Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Holmes County

Holmes County property taxes are calculated by first determining the **assessment value** of a parcel, which is generally 100 % of its market value as of January 1 of the tax year. The County Property Appraiser annually reviews recent sales, improvements, and other evidence to arrive at this figure. Once the assessed value is set, it is multiplied by the combined **millage rate**—the sum of all local taxing authorities’ rates expressed in mills (one mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value).

Typical components of the millage rate in Holmes County include:

• Holmes County School District
• Holmes County Government (road & bridge, fire, sheriff, etc.)
• City or town levies (e.g., Bonifay, Graceville)
• Special districts such as water‑supply, drainage, or library districts

For example, if a home is assessed at $150,000 and the total millage rate is 20 mills, the annual tax bill would be:

$150,000 ÷ 1,000 × 20 = $3,000

Because millage rates can change each fiscal year, it’s wise to review the most recent rate schedule published by the Holmes County Tax Collector.

Available Exemptions

Florida offers several exemptions that directly reduce the assessed value before the millage is applied. Holmes County residents may qualify for one or more of the following:

• Homestead Exemption – Up to $50,000 for primary residences, with the first $25,000 applied to all taxing authorities and the second $25,000 limited to non‑school levies.
• Senior Citizen Exemption – An additional $5,000 exemption for owners 65 years or older who meet income limits.
• Disability Exemption – Up to $5,000 extra for owners with a qualifying permanent disability, also subject to income criteria.
• Veteran Exemptions – 100 % exemption for disabled veterans with a 100 % service‑connected disability; partial exemptions for those with less than total disability, as well as additional benefits for surviving spouses.

Exemptions must be applied for through the Holmes County Property Appraiser’s office, usually by March 1 of the tax year, and supporting documentation (e.g., proof of age, disability designation, DD‑214) is required.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Holmes County property taxes are paid in two installments:

• First installment – Due November 1, payable until March 1. A 3 % discount is offered for payments made on or before November 30.
• Second installment – Due March 1, payable until May 1. No discount is available, and interest begins to accrue after the March 1 deadline.

Paying after the due date incurs a 3 % penalty plus 1 % interest per month on the unpaid balance. The County Tax Collector also offers online, in‑person, and mail‑in options, as well as the ability to set up automatic bank drafts.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property has been over‑assessed, Holmes County provides a clear appeals process:

• Step 1 – Review the Notice of Value: You will receive a mailed notice each May. Compare the assessed value to recent sales of similar properties.
• Step 2 – File a Petition: Submit a written petition to the Holmes County Property Appraiser by July 31. Include supporting evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or proof of inaccuracies in the appraisal record.
• Step 3 – Attend a Hearing: The Appraiser’s office will schedule a hearing, usually within 30 days of receipt. Be prepared to present your evidence and answer questions.
• Step 4 – Review the Decision: If the outcome is unsatisfactory, you may appeal to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) within 30 days of the Appraiser’s final decision. A VAB hearing is more formal and may involve a hearing officer.

Keeping thorough records, photographs, and documentation will strengthen your case and improve the likelihood of a favorable adjustment.