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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Dixie County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Approximately 9.8 mills (0.98% base rate), varies by location due to special taxing districts
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Dixie County, Florida operates a property tax system that funds essential local services including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, and county government operations. Property taxes are calculated by applying millage rates to the assessed value of real estate, with the current combined rate approximately 9.8 mills (0.98%) for most properties. The actual effective rate varies significantly depending on your property's location within the county, as different areas are served by various special taxing districts that can add additional assessments.

Property values are assessed annually by the Dixie County Property Appraiser, with assessment increases generally capped at 3% annually for homestead properties under Florida's Save Our Homes law. Most property tax benefits require formal application and are not automatically applied to your account. The county offers various tax credits and exemptions that can substantially reduce your tax burden, but property owners must apply for these benefits by the March 1 deadline each year.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Dixie County BOCC General10.0000County general operations and services
School DistrictVariesPublic education funding
MunicipalVariesCity services (if applicable)
Special DistrictsVariesFire, water, drainage, or other local services
Total Rate Range9.8-12.0Actual rate depends on location and districts

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your actual millage rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your property location. Properties in incorporated areas or special service districts may have higher total rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Dixie 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 Dixie County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction, or improvements that increase a property's assessed value mid-year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in July, you would owe supplemental taxes on that added value from July through March at the current millage rate. Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from annual tax notices and have their own due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date.

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: 9.8 mills
  • Annual Tax: $2,450
  • Monthly Escrow: $204

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

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
  • Additional Senior Exemption (if qualified): -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Tax Rate: 10.2 mills (with special districts)
  • Annual Tax: $5,100
  • Monthly Escrow: $425

Example 3: $1,000,000 Investment Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Exemptions Applied: None (non-homestead)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 10.5 mills
  • Annual Tax: $10,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $875

Note: All exemptions require annual application by March 1st and are not automatically applied.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Dixie County require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12th of your estimated annual tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment. Lenders typically collect taxes 2-3 months before the March 31st due date to ensure timely payment. Your lender will receive tax bills directly and pay them on your behalf. You should verify that your mortgage company has correct tax account information and monitor your escrow account annually, as tax amounts can change due to assessment changes or new exemptions. If your taxes increase significantly, your lender may require an escrow shortage payment or increase your monthly payment. Property owners remain ultimately responsible for ensuring taxes are paid even when using escrow services.

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 Dixie County for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes are due by March 31st. Early payment discounts are available: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available credits include Homestead Exemption (up to $50,000), Senior Exemption, Disability Exemption, and Veteran's Exemption. All require application by March 1st annually at the Property Appraiser's office.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: Homestead provides up to $50,000 reduction in assessed value AND caps annual assessment increases at 3% under Save Our Homes. You must file an application and use the property as your permanent residence by January 1st.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can file an appeal with the Value Adjustment Board if you believe your assessment is too high. The deadline is typically 25 days after the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes is mailed (usually late July).

Q: What happens if I pay taxes late? A: A 3% penalty is added April 1st, with an additional 1.5% charged each month thereafter. Properties become subject to tax certificate sale if taxes remain unpaid by June 1st.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are accepted through the Dixie County Tax Collector's website using bank transfers or credit cards (convenience fees may apply).

Q: Do special district taxes apply to my property? A: This depends on your location. Special districts for fire protection, drainage, or other services may add 1-3 mills to your base rate. Check your tax bill or contact the Tax Collector for specific district information.

Q: Is portability of Save Our Homes benefits available? A: Yes, if you're moving your homestead within Florida, you can transfer up to $500,000 of your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit to a new homestead property by filing the appropriate application.

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