide the insights you need. See what your home is worth today.

Tags

• florida property taxes (4)
• property taxes in florida (3)
• property taxes (3)