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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Baker County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Baker 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
6.99-8.5 mills (0.699%-0.85%) - varies by location and special districts
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Baker County, Florida operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public safety, road maintenance, emergency services, and county administration. As one of Florida's fiscally constrained counties, Baker County relies heavily on property tax revenue to maintain basic government operations and infrastructure. The county's effective property tax rate typically ranges from approximately 6.99 to 8.5 mills (0.699% to 0.85%), depending on your specific location within the county.

Property tax rates in Baker County vary significantly based on your property's location due to special taxing districts such as school districts, municipal service areas, and special improvement districts. Rural properties may have different rate structures than those within municipal boundaries or special service areas. The county follows Florida's Save Our Homes provisions, which cap annual assessment increases at 3% for homestead properties, providing important protection against rapid property value appreciation.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year:

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Baker County General Fund6.9898Core county services, administration, public safety
School District~1.0-1.5Public education funding (varies by district)
Municipal ServicesVariesCity services (if applicable to property location)
Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, water management, road districts

Total Estimated Range: 6.99 - 8.5 mills

Note: Actual rates vary by specific location within Baker County due to overlapping special taxing districts. Properties in incorporated areas or special service districts will have additional assessments. Contact the Baker County Property Appraiser for your exact millage rate based on your property's specific location and applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Baker 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 Baker County are triggered by significant changes to property ownership or improvements that occur after the January 1 assessment date but before the end of the fiscal year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property ownership transfers, or the removal of previously granted exemptions. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the original assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in June that wasn't included in your January 1 assessment, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through September (3 months). The calculation would be: ($100,000 additional assessed value × applicable mill rate ÷ 12 months × 3 months). Supplemental tax bills are typically issued within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from your regular annual property tax bill.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Tax Rate: 7.5 mills (0.75%)
  • Annual Tax: $1,875
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$156

Example 2: $600,000 Property

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,000
  • Tax Rate: 7.5 mills (0.75%)
  • Annual Tax: $4,125
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$344

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,000
  • Tax Rate: 7.5 mills (0.75%)
  • Annual Tax: $7,125
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$594

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and primary residence qualification. Rates shown are estimates; actual rates depend on your property's specific taxing districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Baker County require property tax escrow accounts for borrowers with less than 20% down payment or less than 20% equity. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill, holds these funds in a separate escrow account, and pays your property taxes directly to Baker County when due. Lenders typically add a 2-month cushion to ensure adequate funds are available.

Property tax bills in Baker County are due in full by March 31, but lenders usually pay during the early discount periods (January-February) to take advantage of available discounts. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the previous year's activity and any adjustments to your monthly payment. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. Always verify that your lender has paid your taxes by checking with the Baker County Tax Collector, as you remain ultimately responsible for payment even when using escrow.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Baker County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in full by March 31, 2026. Early payment discounts are available: 2% discount in January and 1% discount in February. Taxes become delinquent on April 1.

Q: What is the Homestead Exemption and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Exemption reduces your assessed value by up to $50,000 for your primary residence. It also caps annual assessment increases at 3% under Save Our Homes. You must apply with the Baker County Property Appraiser by March 1, and the property must be your permanent residence as of January 1.

Q: Are there other tax credits available that require application? A: Yes, including Senior Exemption (additional $50,000 for seniors meeting income requirements), Disability Exemption, Veteran Exemptions, and Agricultural Classification. All require separate applications with specific deadlines, typically March 1.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can file a petition with the Baker County Value Adjustment Board. The deadline is typically 25 days after the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes is mailed, usually in late August.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Interest accrues at 1.5% per month on delinquent taxes. If taxes remain unpaid by June 1, the property may be included in the tax certificate sale, potentially leading to tax deed proceedings.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Baker County typically offers online payment options through the Tax Collector's website. Credit card processing fees may apply.

Q: How do special district taxes work? A: Special districts (fire, water, road districts) can levy additional taxes on properties within their boundaries. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and vary by location within the county.

Q: Is the Save Our Homes benefit portable if I move? A: Yes, Florida allows portability of accumulated Save Our Homes benefits when you move your homestead within Florida, including within Baker County. You must apply for the transfer within the specified timeframe.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Florida County Property Tax Reportsumtercountyfl.gov
02
County
baker county, florida financial statements september 30, 2023flauditor.gov
03
County
baker county, florida financial statements september 30, 2022flauditor.gov
04
County
BAKER COUNTY, FLORIDA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ...flauditor.gov
05
Tax Doc
Important Dates & Deadlines – Taxesflaglertax.gov
06
Tax Doc
Treasurer/Tax Collectorbakercountyor.gov
07
Tax Doc
CS/HB 1563 Homestead Property Tax Exemptions for ...flsenate.gov
08
Tax Doc
CS/CS/HB 1563 Homestead Property Tax Exemptions for ...flsenate.gov
09
revenue estimating conferenceedr.state.fl.us
10
County
Baker County, Florida Financial Statements September 30, ...flauditor.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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