Real property is located in described geographic areas, designated as parcels. It includes land, building, fixtures, and improvements to the land.
Florida property taxes are relatively unique because:
Ad valorem taxes or real property taxes are based on the value of such property, and are paid in arrears. The tax year runs from January 1st to December 31st. The office of the Property Appraiser establishes the value of the property, and the Board of County Commissioners, School Board, City Commissioners and other levying bodies set the millage rates. One mill equals $1.00 per $1,000.00 of property value.
Using the values as set and allowing for exemptions, the tax roll is completed by the Property Appraiser and approved by the Department of Revenue. The tax roll is then certified by the Property Appraiser to the Tax Collector, who in turn mails the tax notice/receipt to the owner’s last address of record as it appears on the tax roll.
In cases where the property owner pays their real estate taxes into an escrow account, their mortgage company should request the tax bill. In such cases, the property owner would then receive an informational notice stating that the original copy of their tax notice was sent to the trustee of their escrow account.
Section 197.122 Florida Statutes charges all property owners with the following three responsibilities: (1) the knowledge that taxes are due and payable annually; (2) the duty of ascertaining the amount of current or delinquent taxes, and (3) the payment of such taxes before the date of delinquency. Therefore, if for whatever reason, the property owner fails to receive a tax bill, it is the property owner’s responsibility to inquire as to the amount as well as pay the tax before the date of delinquency.
You should receive a separate bill for each piece of property owned, according to the way the deed is recorded. If any tax statements are missing, contact the Tax Collector’s office at (321) 264-6969 or visit our nearest office.