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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Lake County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Lake 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
6.0 mills (0.6%) base county rate, varies by district with special taxing districts and municipal overlays
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Lake County, Florida operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential county services including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, parks and recreation, and administrative operations. Property taxes in Lake County are assessed annually covering the period from October 1 through September 30, with the tax year running on a fiscal year basis rather than a calendar year.

The effective property tax rate in Lake County varies significantly depending on your specific location within the county due to the presence of multiple special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district overlays. While the base county millage rate for FY 2025-2026 is 6.0000 mills (0.6%), residents typically face total effective rates ranging from approximately 0.98% to over 1.5% when all applicable taxing authorities are combined. These additional levies may include school district taxes, municipal taxes (if within city limits), fire district assessments, library districts, and other special purpose districts that provide localized services.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Lake County General6.0000Base county operations, public safety, infrastructure
School DistrictVariesEducational services (varies by school district boundaries)
MunicipalVariesCity services (only applies within incorporated areas)
Fire/EMS DistrictsVariesEmergency services (varies by district)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (where applicable)
Water ManagementVariesRegional water management services
Special AssessmentsVariesLighting, drainage, road maintenance districts

Total Effective Rate Range: 9.8 - 15.0+ mills (0.98% - 1.5%+)

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your actual tax rate depends on which special taxing districts serve your specific property location. The Lake County Property Appraiser's office can provide the exact millage rate combination for your address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Lake 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 Lake County are triggered by specific property events that occur during the tax year, primarily new construction completion, ownership changes, or property improvements that increase assessed value. When these events occur, the county may issue supplemental tax bills to capture the additional tax revenue for the remaining portion of the fiscal year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, multiplying by the applicable millage rate, and prorating for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if you complete a $100,000 home addition in January and your total millage rate is 12 mills, your supplemental tax would be approximately $1,200 × (3 months remaining ÷ 12 months) = $300. Supplemental assessments are imposed annually and are payable as part of your regular property tax bill, though they may be billed separately if the timing requires immediate collection.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated 12 mills): 1.2%
  • Annual Tax: $3,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $250

Example 2: $600,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated 12 mills): 1.2%
  • Annual Tax: $6,600
  • Monthly Escrow: $550

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property Value

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated 12 mills): 1.2%
  • Annual Tax: $11,400
  • Monthly Escrow: $950

Note: Homestead exemption requires annual application and is NOT automatic. The Save Our Homes benefit caps annual assessment increases at 3% for homestead properties. Tax rates vary by location within Lake County due to special district variations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Lake County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, particularly for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender will estimate your annual property tax obligation and divide it by 12 to determine your monthly escrow payment. Since Lake County property taxes are due from November 1 through March 31, lenders typically collect funds throughout the year and make payments on your behalf during the discount period to take advantage of early payment savings.

The lender will conduct an annual escrow analysis to ensure adequate funds are collected, and may adjust your monthly payment if taxes increase or decrease significantly. Property owners should verify that their lender is paying taxes correctly and on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for tax obligations even when using escrow services. You can monitor your tax payment status through the Lake County Tax Collector's website, and should receive confirmation from your lender showing when payments were made on your behalf.

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 Lake County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due November 1, 2025, with early payment discounts available: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. Taxes become delinquent after March 31, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary tax benefit is the Homestead Exemption (up to $50,000 reduction in assessed value), which REQUIRES APPLICATION by March 1st annually. Additional credits include Limited Income Senior Exemption, Disability Exemption, and Veterans' Disability Exemption - all requiring separate applications and qualification criteria.

Q: How does the Homestead Exemption work? A: The Homestead Exemption reduces your taxable assessed value by up to $50,000 ($25,000 + additional $25,000) and includes Save Our Homes protection, which caps annual assessment increases at 3%. You must apply by March 1st and the property must be your primary residence as of January 1st.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can file a petition with the Lake County Value Adjustment Board if you believe your assessment is incorrect. The deadline is typically 25 days after the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM notice) is mailed, usually in late August.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Taxes become delinquent after March 31st, with interest charges of 1.5% per month. After two years of delinquency, the property may be sold at a tax certificate sale.

Q: How can I pay my property taxes online? A: Visit the Lake County Tax Collector's website at lakecountytaxcollector.com to pay online with bank transfer, credit card, or debit card. Processing fees may apply for card payments.

Q: Why do special district taxes vary by location? A: Lake County contains numerous special taxing districts for services like fire protection, libraries, lighting, and drainage. Your specific property location determines which districts serve you and their corresponding tax rates.

Q: Is the Save Our Homes portability benefit automatic? A: No, if you move within Florida, you must apply to transfer your Save Our Homes benefit to your new homestead property within two years of establishing the new homestead exemption.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
Gity of Groveland Minutesgroveland-fl.gov
02
Tax Doc
Local Millage Taxlake.k12.fl.us
03
County
lake-county-bcc-adopted-budget-fiscal-year-2025- ...cdn.lakecountyfl.gov
04
Special Assessmentslakecountyfl.gov
05
County
Welcome to The Property Appraiser's Office for Lake County ...minneola.us
06
Tax Doc
Property Taxes - Constitutional Tax Collectorpbctax.gov
07
County
Lake County Property Appraiserftp.leesburgflorida.gov
08
SHIP Home Ownership Assistancelakecountyfl.gov
09
Homestead Exemption - filing onlineexemptions.polkflpa.gov
10
Resolution No. 2024cdn.lakecountyfl.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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