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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Okeechobee County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Okeechobee 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 2.2% of assessed value (varies by location and special districts)
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Okeechobee County property taxes fund essential local services including public schools, county government operations, fire protection, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property owners pay taxes based on their property's assessed value multiplied by the total millage rate, which combines rates from the county, school district, and various special taxing districts. The effective tax rate in Okeechobee County typically ranges from approximately 1.5% to 2.2% of assessed value, depending on your property's location and which special districts serve your area.

Property tax rates vary significantly within Okeechobee County based on your specific location and the special taxing districts that provide services to your property. These may include municipal governments, fire districts, water management districts, and other special purpose districts. Each district sets its own millage rate annually, and your total property tax bill reflects the combined rates of all applicable taxing authorities. The Okeechobee County Property Appraiser determines assessed values, while the Tax Collector handles billing and collection for all taxing districts within the county.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General4.4999Basic county services and operations
County Proposed1.0000Additional county levy (FY 2025, subject to final approval)
School District~8.000Okeechobee County School Board operations
MunicipalVariesCity taxes (if located within city limits)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection and emergency services
Water ManagementVariesSouth Florida Water Management District
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services
Hospital DistrictVariesHealthcare district services

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year and are subject to change. Actual total millage rates range from approximately 15-22 mills depending on your property's location and applicable special districts. One mill equals $1 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee County are additional property tax assessments that occur when there are changes to property ownership, value, or use during the tax year. Common triggers include new construction completion, property improvements that increase assessed value, changes in exemption status, or corrections to the original assessment. When a supplemental assessment is issued, it covers the period from when the change became effective through the end of the current fiscal year (September 30).

For example, if you complete a home addition worth $50,000 in January and it's assessed in March, you would receive a supplemental tax bill covering March through September. The calculation would be: $50,000 (added value) × total millage rate × 7/12 (months remaining in fiscal year). If your total millage rate is 18 mills (1.8%), the supplemental tax would be approximately $525 ($50,000 × 0.018 × 7/12).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
  • Assessed Value: $250,000
  • Millage Rate: 18.0 mills (1.8%)
  • Annual Tax: $4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $375

Example 2: $600,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
  • Assessed Value: $550,000
  • Millage Rate: 18.0 mills (1.8%)
  • Annual Tax: $9,900
  • Monthly Escrow: $825

Example 3: $1,000,000 Commercial Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Exemptions Applied: $0
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Millage Rate: 20.0 mills (2.0%)
  • Annual Tax: $20,000
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,667

Note: Homestead exemption requires application and approval. Rates vary by location within the county based on special districts.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Okeechobee County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects approximately 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, depositing these funds into an escrow account. The lender then pays your property taxes directly to the Okeechobee County Tax Collector when taxes become due on March 31 each year.

Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected, and they may adjust your monthly payment if property taxes increase or decrease significantly. You should receive an annual escrow statement showing deposits, payments, and account balance. If you pay off your mortgage or switch to a loan without escrow, you become responsible for making property tax payments directly to the Tax Collector by the March 31 deadline to avoid penalties and potential tax certificate sales.

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 for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due in full by March 31, 2025. Early payment discounts are available: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. Taxes become delinquent on April 1.

Q: What is the Homestead Exemption and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Exemption reduces your assessed value by up to $50,000 for your primary residence. It also caps annual assessment increases at 3% under Florida's Save Our Homes law. You must apply with the Property Appraiser by March 1 following the year you establish residency.

Q: Are there other tax credits available? A: Yes, additional exemptions include Senior Exemption (additional $50,000 for qualifying seniors), Disability Exemption, Veteran Exemptions, and Widow/Widower Exemption. All require separate applications with specific eligibility requirements and documentation.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: You can file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board if you disagree with your property's assessed value, exemption denial, or classification. The deadline is typically 25 days after the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes is mailed, usually in late August.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Taxes become delinquent April 1 with interest charges starting immediately. After two years of delinquency, the county may sell tax certificates to investors, potentially leading to loss of property ownership.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, the Okeechobee County Tax Collector offers online payment options through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Your total tax bill includes rates from all taxing districts serving your property location. These may include fire districts, municipal taxes, library districts, and water management districts. Rates vary by geographic location within the county.

Q: Is the Save Our Homes portability benefit automatic? A: No, you must apply for Save Our Homes portability within two years of purchasing a new homestead property in Florida. This benefit allows you to transfer up to $500,000 of your previous home's Save Our Homes benefit to your new primary residence.

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 - St. Johns Countystjohnstax.us
02
Tax Doc
Where do your property taxes go?apps.miamidadepa.gov
03
County
2025 Legal Notices | Okeechobee County Florida Board of ...okeechobeecountyfl.gov
04
About the Clerk's Officeclerk.co.okeechobee.fl.us
05
Tax Doc
Tangible Personal Property Taxesflaglertax.gov
06
Value Adjustment Boardclerk.co.okeechobee.fl.us
07
Tax Doc
CS/HB 1563 Homestead Property Tax Exemptions for ...flsenate.gov
08
Tax Doc
CS/CS/HB 1563 Homestead Property Tax Exemptions for ...flsenate.gov
09
ORIGINAL APPLICATION FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTIONSpbcpao.gov
10
County
okeechobee county, florida financial statements and ...flauditor.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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