Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Washington County

Washington County, like the rest of Florida, determines property tax based on two key figures: the assessed value of the real‑estate and the combined millage rate applied to that value. Each year the County Property Appraiser conducts a market‑value assessment (often called the “fair market value”) and issues a Notice of Value (NOV). This value represents what the property would likely sell for on the open market on January 1 of the tax year.

The millage rate is expressed in “mills,” where one mill equals one‑tenth of one percent (0.001). The total rate is the sum of the Florida State School Tax (often 1.0 mill), county and city taxes, special districts (e.g., fire, water, library), and any voter‑approved bonds. In Washington County the combined rate typically ranges from 11 to 13 mills, but exact rates can vary each fiscal year based on budget approvals.

Available Exemptions

Florida law provides several exemptions that reduce the taxable portion of your assessed value. Washington County applies these statewide exemptions automatically when you qualify.

• Homestead Exemption – Up to $50,000 off the assessed value for primary residences. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes; the second $25,000 applies to non‑school taxes only.
• Senior Citizen/Qualified Disabled Person Exemption – An additional $5,000 exemption for owners aged 65 or older or those who are permanently and totally disabled.
• Disability (Non‑Veteran) Exemption – A $5,000 exemption for persons with a qualifying disability, regardless of age.
• Veteran Exemptions –
  • Veteran’s Exemption – $5,000 for veterans who served honorably.
  • Service‑Connected Disability Exemption – $5,000 for veterans with a service‑connected disability.
  • Additional Exemptions – Up to $500 for spouses of veterans or disabled veterans, and extra exemptions for surviving spouses.

All exemptions must be applied for through the Washington County Property Appraiser’s office, generally by March 1 of the tax year.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Florida property taxes are payable in two installments. Washington County follows the state‑wide schedule:

• First installment – Due November 1; becomes delinquent after March 31.
• Second installment – Due March 1; becomes delinquent after May 1.

Taxpayers may choose to pay the full amount early, which can often be done online through the County Treasurer’s website, by mail, or in person at the Treasurer’s Office. Late payments incur a 5 % penalty plus a $5 daily surcharge after the delinquency date, and interest accrues at the statutory rate.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is too high, Washington County offers a formal appeals process through the Value Adjustment Board (VAB).

• File a petition – Submit a written petition to the VAB within 30 days of the mailing date on your NOV (usually by early April).
• Gather evidence – Provide recent comparable sales, independent appraisals, photographs, or any documentation that supports a lower market value.
• VAB hearing – The board will schedule a hearing, typically within 60 days of your petition. You may present your case in person or through an authorized representative.
• Decision – The VAB issues a written decision, which becomes effective for the current tax year. If you disagree with the VAB’s ruling, you may appeal to the circuit court within 30 days.

Keeping copies of all correspondence and deadlines is essential, as missed dates can forfeit your right to contest the assessment for that tax year.