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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Alachua County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Alachua County, FL. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.76% base rate (7.6414 mills), varies by district with school and municipal taxes added
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Alachua County's property tax system funds essential local services including public schools, county operations, municipal services, and special districts throughout the county. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of your property minus any applicable exemptions, multiplied by the millage rate for your specific location. The effective tax rate varies significantly depending on which special taxing districts your property falls within, including school districts, municipalities, fire districts, and other special assessments.

For the 2025 fiscal year, Alachua County has set its base millage rate at 7.6414 mills, representing a significant reduction of over 14% since 2017. However, your total effective rate will be higher when combined with school district taxes, municipal taxes (if applicable), and special district assessments. Most properties in Alachua County face total effective rates ranging from approximately 15-25 mills, depending on location and applicable taxing authorities.

Property owners should note that Florida's Save Our Homes (SOH) constitutional amendment caps annual assessment increases at 3% for homestead properties, and these benefits can be portable when moving within Florida. All exemptions and credits require application through the Alachua County Property Appraiser's office and are not automatically applied to your property.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Alachua County Base7.6414General county operations and services
School District~8.0-10.0Public education funding (varies by district)
Municipal3.0-8.0City services (if within city limits)
Fire District1.0-3.0Fire protection services (varies by district)
Library District~0.5-1.0Public library system
Water Management~0.3-0.5Water management district
Special AssessmentsVariesStreet lighting, drainage, parks

Rates shown are for FY 2025 (October 1, 2024 - September 30, 2025). Your total millage rate depends on your property's location within various taxing districts. Contact the Alachua County Property Appraiser at (352) 374-5229 for your specific district combination. Municipal rates apply only to properties within incorporated city limits (Gainesville, Alachua, Archer, Hawthorne, High Springs, LaCrosse, Micanopy, Newberry, Waldo).

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Alachua County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Nov 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes in Alachua County are additional property tax bills issued when there are changes to property ownership, new construction completion, or significant improvements during the tax year. These supplemental bills ensure that property taxes are properly allocated based on current ownership and property conditions rather than waiting for the next regular assessment cycle.

Common triggers for supplemental taxes include: completion of new home construction, major renovations or additions, subdivision of property, change in property use classification, or removal of previously granted exemptions. The supplemental tax is calculated as a prorated amount based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year after the triggering event occurs.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January (with 9 months remaining in the fiscal year), and your total effective millage rate is 20 mills, your supplemental tax would be approximately: ($100,000 × 0.020) × (9/12 months) = $1,500. Supplemental tax bills are typically issued 30-90 days after the Property Appraiser processes the change and must be paid by the same deadlines as regular property taxes.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Total Millage Rate: 18.0 mills (example suburban rate)
  • Annual Tax: $250,000 × 0.018 = $4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $375

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead + Senior Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
  • Less Senior Exemption (65+, income qualified): -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Total Millage Rate: 20.5 mills (example city rate)
  • Annual Tax: $500,000 × 0.0205 = $10,250
  • Monthly Escrow: $854

Example 3: $1,000,000 Investment Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Exemptions: $0 (no homestead for non-primary residence)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Total Millage Rate: 17.5 mills (example county rate)
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.0175 = $17,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,458

All exemptions require annual application through the Alachua County Property Appraiser. Senior exemptions have income limitations and additional eligibility requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Alachua County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account to pay your taxes when due.

Property taxes in Alachua County become due on March 31st each year, with early payment discounts available: 4% discount in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. Your lender will typically pay in November to capture the maximum 4% discount. Lenders are required to provide an annual escrow analysis showing how your tax payments were calculated and applied, and must adjust your monthly escrow amount if taxes increase or decrease significantly.

To verify your lender is paying correctly, you can check your tax payment status online at the Alachua County Tax Collector's website or call (352) 374-5200. If you pay off your mortgage or refinance, ensure the escrow account closure doesn't leave upcoming tax payments unpaid. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for tax payments even when using escrow services.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due for FY 2025? A: Property taxes become due March 31, 2025, with early payment discounts available: 4% in November 2024, 3% in December, 2% in January 2025, and 1% in February. Taxes become delinquent April 1, 2025.

Q: What homestead exemption am I eligible for and how do I apply? A: The standard homestead exemption reduces your assessed value by up to $50,000 for your primary residence. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors 65+, disabled veterans, or surviving spouses of military/first responders. Applications must be filed with the Alachua County Property Appraiser by March 1st annually.

Q: How does the Save Our Homes benefit work? A: Save Our Homes caps annual assessment increases at 3% or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is lower) for homestead properties. This limits how much your assessed value can increase each year, not your market value. You must file for homestead exemption to receive this benefit.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can petition the Value Adjustment Board if you believe your assessment is incorrect. Petitions must be filed by the 25th day after the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes is mailed (typically late July/early August). Contact the Alachua County Property Appraiser at (352) 374-5229.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: Unpaid taxes become delinquent April 1st and incur interest charges of 18% annually. If taxes remain unpaid for two years, the property may be subject to tax certificate sale or tax deed procedures.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, visit the Alachua County Tax Collector website at www.alachuacounty.us/tax or call (352) 374-5200. Online payments accept bank transfers and credit cards (convenience fees may apply).

Q: Why did my taxes increase if my exemptions stayed the same? A: Tax increases can result from: increased millage rates by taxing authorities, your property's assessed value reaching the 3% SOH cap, improvements to your property, or additional special district assessments in your area.

Q: Do I need to reapply for exemptions every year? A: Most exemptions renew automatically once approved, but you must notify the Property Appraiser of any changes in eligibility (such as changing your primary residence). New exemptions and certain circumstances require annual reapplication by March 1st.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
Commissioners Reduce Millage Rate for Eighth Straight Yearalachuacounty.us
02
Tax Doc
2025 Local Discretionary Sales Surtax Rates in Florida's ...edr.state.fl.us
03
Read the budget messagealachuacounty.us
04
Tax Doc
Property Taxpayer's Bill of Rights - The 2000 Florida ...alachuacounty.us
05
Tax Doc
Tax Deed Salesalachuacounty.us
06
Tax Doc
Important Dates & Deadlines – Taxesflaglertax.gov
07
Tax Doc
Basic Information on Property Taxesalachuacounty.us
08
IN THE SECOND DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALsupremecourt.flcourts.gov
09
Family Homestead Exceptionsgrowth-management.alachuacounty.us
10
city of alachua, floridaflauditor.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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