Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Broward County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Broward County

Broward County property taxes are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of your real‑estate by the applicable millage rates set by local taxing authorities. The county’s Property Appraiser determines the assessed value each year, which is normally 100 % of the market value as of January 1. For most residential properties, the appraiser uses a “sales comparison” method, looking at recent comparable sales within the same neighborhood.

The resulting assessed value is then multiplied by the combined millage rate (expressed in mills, where one mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value). In Broward County, the 2024 combined rate is approximately 20.5 mills, broken down as follows:

• County School Board – 5.3 mills
• County Government – 1.0 mill
• Municipality (e.g., Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood) – 10.0–12.0 mills depending on the city
• SPECIAL districts (e.g., water, fire protection) – 2.0–4.0 mills

After the assessment, the Broward County Tax Collector sends a tax bill that reflects the total amount due based on those rates. Any exemptions you qualify for will reduce the taxable portion of the assessed value before the millage is applied.

Available Exemptions

Florida offers several property‑tax exemptions that directly lower the amount of your assessment. In Broward County, the most common exemptions are:

• Homestead Exemption – Up to $50,000 for owner‑occupied residences. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes; the additional $25,000 applies only to non‑school millages.
• Senior Citizen Exemption – Residents 65 + may qualify for an additional $5,000 exemption if they meet income limits (generally $32,000 in annual household income).
• Disability Exemption – Qualifying individuals with a permanent disability can receive a $5,000 exemption, also subject to income caps.
• Veteran/Disabled Veteran Exemption – Veterans who served at least 20 years or who are disabled (50 % or greater) may receive a $5,000 exemption; disabled veterans with a service‑connected disability may qualify for up to $10,000.

All exemptions must be filed with the Broward County Property Appraiser, usually by March 31 of the tax year. Renewals are automatic for most exemptions, but you must re‑apply if your circumstances change (e.g., moving out of the home or a change in income).

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Property taxes in Broward County are due in two installments:

• First installment: November 1 – March 31 (the “Early Bird” discount of 4 % applies if paid by December 31).
• Second installment: March 1 – May 10 (no discount).

If you miss a deadline, a 10 % penalty is added to the overdue amount, and interest accrues daily at the rate set by the State Comptroller. After May 10, the tax bill becomes delinquent, and the county may issue a tax certificate of sale, potentially leading to a tax‑sale auction of the property.

Payment options include online through the Broward County Tax Collector’s portal, mailed checks, or in‑person at any Tax Collector office. Setting up automatic electronic payments can help you avoid missed deadlines and ensure you receive any applicable discounts.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is too high, you have the right to appeal. The process follows three basic steps:

• File a Petition – Submit a formal petition to the Broward County Value Adjustment Board (VAB) by June 30 of the tax year. Include supporting evidence such as recent comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or photographs showing property defects.
• VAB Hearing – The board will schedule a hearing, usually within 90 days of filing. You may present your case in person, by telephone, or via video conference. An appointed appraiser may be assigned to review the evidence.
• Decision & Further Review – The VAB issues a written decision. If you disagree, you can appeal to the circuit court within 30 days of the VAB’s ruling.

Throughout the appeal, maintain copies of all correspondence, appraisals, and supporting documents. Successful appeals can lower your taxable assessment, resulting in immediate savings on your current and future tax bills.