Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Duvar County

In Duval County, property tax is calculated by multiplying the assessed value of a parcel by the combined millage rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessment process begins on January 1 each year when the Duval County Property Appraiser determines the market value of the property. This market value is then multiplied by a statutory assessment ratio—typically 100 % for residential real‑estate—to arrive at the “assessed value.”

Once the assessed value is established, the county adds together the millage rates from each jurisdiction that levies taxes on the parcel, such as the Duval County School Board, City of Jacksonville, River City Water Authority, and any special districts. The millage rate is expressed in “mills,” where one mill equals one‑tenth of a cent ($0.001) per dollar of assessed value. For example, if a home is assessed at $250,000 and the total millage rate is 20 mills (0.020), the annual property tax bill would be $5,000 ( $250,000 × 0.020 ).

Available Exemptions

Florida offers several exemptions that can dramatically reduce the taxable portion of your assessed value. Eligibility criteria are strictly enforced, so it is essential to submit the proper documentation to the Duval County Property Appraiser each year.

• Homestead Exemption: Up to $50,000 of assessed value can be exempted for a primary residence. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, while the additional $25,000 only applies to non‑school taxes.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents 65 years or older may qualify for an additional exemption of up to $5,000 if they meet income limits set by the state.
• Disability Exemption: Qualifying disabled persons—or their surviving spouse—can receive a $5,000 exemption, again subject to income thresholds.
• Veteran Exemptions:
  • Disabled veterans (100 % service‑connected disability) may receive a full exemption on their homestead property.
  • Veterans with a service‑connected disability of less than 100 % may qualify for a partial exemption ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, depending on the disability rating.

All exemptions must be applied for by March 1 of the tax year, and they automatically renew if no change in eligibility occurs.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Duval County’s property tax bills are mailed in early November. The county provides two primary payment options:

• Full payment: Pay the entire amount by March 31 to avoid any interest.
• Two‑installment plan:
  • First installment (50 % of the bill) is due November 1.
  • Second installment (remaining 50 %) is due March 1.

Payments made after the due dates incur a monthly penalty of 1 % of the unpaid balance, plus a $5 administrative fee. If the bill remains unpaid after June 1, the county may initiate a tax lien and, eventually, a tax deed sale. To avoid these consequences, many homeowners set up automatic electronic payments through the Duval County Tax Collector’s online portal.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, you have the right to contest the value within a limited timeframe. The appeals process in Duval County follows these steps:

• File a petition: Submit a written petition to the Duval County Property Appraiser’s Office by April 30 of the tax year. Include supporting evidence such as recent sales of comparable properties, a professional appraisal, or photographs indicating condition issues.
• Review hearing: The Property Appraiser will schedule an informal hearing, usually within 30 days of receiving the petition. You may present your evidence in person or via video conference.
• Decision: After the hearing, the Appraiser will issue a written decision. If you disagree with the outcome, you can request a formal review by the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) within 10 days of the decision.
• VAB hearing: The VAB conducts a more formal hearing and issues a final determination, which is binding unless appealed to the circuit court.

Appealing a tax assessment does not automatically suspend payment obligations; you must continue to pay the amount due while the appeal is pending, unless the court grants a temporary stay.