Your Property Tax Bill - Guidance from Florida TaxWatch

Unfortunately, unless the assessment done by your property appraiser is wrong, there is not much you can do about your property tax bill. It will be considered delinquent on April 1 of next year. At this time, interest of 3% and an advertising charge is added to the tax amount due. Should the taxes remain unpaid on or before June 1st, a tax certificate, or lien against the property, will be sold for the amount of the unpaid taxes, interest and costs. Interest accrues on the tax certificate from June 1st until the taxes are paid. After two years, the tax certificate holder is eligible to file for a Tax Deed Application, which could result in the loss of the title to the property.

If you have very low household income, you may be able to defer your taxes. Any person entitled to claim Homestead Exemption may qualify to defer a portion of their property taxes or non-ad valorem assessments based on the applicant's household income for the previous year. If household income is less than $10,000, taxes may be deferred in their entirety. If the applicant is over 70 years of age and has an annual income of less than $12,000, taxes can be deferred in their entirety. If tax deferral is approved, it would become a first lien on the property and you must furnish fire insurance coverage with a loss payable clause to the Tax Collector. If a change in use or failure to maintain insurance or change in ownership of the property occurs, all deferred taxes plus interest are due and payable. Here is an application http://www.hillstax.org/tax/Forms/2007_deferral_app.pdf

If you feel your assessment is wrong (they have overvalued your house), you can appeal it. Here’s a listing of property appraisers for all 67 counties in Florida, to help you begin your appeal process: Florida Property Appraisers Web Sites

If not satisfied you can petition your local Value Adjustment Board using the appeal form here (Value Adjustment Board Appeal Form) or even take the matter to court.

Florida's property tax system needs reform. The Save Our Homes Amendment, while holding down taxes for many, have resulted in huge tax bills for other, including people like yourself how just moved to Florida. If you qualify for the homestead exemption, you will have a chance next January 29 to vote for a proposed constitutional amendment that would greatly reduce your taxes. However, if the assessment of your property is correct, you are going to have to pay your taxes in full for this year.

Contact your property appraiser for more info.

Also, see the Property Taxpayers Bill of Rights
http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/property/ptbillofrights.pdf