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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lafayette County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lafayette 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
10.0000% effective rate ($10.00 per $1,000 assessed value), varies by district and special taxing authorities
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lafayette County, Florida operates on an ad valorem property tax system that funds essential local services including public schools, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for local government services in this rural North Florida county. The county's effective tax rate of 10.0000% (or $10.00 per $1,000 of assessed value) applies to the taxable assessed value of real property after applicable exemptions and credits are deducted.

Property tax rates in Lafayette County vary by location within the county due to different combinations of taxing authorities and special districts that may apply to individual properties. These can include school district taxes, municipal taxes for incorporated areas, and special district assessments for services like fire protection, drainage, or utility services. Property owners should verify their specific tax rate based on their property's location and the particular taxing districts that serve their area, as the total millage rate can differ significantly between neighborhoods.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $1,000)Description
Lafayette County GeneralVariableCounty operations, services, administration
School DistrictVariablePublic education funding
Special DistrictsVariableFire, drainage, utilities (location-dependent)
Total Millage Rate10.0000Combined rate for FY 2024-2025

Note: The 10.0000 millage rate (1.0000%) represents the combined total for properties within Lafayette County's primary taxing jurisdiction. Individual properties may have different total rates depending on their location within various municipal boundaries and special taxing districts. Special districts for fire protection, water management, and other services can add additional millage that varies by geographic area within the county.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lafayette 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 Lafayette County are triggered by changes in property ownership, new construction completion, or significant property improvements that occur after the January 1st assessment date but during the current tax year. When these events occur, the Property Appraiser reassesses the property's value, and supplemental taxes are calculated on the difference between the old and new assessed values, prorated for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if a property owner completes a $100,000 home addition in June, and their property's assessed value increases by $80,000 after exemptions, the supplemental tax would be calculated as: $80,000 × 0.010000 (1.0000%) × 6/12 months = $400. This supplemental amount would be billed separately from the annual tax bill and would have its own payment due date, typically within 30 days of the supplemental assessment notice.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Annual Tax: $250,000 × 0.010000 = $2,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $208.33

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

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $50,000
  • Less: Senior Exemption: $10,000 (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $540,000
  • Annual Tax: $540,000 × 0.010000 = $5,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $450.00

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home with Homestead and Widow Exemptions

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homestead Exemption: $50,000
  • Less: Widow Exemption: $5,000 (application required)
  • Net Taxable Value: $945,000
  • Annual Tax: $945,000 × 0.010000 = $9,450
  • Monthly Escrow: $787.50

Note: All exemptions except the basic homestead require annual application to the Property Appraiser's office by March 1st.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lafayette County require borrowers to establish an escrow account to ensure property taxes are paid on time. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments equal to 1/12th of the annual property tax bill plus insurance premiums. The lender holds these funds in a separate account and pays the tax bill directly to Lafayette County when due in March. Property owners should receive an annual escrow analysis from their lender showing the previous year's payments and any adjustments needed for the coming year.

If your property taxes increase due to rising assessments or new special district taxes, your lender will adjust your monthly escrow payment accordingly, typically with 60 days' notice. Property owners can verify that their taxes were paid correctly by checking the Lafayette County Tax Collector's website or calling their office directly. If you pay taxes outside of escrow, you're responsible for making payments directly to the Tax Collector by the March 31st deadline to avoid penalties and interest charges.

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 Lafayette County property taxes due for FY 2024-2025? A: Property taxes are due in full by March 31, 2025. Early payment discounts are available in January and February 2025, with unpaid taxes becoming delinquent on April 1, 2025.

Q: What homestead exemption is available and how do I apply? A: Lafayette County offers up to $50,000 homestead exemption for primary residences. The exemption reduces your property's taxable assessed value and caps annual assessment increases at 3% under Florida's Save Our Homes law. You must apply at the Property Appraiser's office by March 1st with proof of residency.

Q: Are there additional tax credits for seniors or disabled persons? A: Yes, seniors may qualify for an additional $10,000 exemption, and disabled non-veterans may receive a $5,000 exemption. Widows may qualify for a $5,000 exemption. All require separate applications to be filed by March 1st annually with the Property Appraiser's office.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessments can be appealed through the Lafayette County Value Adjustment Board. Petition deadlines are typically in September, and you must file within 25 days of receiving your TRIM notice. Contact the Property Appraiser's office first to discuss your concerns informally.

Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments? A: Taxes become delinquent April 1st with interest charges beginning immediately. Additional penalties accrue monthly, and unpaid taxes result in tax certificate sales, potentially leading to loss of property ownership rights.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Lafayette County offers online payment options through the Tax Collector's website. Accepted payment methods typically include electronic checks and credit/debit cards, though convenience fees may apply for credit card transactions.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if my assessment stayed the same? A: Tax increases can result from higher millage rates set by the County Commission, school board, or special districts serving your area. Even with stable assessments, changes in municipal or special district taxes can increase your total bill.

Q: What special districts might affect my property taxes? A: Depending on your location in Lafayette County, you may be subject to special district taxes for fire protection, drainage, water management, or other services. These vary by geographic area and can significantly impact your total tax rate beyond the base county and school taxes.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Property Detail - Lafayette Countylafayette.floridatax.us
02
County
Property Detail - Lafayette Countylafayette.floridatax.us
03
County
Property Detail - Lafayette Countylafayette.floridatax.us
04
County
LAFAYETTE COUNTY, FLORIDA ...flauditor.gov
05
Tax Doc
Important Dates & Deadlines – Taxesflaglertax.gov
06
Tax Doc
Tangible Personal Property Taxesflaglertax.gov
07
County
Property Detail - Lafayette Countylafayette.floridatax.us
08
County
Property Detail - Lafayette Countylafayette.floridatax.us
09
County
Property Detail - Lafayette Countylafayette.floridatax.us
10
County
LAFAYETTE COUNTY, FLORIDA AUDIT REPORT ...flauditor.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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