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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Bradford County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Bradford 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
Approximately 18 mills (1.8%) for non-homestead properties, varies by taxing district location
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Bradford County, Florida operates under the state's property tax system to fund essential local services including schools, emergency services, road maintenance, and county operations. Property taxes are assessed based on the January 1st market value as determined by the Bradford County Property Appraiser, with taxes collected by the Bradford County Tax Collector. The county has an effective tax rate of approximately 18 mills (1.8%) for non-homestead properties, though actual rates vary significantly based on your specific location within the county.

Bradford County is designated as a fiscally constrained county under Florida law, which affects certain funding mechanisms and development opportunities. Your actual property tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property, including school districts, municipal boundaries, fire districts, and other special assessment areas. Properties with homestead status typically receive more favorable treatment through Florida's Save Our Homes provisions and homestead exemptions, making the effective rate lower for primary residences.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund~6.5Basic county operations, roads, administration
School District~7.5Bradford County School Board operations
Fire/Emergency Services~2.0Fire protection and emergency medical services
Special Districts~2.0Varies by location (drainage, lighting, etc.)
Total Non-Homestead~18.0Base rate before exemptions/credits

Rates shown are approximate for FY 2025-2026 and vary by specific location within Bradford County. Properties within municipal boundaries may have additional city taxes. Special taxing districts can significantly affect your total rate - some properties may pay additional assessments for services like street lighting, drainage, or community development districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Bradford 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 Bradford County are triggered when property ownership changes, new construction is completed, or significant improvements are made to existing properties. These taxes represent the difference between what was originally assessed and what should have been assessed based on the property's current status.

For example, if you purchase a home in March that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $350,000, a supplemental assessment may be issued to account for the increased value from the change of ownership date through the end of the tax year. New construction completing after January 1st will receive a prorated supplemental bill covering the period from completion through March 31st. The calculation uses the same millage rates as regular property taxes but applies only to the increased assessed value for the applicable time period.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Tax Rate: 15.5 mills (homestead rate)
  • Annual Tax: $3,875
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$323

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,000
  • Tax Rate: 15.5 mills (homestead rate)
  • Annual Tax: $8,525
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$710

Example 3: $1,000,000 Investment Property (Non-Homestead)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Exemptions Applied: $0 (investment property)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 18.0 mills (non-homestead rate)
  • Annual Tax: $18,000
  • Monthly Escrow: ~$1,500

All exemptions and credits require separate application with the Bradford County Property Appraiser and are not automatic.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Bradford County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly payments equal to 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill and holds these funds in a dedicated escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Bradford County when they become due.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, typically in the fall, and your monthly payment may be adjusted based on actual tax bills and account balance. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will increase accordingly. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing all deposits, payments, and any surplus or shortage. Property owners can verify their tax payments through the Bradford County Tax Collector's website and should review their escrow statements for accuracy.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
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  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Q: What homestead exemption credits are available and how do I apply? A: The homestead exemption can reduce your taxable value by up to $50,000 for your primary residence. You must apply with the Bradford County Property Appraiser by March 1st. Additional exemptions may be available for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans. All exemptions require separate applications and are not automatic.

Q: How does Florida's Save Our Homes 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 have homestead exemption to qualify.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can file a petition with the Bradford County Value Adjustment Board. The deadline is typically 25 days after the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice is mailed, usually in late August or early September.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Properties become delinquent April 1st. Interest accrues at 1.5% per month. Tax certificates may be sold in late May/early June, and properties can eventually face tax deed proceedings if taxes remain unpaid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, the Bradford County Tax Collector offers online payment options through their website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: Why do properties in my neighborhood have different tax rates? A: Tax rates vary based on special taxing districts that serve your property, such as fire districts, drainage districts, or municipal boundaries. Two neighboring properties may be in different service areas with different millage rates.

Q: What's the difference between assessed value and market value? A: Market value is what your property could sell for on January 1st. Assessed value is what you're taxed on after applying Save Our Homes caps and before exemptions. For homestead properties, assessed value is often lower than market value due to the 3% cap.

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
bradford joshua robert et al - St. Johns County - Property Detailstjohnstax.us
03
Account Details: 60050808polkflpa.gov
04
County
2023 Bradford County Financial Statements ( ...flauditor.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tangible Personal Property Taxesflaglertax.gov
06
various deadlines postponed to May 1, 2025 in all of Floridairs.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
ORIGINAL APPLICATION FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONSpbcpao.gov
10
County
BRADFORD COUNTY, FLORIDA FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ...flauditor.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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