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, nonprofit taxpayer 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.
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.
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 Babcock Ranch is in Charlotte County:
Located in Southwest Florida, Babcock Ranch has been designed to help residents live their happiest, healthiest life. Situated on 18,000 acres, adjacent to an extensive wilderness preserve, Babcock Ranch features hiking and biking paths, greenways, and lakes perfect for outdoor adventures.
America’s first solar-powered town, Babcock 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.
Babcock 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
There are plenty of retirement communities in Florida without a CDD. Property taxes are on par with many other states. If you live a little further inland, homeowners insurance is not that bad. I pay approximately $250 per $100K of home value. The fact there is no state tax, the weather is never above 100 degrees, makes Florida still one of the best places, in the country, to retire.
Reading about the people who moved from Florida to north of Atlanta, yes it would be cheaper. I lived and worked there for 40 some years. It can get really cold there in the winter and then there is the ocean. People that are moving to the mountains love the mountains. People who are moving to Florida love the ocean and year round warm and hot weather. Oh, and it can get really hot in Georgia in the summer. I was there with 100 degree weather for 30 days. And we had a five year drought. Lake Lanier almost disappeared. Different strokes for different folks. I moved to a small home in Florida and am thrilled that I don’t have to clean so much house. I’m here to be outside and walk on the beaches. Yes somethings are more and somethings are less. Decide what makes you happy.
It all depends where you are moving FROM . We are building at The Villages and even with the CDD bond the $ situation is much better than NY. A BIG factor is that none of our retirement money is taxable on the state level and there are NO estate taxes. We have paid as much as 50K in New York state taxes on our tax return. Our house tax assessment was about $30 per thousand so our house assessed at 600k had a property tax bill of a hefty 18K and climbing with property values going up. Yes Tennessee along with Texas and Wyoming ert are cheaper places to live IF that is where you want to be. To us northeast retirees Florida is a BARGAIN!
I agree. House is twice the size of our prior CO home and was 70,000 less. Since purchasing our 4,300 sq foot home in land o lakes, it has gone up $250,000 (in 9 months). You read that right. The beach(clearwater beach) is 30 min away by Suncoast hwy. No snow! Tropical paradise! We love it here!! Taxes are not as bad if you figure in no state income tax. They have a lot of exemptions available. Plus, our governor is amazing.
We own a condo in Gulf Shores, AL. Was thinking of Florida for a retirement home but after reading here think we will look elsewhere.
I just moved to Kissemme Florida from Maryland and my car Insurance is much cheaper. I wanted a smaller home because it’s a retirement property and want low maintenance as I still own my home in Maryland. I love Florida and my taxes are reasonable and much cheaper too. No state taxes is a PLUS! You must try it for yourself and not listen to others. After all, you can always sell your house if you not happy.
I live in NYC and bought a condo in Kissimmee a few years ago to retire and I cant wait to live here, low cost of living, lower taxes, no state tax, cheaper car insurance, great weather year round , not much traffic, friendly people, alot of fine restaurants, shopping, tennis, golf, theme parks etc,
Ken and Denise said it all. We are also moving from Chicago area to Florida and find it very difficult to really understand what our costs will be. It is crazy. As Denise stated, the listing real estate tax is not what I will pay when they reaccess. How does one figure that out? Also, we are concerned about insurance. I have heard wild estimates. Lastly, we really want the warmth of the SW area of Florida but we may have to consider other areas. Any suggestions?
When we first decided on the area, North of Tampa, I said to my wife, we can afford a house on the water, but flood insurance was about the same as a mortgage payment each month, plus regular homeowners, so not really that affordable. We ended up buying about 10 miles inland on high ground, so no flood insurance. Our homeowners is about the same as in Delaware because even though we were on high ground, we were bicycling distance to the beach, so still in the hurricane and nor’easter zone. My advice on insurance is to make sure flood insurance is not required. If it’s required it is very costly, if it’s not in a flood zone, flood insurance is cheap. I think regular homeowners is expensive all over the state due to hurricane risk. I think there are decent deals in SW FL, but we wanted more space and less traffic, that was my biggest problem with that area. Good luck and have fun, we looked at the area we ended up in four times over a two year period, looking at things like traffic at different times of day, impact of tourists and snowbirds on resources at different times, the area we ended up in is known for ecotourism, so people stay for short visits and because it does get pleasantly cool during the winter, not as many people have second homes in our community, but still quite a few. Much different that the seasonal beach resort we left.
I used to live in Palm Beach County. When I retired 3 years ago I could no longer afford to live there. We moved to the hills north of Atlanta and now have a house twice the size of our FL concrete pillbox and our property taxes are only $500 per year and house insurance is only $480 a year. Plus the people here are much nicer. It is a joy to live here.
BOOMERS BEWARE…Florida is not the bargain everyone thinks it is. THE PROPERTY TAXES ARE HIGH, sales tax is also high @7%. Then you have insurance and association dues. If you take the time to calculate all that…not at all a bargain for a state that has a population of 19 million and a very high crime rate and the number one state for pediphiles/sex offenders! Wow! Florida is not all that its marketed as especially for boomers. Where are the intelligent people!
Ken & Denise, we have lived in Florida for 20 years and are looking to go elsewhere to retire. The taxes and insurance has gotten to be so unaffordable, especially in retirement years. Our home is 3500 sq ft in Brevard County and our taxes are 4500 and our insurance is 4200 annually. We just looked at a 5500 sq ft home in Central Tennessee and the taxes were 996 and the insurance was 897, so right away we have a 6K year raise……Auto insurance is extremely high here in Florida as well…..we will save over 40% on auto insurance when we move. Property values are fairly low considering what you get…..we have 2.5 acres and are looking to get at least that much property when we move and are finding the pricing on comparable size houses and lot size to be about the same.
I agree with both Ken and Denise, the cost of both insurance and taxes are a real wildcard. We are getting ready to retire out of Florida after 30 years here. I would really warn anyone to think twice before moving here. If you find any home that is not crazy expensive you will probably be living in a claustrophobic tiny house. That is why we are leaving, along with the fact that the weather has become more oppressive with each passing year. It is basically too hot to do any outdoor activities for at least 6 months a year. The only way I would recommend any one to retire here is if they can afford to be snowbirds and spend at least 6 months a year elsewhere.
I agree w/the comments that Ken Schulter made above. We are planning to move to Florida from Illinois, primarily because we are in need of a “weather lifestyle change”. I really am not finding it to be that inexpensive to buy a home in Florida… the costs/square foot really aren’t that low, add in the HOAs, CDDs… and, it can get to be quite expensive to maintain a home in Florida. What is really confusing to me is the cost of insurance… that truly is a wildcard. We originally were considering the Gulf area, but, between sinkhole coverage, hurricane coverage… it just was silly. I wish that when the realtors list the homes they would llist such things as how much insurance is for that particular home. They list the taxes, but, that really doesn’t apply as the taxes will be based on the new selling price. I have looked at thomes where they list taxes as $2500/year… but, w/the higher sales price the taxes for me would be closer to $6,000/year. It is very, very difficult to quantify the costs!
Not worth the taxes , You can go live on the water in NC for a fourth of what they want in taxes in FL.
FL is a consideration for a possible retirement home. After scanning the FL for Boomers site, it is becoming somewhat confusing. I see there are CDD’s, possible HOA’s, property tax concerns, and then I understand that it is a very high cost for home insurance to cover for floods, hurricanes, and sinkholes. So while the cost of a home might be cheaper than other parts of the country, is FL really a bargain when you add up these costs? I would sure like to find more than anecdotal references on the web that can provide very clearly stated facts. Otherwise, I might be wasting my time to consider FL as a destination for lower cost living. BTW, I am also hearing of high crime rates in many parts of FL. As the economy tanks, I believe that crime peaks. So again, I am really trying to look past the rosy pictures and see the real FL. Thanks if you can help and be honest.
Wow! I know I get quite a few customers who end up purchasing in Naples over Palm Beach partly because of the taxes but I had no idea they were almost double over there. That’s a big difference!
