Florida Property Taxes

by Stephanie Shulas

If you're considering a move to Palm Coast, Florida, one important factor to consider is property taxes. Estimating your property tax on a new home can be a bit tricky, but in this article, we'll discuss where to go to estimate your property taxes, how property taxes are calculated, and what exemptions you may qualify for.

Estimating Property Taxes in Palm Coast, Florida

When estimating your property taxes, it's important not to rely on the current homeowner's taxes as an estimate for what yours will be. The current homeowner may have exemptions that don't apply to you, and the assessed value of the property may change when there's a change in ownership.

In Florida, properties are reassessed in January every year, and the assessed value is based on the current market value. However, there's a law called "Save Our Homes" that limits the assessed value increases for full-time residents to only three percent per year. This means that if a homeowner has lived in a home for 20 years, their assessed value will be kept low and their tax rate will be lower. So, using the current owner's property taxes as an estimate for your own can lead to inaccurate results.

The Best Method to Estimate Property Taxes

To get the most accurate estimate of your property taxes in Palm Coast, Florida, it's recommended to visit the Flagler County property appraiser's website. They have a property tax estimation calculator that is free to use. This calculator takes into account the assessed value assigned to your home by the property appraiser, minus any exemptions you may qualify for. This will give you the taxable value of your property, which is used to calculate your property taxes.

Exemptions for Property Taxes in Palm Coast, Florida

In Palm Coast, there are several exemptions that you may qualify for to reduce your property taxes. The most common exemption is the homestead exemption, which is a $50,000 exemption for full-time residents. If the property is not your full-time residence, such as a vacation home or investment property, this exemption does not apply.

In addition to the homestead exemption, there are other exemptions available for specific circumstances. These include exemptions for widows or widowers, permanently disabled individuals, blind individuals, seniors, and veterans. These exemptions can provide an additional $5,000 reduction in taxable value, on top of the homestead exemption.

It's important to note that there are specific qualification requirements for each exemption, and you can find more information on the property appraiser's website for Flagler County.

When Will You Know the Amount of Your Tax Bill?

Each August, the County property appraiser sends out a trim notice, also known as the "truth in millage" notice. This notice provides information on the estimated amount of your tax bill, as well as the millage rates and any taxes estimated by the taxing authorities. It's important to pay attention to this notice and participate in the public meetings held to vote on any increases in taxes.

It's important to note that the trim notice is not the actual bill, but rather a notice of how much you can expect your bill to be. It's required by law and provides important information about your property taxes. Make sure to look for this notice in your mail and ensure that the property appraiser has the correct forwarding address if the property is not your full-time residence.

What to Do If You Think Your Property Value is Assessed Too High

If you believe that your property value is being assessed too high, there are steps you can take to address the issue. The first thing you should do is call the property appraiser and speak to someone about your bill. Make sure you understand the details and that they are using correct data.

If you still believe that the assessment is incorrect, you can work with the property appraiser to file a claim through the Valuation Adjustment Board. However, it's important to note that there are strict deadlines for filing a claim, so it's best to act quickly. When you receive the trim notice, contact the property appraiser to get the details on the dates and deadlines for filing a claim.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Property values in Florida are assessed every January, and if you purchase a home in July, you will have to go from July to December without any exemptions on your tax bill. You can start the new year in January with a new assessed value and apply for the homestead exemption and any other exemptions you may qualify for, as long as you do so by March 1st of that year.

If you have any questions about property taxes in Flagler County and Palm Coast, Florida, don't hesitate to reach out. You can leave a comment below, give a call, send a text, or email for assistance. We're here to help you make a smooth move to Palm Coast, Florida.

Conclusion

Estimating Property taxes on a new home in Palm Coast, Florida can be a complex task. It's important not to rely on the current homeowner's taxes as an estimate, as their exemptions may not apply to you and the assessed value may change with a change in ownership. The best method to estimate your property taxes is to visit the Flagler County property appraiser's website and use their property tax estimation calculator. This calculator takes into account the assessed value assigned to your home and any exemptions you may qualify for.

In Palm Coast, there are several exemptions available to reduce your property taxes. The most common is the homestead exemption, which provides a $50,000 reduction in taxable value for full-time residents. Other exemptions include those for widows or widowers, permanently disabled individuals, blind individuals, seniors, and veterans. These exemptions can provide an additional $5,000 reduction in taxable value.

You will receive a trim notice in August from the County property appraiser, which provides information on the estimated amount of your tax bill, millage rates, and any taxes estimated by the taxing authorities. It's important to pay attention to this notice and participate in the public meetings held to vote on any increases in taxes.

If you believe that your property value is assessed too high, you can contact the property appraiser and speak to someone about your bill. If necessary, you can work with the property appraiser to file a claim through the Valuation Adjustment Board. However, it's important to act quickly, as there are strict deadlines for filing a claim.

Property values in Florida are assessed every January, and if you purchase a home in July, you will have to go from July to December without any exemptions on your tax bill. You can start the new year in January with a new assessed value and apply for the homestead exemption and any other exemptions you may qualify for, as long as you do so by March 1st of that year.

If you have any questions about property taxes in Flagler County and Palm Coast, Florida, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you navigate the process and make a smooth move to Palm Coast, Florida.

Want to know more? Watch this video from our YouTube page, Palm Coast Florida Living.

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Stephanie Shulas

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+1(386) 227-6585

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