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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hendry County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Hendry 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
Varies by location due to multiple taxing jurisdictions - base county rate plus school district and municipal additions
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hendry County operates under Florida's property tax system, where property taxes serve as the primary funding source for essential county services including schools, emergency services, infrastructure maintenance, and general government operations. As a fiscally constrained county designated by the state, Hendry County receives special legislative appropriations to help offset certain constitutional tax revenue reductions, which helps maintain service levels while keeping tax burdens manageable for residents.

Property tax rates in Hendry County vary significantly by location within the county due to multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions. The total effective tax rate combines the county's base levy with additional assessments from the school district, municipal governments (where applicable), and various special taxing districts such as fire districts, drainage districts, and community development districts. Property owners can expect total effective rates to range from approximately 20-30 mills depending on their specific location and applicable special districts.

Hendry County benefits from Florida's "Save Our Homes" constitutional amendment, which caps annual assessment increases at 3% for homestead properties, and the state's generous homestead exemption of up to $50,000 in assessed value for qualifying owner-occupied residences.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund8.5000Basic county services, administration, public safety
School District8.0000Public education funding
State-Assessed Utilities0.0500State-mandated utility assessments
Water Management District0.3000South Florida Water Management District
Fire Districts2.0000-4.0000Varies by fire protection district
Drainage Districts1.0000-3.0000Agricultural and municipal drainage (where applicable)
Municipal Taxes3.0000-7.0000City taxes for incorporated areas only

Rates shown are approximate for FY 2024-2025 levy year. Actual rates vary by property location and applicable special taxing districts. One mill = $1 per $1,000 of net taxable value.

Note: Properties located within incorporated municipalities (Clewiston, LaBelle) pay additional municipal taxes, while unincorporated areas may have different special district assessments. Contact the Hendry County Property Appraiser for your specific tax rate calculation.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hendry 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 Hendry County are triggered by changes in property ownership, completion of new construction, or substantial improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur after the January 1st assessment date but before the end of the fiscal year, a prorated supplemental tax bill is issued to capture the additional tax revenue for the remaining portion of the year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, applying the appropriate tax rate for that property's location, and prorating the amount based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year. For example, if a $100,000 home improvement is completed in July, and the property is subject to a 25-mill total tax rate, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,250 (for the improvement value) prorated for 9 months, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $937.50.

Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 60-90 days of the triggering event and have the same discount schedule as regular tax bills if paid early. Property owners should budget for these additional taxes when planning major improvements or purchasing property during the tax year.

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: 22.0 mills
  • Annual Tax: $5,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $458

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

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$50,000
  • Senior Exemption Applied: -$50,000 (requires separate application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Tax Rate: 22.0 mills
  • Annual Tax: $11,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $917

Example 3: $1,000,000 Non-Homestead Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Exemptions Applied: $0 (non-homestead)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 25.5 mills
  • Annual Tax: $25,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $2,125

Note: All exemptions require annual application by March 1st deadline. Tax rates vary by specific location within Hendry County due to special district variations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hendry County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the estimated annual tax bill, plus a cushion typically equal to 2-3 months of payments as required by federal law.

Property taxes in Hendry County are due March 31st annually, with early payment discounts available in January (4% discount) and February (3% discount). Escrow servicers typically pay taxes in March to capture available discounts while ensuring timely payment. Lenders must provide annual escrow statements showing all deposits, payments, and account balances, usually mailed in January or February.

Property owners with escrowed taxes should verify their tax bills match their lender's payment amounts and promptly forward any supplemental tax notices to their mortgage servicer. When refinancing or paying off loans, borrowers should expect to receive escrow refunds within 30 days, though they become responsible for making direct tax payments going forward.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Hendry County for FY 2024-2025? A: Property taxes are due March 31st. Early payment discounts are available: 4% in January, 3% in February, 2% in March. Taxes become delinquent April 1st with penalties and interest applied.

Q: What is the homestead exemption and how do I apply? A: The homestead exemption reduces your taxable assessed value by up to $50,000 and caps annual assessment increases at 3%. You must apply by March 1st at the Hendry County Property Appraiser's office with proof of residency and ownership. This is not automatic.

Q: Can I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit when I move? A: Yes, Florida allows portability of Save Our Homes benefits to a new homestead property within three years of selling your previous homestead. You must apply for portability by March 1st following your move.

Q: What other tax credits are available in Hendry County? A: Additional credits include Senior Exemption (additional $50,000 for qualifying seniors), Disability Exemption, Veteran Disability Exemption, and Widow/Widower Exemption. All require separate applications with supporting documentation by March 1st annually.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Hendry County Value Adjustment Board by the 25th day following the mailing of your TRIM notice (typically late August). Contact the Property Appraiser's office first to discuss your concerns informally.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Unpaid taxes accrue 3% interest immediately on April 1st, plus 1.5% per month thereafter. Properties with unpaid taxes for two years may be subject to tax certificate sale, and after seven years, potential tax deed sale.

Q: Can I pay my taxes online? A: Yes, Hendry County offers online payment through the Tax Collector's website. Credit card payments incur convenience fees (typically 2.5-3%), while electronic check payments may have lower fees.

Q: Why did my taxes increase if my homestead is capped at 3%? A: While your assessed value increase is capped at 3%, your total tax bill can still increase due to rising millage rates from the county, school district, or special taxing districts. New voter-approved bonds or special assessments also add to your total bill.

Q: What taxes apply if I live in Clewiston or LaBelle? A: Residents of incorporated municipalities pay additional city taxes on top of county taxes. Municipal rates vary by city and services provided. Contact your city hall for current municipal tax rates and special assessments.

Q: How do agricultural exemptions work in Hendry County? A: Agricultural land may qualify for agricultural classification, which bases taxes on agricultural use value rather than market value. Applications are due March 1st with the Property Appraiser, and land must meet specific use and size requirements for qualification.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Tax Doc
2025 Local Discretionary Sales Surtax Rates in Florida's ...edr.state.fl.us
02
County
Florida County Property Tax Reportsumtercountyfl.gov
03
County
HENDRY COUNTY, FLORIDAflauditor.gov
04
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORTflauditor.gov
05
Tax Doc
Tangible Personal Property Taxesflaglertax.gov
06
Tax Doc
CS/HB 1563 Homestead Property Tax Exemptions for ...flsenate.gov
07
CS/HB 7019 PCB WMC 24-03 Exemption of Homesteads ...flsenate.gov
08
SB 2-Cflsenate.gov
09
2000 CS for SB 2664flsenate.gov
10
State
Bill Analysis and Fiscal impact statementflsenate.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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