As you may know, Florida is a popular destination for retirement because it has no state income tax, but unless you plan on renting all throughout your retirement, you won't be able to escape paying property taxes.
In this article, we'll take a look at the Florida Counties with the highest and lowest average property tax rates. The data comes from Florida Tax Watch, an independent,nonpartisan, nonprofittaxpayer research institute & government watchdog.
Property taxes are obviously not the only factor to consider when choosing a place to retire in Florida, but it doesn't hurt to know what you're getting into either.
To set the stage, I'll first tell you that the statewide average property tax rate is 17.0133.
The property tax rate here in Florida is also referred to as the “millage rate” and it is expressed as “mils per thousand”.
So what that means is on a house assessed at $300,000 your taxes would be about $5,103.99. The math works like this 300 x 17.0133 = $5,103.99
Let's get into how all 67 Florida counties stack up, and for visual reference, here's a map of where each Florida County is located:
1. St. Lucie 22.8542
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in St. Lucie County will run you about $6,856.26.
You can check out some 55+ communities in Port St. Lucie, including:
Valencia Parc at Riverland is one of the newest 55+ communities on Florida's East Coast. Located in Port St. Lucie, Valencia Parc at Riverland brings together GL Homes' famous 55+ resort-style living within the amazing 4,000-acre master-planned community of Riverland to create a Florida lifestyle that's second to none! In this new community, you'll find a million ways to have fun with everything connected through miles of eco-friendly greenways without ever having to get in your car. Walk or ride your golf cart to all the amenities right within your own neighborhood and to nearby shops and restaurants or enjoy a car ride to spend the perfect day at the beach.
2. Alachua 21.3055
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Alachua County will run you about $6,391.65.
3. Broward 19.8427
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Broward County will run you about $5,952.81.
4. Duval 19.7450
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Duval County will run you about $5,923.50.
Jacksonville is the biggest city in Duval County, and you can check out some Jacksonville 55+ communities right here, including:
Del Webb eTown is a new, smart-living, 55+ gated community in Jacksonville centrally located near the popular St. Johns Town Center retail/dining/entertainment center off I-295. Meet friends at the private clubhouse and amenity center with recreational activities including tennis, pickleball, bocce courts, walking trails, outdoor pavilions, fire pits and so much more. Homes start in the $400k's.
5. Pinellas 19.3862
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Pinellas County will run you about $5,815.86.
6. Volusia 19.2141
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Volusia County will run you about $5,764.23.
The very first 55+ community from Jimmy Buffett, Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach, is located in Volusia County.
Latitude Margaritaville is a 55+ community in Daytona Beach, inspired by the lifestyle and music of Jimmy Buffett.
Amenities include a fully outfitted gym / Spin Room, aerobics room with virtual personal trainer, indoor whirlpool spa and lap pool, Latitude Town Square where you’ll find the Bandshell with live music, The Last Mango Theater includes a banquet hall with stage for performances and dancing, Barkaritaville Pet Spa, Coconut Telegraph Business Center, Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant, Changes in Attitude Bar, Paradise Pool with beach entry, cabanas, and tiki huts, plus, an amenity that you don’t see every day…your very own private beach club! Home prices start in the $300k's.
7. DeSoto 19.1508
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in DeSoto County will run you about $5,745.24.
8. Gulf 18.9640
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Gulf County will run you about $5,689.20.
9. Palm Beach 18.7191
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Palm Beach County will run you about $5,615.73.
There are a number of great 55+ communities in Palm Beach County, including:
Valencia Grand in Boynton Beach offers truly premium 55+ living unlike anywhere else, with a prime South Florida location, sophisticated country-club lifestyle, and all-new unmatched amenities. Valencia Grand takes sophisticated living to the next level with one-story home designs made for 55+ living with stand-out features including expansive high ceilings, transom windows that let in even more Florida sunshine, impressive gourmet kitchens, spa-like baths, and spacious outdoor living areas.
10. Hernando 18.6366
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Hernando County will run you about $5,590.98.
ADVERTIsem*nT
11. Holmes 18.5998
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Holmes County will run you about $5,579.94.
12. Franklin 18.2096
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Franklin County will run you about $5,562.88.
13. Levy 17.8910
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Levy County will run you about $5,367.30.
14. Dixie 17.6880
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Dixie County will run you about $5,305.40.
15. Miami-Dade 17.5932
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Miami-Dade County will run you about $5,277.96.
ADVERTIsem*nT
16. Escambia 17.5383
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Escambia County will run you about $5,261.49.
17. Bradford 17.3463
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Bradford County will run you about $5,203.89.
18. Putnam 17.3064
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Putnam County will run you about $5,191.92.
19. Manatee 17.2930
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Manatee County will run you about $5,187.90.
Del Webb Bay View is located in Parrish, which is in Manatee County, about 30 minutes away from downtown Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Tampa. Like most Del Webb communities, residents can expect resort-style amenities hosted by a full-time lifestyle director. Even though this community only just recently opened, I’ve already had a few readers purchase homes there.Prices start in the $300k’s.
20. Union 17.2326
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Union County will run you about $5,169.78.
21. Liberty 16.9559
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Liberty County will run you about $5,086.77.
22. Hardee 16.9539
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Hardee County will run you about $5,086.17.
23. Charlotte 16.9196
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Charlotte County will run you about $5,075.88.
Most of Babco*ck Ranch is in Charlotte County:
Located in Southwest Florida, Babco*ck Ranch has been designed to help residents live their happiest, healthiest life. Situated on 18,000 acres, adjacent to an extensive wilderness preserve, Babco*ck Ranch features hiking and biking paths, greenways, and lakes perfect for outdoor adventures.
America’s first solar-powered town, Babco*ck Ranch houses an 870-acre solar farm operated by Florida Power & Light, and the entire town is outfitted with fiber optic internet for a fully connected lifestyle.
Babco*ck Ranch features a variety of neighborhoods and home builders, and prices range from the $300's to over $2M.
24. Glades 16.8444
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Glades County will run you about $5,053.32.
25. Highlands 16.6959
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Highlands County will run you about $5,008.77.
26. Nassau 16.6801
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Nassau County will run you about $5,004.03.
27. Orange 16.6738
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Orange County will run you about $5,002.14.
Most of these Orlando Area 55+ communities are located in Orange County, including:
Del Webb Oasis is located just minutes from Orlando area theme parks and attractions.
Like most Del Webb 55+ communities, Del Webb Oasis has a long list of amenities for residents to enjoy, including a 12,000 sq. ft. resort-style amenity center.
Del Webb offers 13 different floorplans here from their “Scenic”, “Distinctive”, and “Echelon” home series, plus the “Ellenwood” from their attached villa series. Prices start in the $400k's.
28. Lake 16.6465
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Lake County will run you about $4,993.95.
29. Suwannee 16.4894
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Suwannee County will run you about $4,946.82.
30. Gilchrist 16.4880
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Gilchrist County will run you about $4,946.40.
31. Polk 16.1873
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Polk County will run you about $4,856.19.
32. Pasco 16.1543
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Pasco County will run you about $4,846.29.
33. Lee 15.9701
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Lee County will run you about $4,791.03.
34. Calhoun 15.9442
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Calhoun County will run you about $4,783.26.
35 Taylor 15.8268
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Taylor County will run you about $4,748.04.
ADVERTIsem*nT
36. Clay 15.8230
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Clay County will run you about $4,746.90.
37. Hendry 15.7713
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Hendry County will run you about $4,731.39.
38. Marion 15.7442
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Marion County will run you about $4,723.26.
Marion County is home to Ocala, and some great 55+ communities, including:
At On Top of the World Communities, active adults will find all they dream about and so much more. Located in beautiful Ocala Florida, On Top of the World residents can enjoy any schedule that suits their tastes – from activity-packed to unhurried.
Amenities include 54 holes of golf on three courses, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a 14-acre R/C flying field, bocce, racquetball and basketball courts, fitness center, health club and spa, restaurants, cultural venues, and much more. Residents can also participate in over 175 clubs, leagues, hobbies, and lifelong learning opportunities.
There are around 20 different floor plans available with prices ranging to suit every budget starting in the $200k's.
39. Hillsborough 15.7279
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Hillsborough County will run you about $4,718.37.
40. Madison 15.6601
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Madison County will run you about $4,698.03.
41. Brevard 15.6037
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Brevard County will run you about $4,681.11.
42. Martin 15.4691
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Martin County will run you about $4,640.73.
43. Indian River 15.4428
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Indian River County will run you about $4,632.84.
44. Baker 15.4222
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Baker County will run you about $4,626.66.
45. Columbia 15.3836
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Columbia County will run you about $4,615.08.
46. Washington 15.3510
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Washington County will run you about $4,605.30.
47. Okeechobee 15.3496
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Okeechobee County will run you about $4,604.88.
48. Osceola 15.2327
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Osceola County will run you about $4,569.81.
49. Leon 15.2041
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Leon County will run you about $4,561.23.
50. Seminole 15.1809
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Seminole County will run you about $4,554.27.
51. Citrus 14.9635
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Citrus County will run you about $4,489.05.
Citrus County is home to the Villages of Citrus Hills which is extremely popular with our readers.
Located less than an hour from The Villages, the Villages of Citrus Hills is a Florida Retirement Community with single-family homes and maintenance-free villas that have been built with today’s demanding baby-boomer in mind. But what makes the promise of Florida Retirement in the Villages of Citrus Hills truly come together for today’s new breed of active adult retiree is its extraordinary collection of world-class community country club amenities and extensive social activities. Villages of Citrus Hills offers a variety of home styles and neighborhoods to choose from.
52. Lafayette 14.9462
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Lafayette County will run you about $4,483.86.
53. Flagler 14.6476
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Flagler County will run you about $4,394.28.
54. Jackson 14.5698
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Jackson County will run you about $4,370.94.
55. Hamilton 14.4676
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Hamilton County will run you about $4,340.28.
56. Wakulla 14.2187
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Wakulla County will run you about $4,265.61.
57. St. Johns 13.7203
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in St. Johns County will run you about $4,116.09.
St. Johns County has been growing in popularity among my readers lately, especially with the addition of new communities like:
Stillwater – St. Johns, FL
Stillwater is a 55+ community by Lennar Homes located just off I-95 about 20 minutes south of downtown Jacksonville. Homeowners have access to exciting amenities, such as the Bobby Weed-designed 18-hole golf course and a community swimming pool. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby in St. Johns.
A total of 549 homes are planned here, and attached villas and single-family homes are available. Prices start in the $300k’s.
Request more information
58. Jefferson 13.6421
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Jefferson County will run you about $4,092.63
59. Sarasota 13.4781
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Sarasota County will run you about $4,043.43.
60. Okaloosa 12.8949
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Okaloosa County will run you about $3,868.47.
61. Santa Rosa 12.8061
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Santa Rosa County will run you about $3,841.83.
62. Sumter 12.2845
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Sumter County will run you about $3,685.35.
The majority of the World's Largest Retirement Community, The Villages, is located in Sumter County.
Located about an hour north of Orlando, The Villages is the most popular retirement community in the country, regularly selling more than 2,000 new homes per year.
Now home to more than 130,000 residents, people are attracted to The Villages because of its many golf courses, activities, amenities, and the convenience of having almost everything be golf cart accessible.
Home prices start in the $200k's.
63. Bay 12.2765
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Bay County will run you about $3,682.95.
Bay County in the Florida Panhandle is home to Florida's 2nd Jimmy Buffett Latitude Margaritaville 55+ community:
Located on Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast between Pensacola &Panama City, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound is the 2nd Jimmy Buffett-inspired 55+ community in Florida, and the 3rd one overall when you include Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head.
Amenities in place or coming soon include a Latitude Town Square with Bandshell, Latitude Bar & Chill Restaurant, 2nd Floor Overlook Bar with panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Paradise Pool with Beach Entry Cabanas, Tiki Huts, Fins Up! Fitness Center, Barkaritaville Dog Park, Tennis & Pickleball Courts, Port of Indecision Kayak Launch, Walking Trails, and more.
Home prices start in the $300k's.
64. Gadsden 12.0434
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Gadsen County will run you about $3,613.02.
65. Collier 11.0528
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Collier County will run you about $3,315.84.
66. Walton 9.7576
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Walton County will run you about $2,927.88.
67. Monroe 8.8160
Property taxes on a $300,000 home in Monore County will run you about $2,644.80.
Final Thoughts
If you're worried about the cost of your property taxes, keep in mind that Florida does offer some property tax relief in the form of Homestead Exemptions which can help quite a bit if you qualify for them.
Not all of my readers like it when I write detailed articles like this, but if you made it this far, I think you'll really like everything I've put together for you in my Florida Retirement Masterclass.
