Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Dixie County

Every year the Dixie County Property Appraiser determines the market value of each parcel of real estate. For owner‑occupied residential properties the assessed value is generally 100 % of the appraised market value; for non‑residential and rental properties the assessment is typically 100 % of market value as well, while agricultural land may be assessed at a lower percentage. Once the assessed value is fixed, the total tax bill is calculated by applying the combined millage rate—expressed in “mills” (one mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). The millage rate is the sum of the county’s levy, the school district’s levy, any city or special‑district levies, and voter‑approved community services. For example, if the combined rate is 15.0 mills, a home assessed at $150,000 would owe $2,250 in property tax (150,000 ÷ 1,000 × 15.0).

Available Exemptions

Florida offers several exemptions that can significantly reduce the taxable portion of your property’s assessed value. In Dixie County you may qualify for the following:

• Homestead Exemption: Up to $50,000 for primary residences; $25,000 of this amount is not subject to any millage, and the remaining $25,000 is exempt from all but school district levies.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: An additional $5,000 exemption for owners 65 + years old who meet income limits.
• Disability Exemption: Up to $5,000 for owners with qualifying physical or mental disabilities.
• Veteran Exemptions: Up to $5,000 for honorably discharged veterans; a $5,000 exemption for disabled veterans, with an extra $5,000 for those receiving a service‑connected disability rating of 50 % or more.

All exemptions must be applied for through the Dixie County Property Appraiser’s office, usually by March 31 of the tax year.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Florida property taxes are due in two installments. The first installment is payable on the first business day of November; the second is due on the first business day of March. Paying the full amount by the November deadline qualifies you for a $50 discount per $1,000 of tax billed. If you choose to pay in two installments, each payment must be at least 50 % of the total bill.

Late payments incur a 3 % penalty plus a 0.5 % monthly interest charge until the balance is paid in full. Persistent delinquency may result in a tax lien, and the county can sell the lien to a private investor. To avoid penalties, many residents set up automatic electronic payments through the county’s online portal.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, you have the right to contest it. The appeals process in Dixie County follows these steps:

• File a written petition with the Dixie County Value Adjustment Board (VAB) by the deadline posted on your tax bill—typically April 1 of the tax year.
• Provide supporting evidence such as recent comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or evidence of physical defects.
• The VAB will schedule a hearing, during which you may present your case and the appraiser will present the county’s findings.
• After the hearing, the VAB issues a written decision. If you are unsatisfied, you may appeal to the circuit court within 30 days of the VAB’s decision.

Keeping detailed records and understanding the local market trends greatly improves the likelihood of a successful appeal.