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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Hernando County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Hernando 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
1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value (varies by location and special districts)
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Hernando County, Florida operates on an ad valorem property tax system that funds essential county services including schools, public safety, infrastructure, and local government operations. Property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of real estate minus any applicable exemptions, multiplied by the millage rate for your specific tax district. The effective tax rate in Hernando County typically ranges from approximately 1.5% to 2.5% of assessed value, depending on your location and applicable special districts.

Property tax rates vary significantly within Hernando County due to different combinations of taxing authorities and special districts. Your total millage rate depends on whether your property is located within municipal boundaries (such as Brooksville or Spring Hill), school district boundaries, water management districts, and other special taxing districts. The county operates under Florida's Save Our Homes constitutional amendment, which caps annual assessment increases at 3% for homestead properties, and allows portability of this benefit when moving within Florida.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Hernando County3.0000General county operations and services
County Schools7.2306Hernando County School District operations
City of Brooksville5.0000Municipal services (if applicable)
City of Spring Hill4.7500Municipal services (if applicable)
Hernando County Water DistrictVariesWater management and utilities
Other Special DistrictsVariesFire districts, library districts, etc.

Rates shown are for Tax Year 2025. Total millage rates typically range from 10-17 mills depending on location and applicable districts. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value. Contact the Hernando County Property Appraiser for your specific district combination and current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Hernando 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 Hernando County are triggered when there is a change in ownership, new construction completion, or substantial improvements to existing property during the tax year. These taxes are calculated based on the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessment, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $350,000, you would owe supplemental taxes on the $150,000 difference for the remaining 11 months of the tax year. New construction becomes taxable on January 1st following completion, or when a certificate of occupancy is issued, whichever comes first. Supplemental tax bills are typically mailed within 30-60 days after the triggering event and have the same payment terms as regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$50,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Tax Rate: 15 mills (example combined rate)
  • Annual Tax: $3,750
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $313

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

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$50,000 (requires application)
  • Senior Exemption: -$25,000 (requires application, income limits apply)
  • Net Taxable Value: $525,000
  • Tax Rate: 15 mills
  • Annual Tax: $7,875
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $656

Example 3: $1,000,000 Investment Property

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Exemptions Applied: $0 (no homestead for non-primary residence)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 15 mills
  • Annual Tax: $15,000
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,250

Note: All exemptions require annual application by March 1st deadline.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Hernando County require property tax escrow accounts for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Hernando County Tax Collector Amy Blackburn when bills become due.

Property tax bills in Hernando County are typically mailed in October with payment due by March 31st of the following year. Early payment discounts are available: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. Your lender will usually pay during the discount period to minimize costs. You can verify escrow payments and current tax status through the Hernando County Tax Collector's website or by contacting your mortgage servicer. If your taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your lender may require an escrow account adjustment and increase your monthly payment accordingly.

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 Hernando County? A: Property taxes for Tax Year 2025 are due by March 31, 2026. However, early payment discounts are available: 4% discount in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February.

Q: What homestead exemption is available and how do I apply? A: Hernando County offers up to $50,000 homestead exemption for primary residences. This exemption also caps annual assessment increases at 3% under Save Our Homes. You must apply by March 1st annually with the Property Appraiser's office with proof of residency and ownership.

Q: Are there additional tax credits for seniors or disabled persons? A: Yes, additional exemptions may be available for seniors 65+ with income limitations, disabled veterans, and disabled persons. All require separate applications by March 1st deadline and income/disability documentation.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed by the 25th day following the mailing of your Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice, typically in August. Contact the Hernando County Value Adjustment Board to request a hearing with supporting documentation of your property's value.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Properties become delinquent on April 1st and incur interest charges. Tax certificates are sold in May, and properties can face tax deed sales after two years of delinquency.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Hernando County Tax Collector accepts online payments through their official website. Credit card, debit card, and electronic check payments are accepted with applicable processing fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax rate includes county, school, municipal (if applicable), and various special districts like fire, water, and library districts. The exact combination depends on your property's location within Hernando County.

Q: Is the homestead exemption automatic when I buy a home? A: No, homestead exemption requires annual application by March 1st. You must file with the Property Appraiser's office and provide documentation proving the property is your primary residence as of January 1st of the tax year.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Hernando County Property Taxesnacdashboard.nara.gov
02
Tax Doc
2025 Local Discretionary Sales Surtax Rates in Florida's ...edr.state.fl.us
03
Office of Management and Budgethernandocounty.us
04
County
Hernando County Property Appraiser 2020 Tax Roll ...swfwmd.state.fl.us
05
Budget Planhernandocounty.us
06
Tax Doc
Tax Collectorhernandocounty.us
07
ORIGINAL APPLICATION FOR HOMESTEAD AND RELATED ...hernandocountypa-florida.us
08
County
Hernando County Property Appraiser - Homestead Exemptionpahxapp.hernandopa-fl.us
09
Community Developmenthernandocounty.us
10
APPLICATION AND RETURN FOR AGRICULTURAL ...hernandopa-fl.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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