Florida Property Taxes: Plan for Your Payment

Why are estimated taxes higher than the seller’s bill?

The seller’s bill can reflect exemptions and years of capped assessment growth that do not transfer automatically to a buyer. A change of ownership generally leads to reassessment. Ask the county property appraiser for a buyer estimate instead of assuming the listing’s tax amount will continue.

For a newly built home, confirm that the estimate includes the completed house and land. An earlier bill may reflect only the lot. Portability and homestead eligibility require their own review.

Source: Florida Department of Revenue — property taxes. Source checked November 5, 2026.

A simple payment-planning example

Hypothetical: If a listing shows $3,000 per year in taxes but your property-specific estimate is $6,600, the monthly planning difference is $300. That difference exists even when the loan amount and interest rate stay the same.

Keep school and non-school taxes, exemptions and non-ad valorem assessments distinct. An exemption reduces eligible taxable value; it is not a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the tax bill.

What to confirm before making an offer

• Expected taxes after purchase and after construction is complete.
• Homestead application timing and any portability benefit.
• Which CDD or other assessments are already included in the tax estimate.
• A property-specific homeowners and flood insurance quote.

Do not count a CDD charge twice. Taxes and insurance can change after closing, which may change the escrow portion of a mortgage payment.