Updated 2025 Tax Year

Leon County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Leon 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

8.31-10+ mills (0.831%-1.0%+), varies by location and special districts within Leon County

1st Due

Nov 1

Exemptions

6+ Available

Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Leon County's property tax system is the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including schools, fire protection, emergency services, libraries, and county operations. Property taxes in Leon County are administered through the County Property Appraiser's office, which determines assessed values, and the County Tax Collector's office, which handles billing and collection. The effective tax rate typically ranges from approximately 8.31 to 10+ mills (0.831% to 1.0%+) depending on your specific location within the county.

It's important to understand that your actual property tax rate varies significantly based on your property's location within Leon County due to special taxing districts. Properties within Tallahassee city limits face additional municipal taxes, while rural properties may be subject to different special district assessments for services like fire protection or library districts. The countywide baseline rate applies to all properties, with additional levies added based on the specific services available in your area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Component	Rate (Mills)	Description
Leon County General	8.3144	Countywide services, maintained from FY 2024
Leon County Schools	~7.5-8.0	School district operations (varies annually)
City of Tallahassee	~5.5-6.0	Municipal services (city residents only)
Special Fire Districts	1.0-3.0	Rural fire protection (specific districts)
Library District	~0.5	Library services (certain areas)
Other Special Districts	0.5-2.0	Varies by location and services

Total Effective Rate Range: 8.31 - 25+ mills (0.831% - 2.5%+ of assessed value)

These rates apply to the FY 2025-2026 levy year. Your specific rate depends on your property's location and applicable special taxing districts. Contact the Leon County Property Appraiser at (850) 606-8200 for your exact rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Leon 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 Leon County are triggered by specific events that change a property's ownership, use, or physical characteristics during the tax year. The most common triggers include change of ownership (sale/transfer), completion of new construction, additions or major improvements, and removal of exemptions or credits when ownership changes.

When a supplemental tax is assessed, it's calculated as the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously owner-occupied (and receiving homestead benefits) for $500,000, and the new assessment without homestead protection is $520,000, you would owe supplemental tax on the $20,000 difference plus any increase from the removal of the homestead assessment cap, calculated from the purchase date through September 30th (end of fiscal year).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (with Homestead Credit)

Market Value: $300,000
Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
Net Taxable Value: $250,000
Tax Rate: 15.5 mills (typical city resident)
Annual Tax: $3,875
Monthly (Escrow): $323

Example 2: $600,000 Home (with Homestead Credit)

Market Value: $600,000
Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
Net Taxable Value: $550,000
Tax Rate: 15.5 mills
Annual Tax: $8,525
Monthly (Escrow): $710

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (no credits)

Market Value: $1,000,000
Credits Applied: $0
Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
Tax Rate: 15.5 mills
Annual Tax: $15,500
Monthly (Escrow): $1,292

Note: Homestead exemption requires application and owner occupancy. Save Our Homes assessment cap (3% annually) also requires homestead filing and provides additional savings not shown in these calculations.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Leon County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, especially for loans with less than 20% down payment. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to your annual property tax divided by 12, plus a cushion (typically 2 months). The lender pays your property taxes directly to Leon County when due, usually in November.

Leon County property taxes are due November 1st each year, with early payment discounts available: 4% discount in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. Taxes become delinquent after March 31st. Your lender typically pays in November to capture the maximum discount. You should receive an annual escrow analysis from your lender showing the account balance, payments made, and any adjustments needed for the upcoming year. It's important to verify that your lender paid the correct amount by checking with the Leon County Tax Collector at (850) 606-8300.

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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Leon County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due November 1, 2025, with early payment discounts through February 2026. Taxes become delinquent after March 31, 2026.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax benefit is the homestead exemption (up to $50,000 reduction in assessed value) which REQUIRES APPLICATION by March 1st annually until granted. Additional exemptions include Senior Homestead (additional exemption for seniors with household income under $21,599), Veterans' exemptions, and disability exemptions. All require separate applications.

Q: How does the homestead exemption work? A: Homestead provides two benefits: (1) up to $50,000 exemption from assessed value, and (2) Save Our Homes protection limiting annual assessment increases to 3% or inflation, whichever is less. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence and file application by March 1st.

Q: When are properties assessed and how do I appeal? A: Properties are assessed annually as of January 1st. Assessment notices are mailed by August 1st. You have 25 days from the notice date to file an appeal with the Leon County Value Adjustment Board. Contact the Property Appraiser at (850) 606-8200.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Interest accrues at 1.5% per month starting April 1st. Properties with unpaid taxes for two years may be sold at tax deed sale.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Leon County offers online payment through the Tax Collector's website at leonclerk.com/departments/tax-collector. Credit card processing fees apply.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary based on special taxing districts. City residents pay municipal taxes, rural areas may have fire district taxes, and some areas have library or other special district assessments.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax bill? A: Change of ownership, completion of new construction, major improvements, or loss of exemptions can trigger supplemental taxes prorated for the remaining fiscal year (October 1 - September 30).

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

Newsleonpa.gov

2025 Statutes Chapter 0194flhouse.gov

The 2025 Florida Statutesleg.state.fl.us

NEWS & EVENTScms.leoncountyfl.gov

FAQleonpa.gov

LINKleoncountyfl.gov

Newsleonpa.gov

Homestead Exemption - Get Startedleonpa.gov

County

Leon County, Floridaflauditor.gov

All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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Leon CountyProperty Tax Guide