Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Volusia County

Volusia County follows Florida’s statewide property tax system, which is based on “taxable value” rather than market value. The process begins with an annual assessment conducted by the Volusia County Property Appraiser’s Office. The appraiser determines the property’s market value on January 1, then applies the Florida Constitution’s “Save Our Homes” cap, limiting the increase in assessed value for homestead properties to 3 % or the inflation rate, whichever is lower. The resulting figure is the taxable value.

Once the taxable value is set, the County Treasurer multiplies it by the combined millage rate. A millage is one‑tenth of a cent, or $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. Volusia’s total millage rate typically includes:

• County General Revenue (≈ 15 mills)
• School District (≈ 18 mills)
• City or municipal millage, if applicable (varies)
• Special districts such as water, fire‑rescue, or transportation (varies)

The sum of these millages produces the final property tax bill, which is prorated if ownership changes during the tax year.

Available Exemptions

Florida offers several exemptions that directly reduce a property’s taxable value. Qualifying for an exemption can lower your bill dramatically.

• Homestead Exemption: Up to $50,000 of taxable value for primary residences. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes; the second $25,000 applies to non‑school taxes.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Residents 65 + who meet income limits may receive an additional $5,000 exemption (or $50,000 in certain municipalities).
• Disability Exemption: Similar to the senior exemption, available to persons with qualifying disabilities and meeting income criteria.
• Veteran Exemptions:
  • 100 % exemption for totally disabled veterans.
  • Up to $5,000 exemption for combat‑related disabilities.
  • Additional $5,000 exemption for surviving spouses of veterans who died from service‑connected causes.

All exemptions must be applied for through the Volusia County Property Appraiser, typically by March 1 of the tax year.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Volusia County property taxes are due in two installments:

• First installment: November 1 – November 30 (discounted rate if paid by the 10th).
• Second installment: March 1 – March 31 (full amount due).

If either installment is not paid by the final deadline, a 10 % penalty is added to the unpaid balance, and interest accrues at the legal rate. The County Treasurer also offers the option of a three‑month payment plan, but interest and a modest processing fee apply.

Property owners can remit payments online via the Volusia County Tax Collector’s portal, by mail, or in person at any Tax Collector office.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is too high, you have the right to file an appeal with the Volusia County Board of Review.

• Step 1 – Review the Notice of Value: You will receive this by mail in May. Note the deadline (typically within 30 days of issuance).
• Step 2 – Gather Evidence: Obtain recent comparable sales, appraisals, or evidence of damage that supports a lower value.
• Step 3 – File the Petition: Submit a written petition online or in person, including your evidence and a brief explanation.
• Step 4 – Attend the Hearing: A board member will review the case. You may present additional information or testimony.
• Step 5 – Receive the Decision: The board issues a written ruling within 30 days. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, you may appeal to the Florida State Board of Administration.

Timeliness is crucial; missing the filing deadline generally forfeits your right to contest the assessment for that tax year.