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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Clay County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.98%-1.5% of assessed value (varies by municipal services and special taxing districts)
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Clay County, Florida operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public education, emergency services, road maintenance, and county operations. Property owners in Clay County pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the applicable millage rate, which varies significantly depending on location within the county due to numerous special taxing districts.

The effective tax rate in Clay County typically ranges from approximately 0.98% to 1.5% of assessed value, depending on which municipal services and special districts apply to your specific property location. Clay County benefits from Florida's Save Our Homes (SOH) constitutional amendment, which caps annual assessment increases at 3% or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is lower) for homestead properties. Property taxes in Clay County fund the school district, county services, municipalities, and various special districts including fire protection, water management, and community development districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
Clay County General~4.5-5.2 millsCounty operations, services
School District~6.8-7.5 millsClay County School Board
Municipal*0-4.5 millsCity services (varies by city)
Fire District0-2.8 millsFire protection services
Water Management~0.3-0.8 millsSt. Johns River Water Management
Special Districts0-15+ millsCDD, lighting, recreation districts

*Municipal rates vary significantly: Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, Keystone Heights, and Penney Farms each have different millage rates. Special Community Development Districts (CDDs) can add substantial additional millage, particularly in newer residential developments. These rates reflect the 2024 tax year (payable in 2025). Total effective rates typically range from 12-25 mills depending on location and applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Clay 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 property taxes in Clay County are triggered by specific events that change property ownership or substantially increase property value during the tax year. The primary triggers include ownership changes through sale or transfer, completion of new construction, and major property improvements that increase assessed value.

When a supplemental tax situation occurs, Clay County calculates the additional tax owed based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a property sells in June with an assessed value increase from $200,000 to $350,000, the new owner would owe supplemental taxes on the $150,000 difference for the remaining 7 months of the tax year. The calculation uses the same millage rates that apply to regular property taxes, and supplemental tax bills are typically issued 30-60 days after the triggering event is recorded.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Standard Homestead

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Tax Rate: 15 mills (1.5%)
  • Annual Tax: $3,750
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $312.50

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

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
  • Additional Senior Exemption: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Tax Rate: 16 mills (1.6%)
  • Annual Tax: $8,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $666.67

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Homestead Only

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,000
  • Tax Rate: 18 mills (1.8%)
  • Annual Tax: $17,100
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,425.00

Note: All exemptions require annual application and approval. Rates vary by specific location and applicable special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Clay County property owners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their mortgage servicer. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in an escrow account until tax payments are due. Clay County's payment schedule accommodates escrow services, with first installments due November 1st and second installments due March 1st.

Property owners should verify that their mortgage company has current tax information, as changes in assessed value, new special district assessments, or changes in exemption status can significantly impact escrow calculations. The Clay County Tax Collector's office recommends that homeowners review their annual escrow analysis statements and contact their servicer if property tax estimates appear incorrect. Escrow accounts are analyzed annually, and significant changes in tax liability may result in escrow payment adjustments or require catch-up payments.

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 Clay County property taxes due for the 2024-2025 tax year? A: The first installment is due November 1st with a grace period until November 30th. The second installment is due March 1st of the following year.

Q: What tax exemptions are available and do they apply automatically? A: Clay County offers Homestead Exemption (up to $50,000), Senior Citizen Exemption, Disability Exemption, and Veterans' Exemption. None are automatic - all require annual application through the Clay County Property Appraiser's office by March 1st.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption provides up to $50,000 reduction in assessed value and caps annual assessment increases at 3% under Florida's Save Our Homes law. You must file an application and the property must be your primary residence as of January 1st.

Q: When does the Property Appraiser assess properties? A: Assessments are conducted annually as of January 1st. Property owners receive TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices in August showing proposed assessments and tax rates.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: File a petition with the Clay County Value Adjustment Board by the deadline shown on your TRIM notice (typically in September). You can also contact the Property Appraiser's office for informal review before formal appeal.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest accrues at 1.5% per month starting December 1st for first installments and March 2nd for second installments. Properties become subject to tax certificate sale if taxes remain unpaid by June 1st.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Clay County accepts online payments through the Tax Collector's website at claytaxcollector.com. Credit cards, e-checks, and bank transfers are accepted with applicable processing fees.

Q: Why did my taxes increase if my home value stayed the same? A: Tax increases can result from higher millage rates set by taxing authorities (county, school board, municipalities, special districts) even if your assessed value remains constant. Special district assessments for new services can significantly impact tax bills.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Clay County: Property Tax Calculation - Treasurertreasurer.claycounty11.us
02
Real Property Information - Treasurertreasurer.claycounty11.us
03
County
Clay County Florida Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
04
County
Clay County, Floridaflauditor.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tangible Personal Property Taxesflaglertax.gov
06
County
Clay County Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
07
State
state of floridaclayelections.gov
08
City of Jacksonville, Floridajacksonville.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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