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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Orange County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Orange County, FL. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

7 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
0.8% - 1.2% effective rate (63.83¢ per $100 county base)
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Orange County, Florida operates under a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public schools, law enforcement, fire protection, libraries, parks, and infrastructure maintenance. The county follows Florida's state-mandated assessment and taxation framework, which includes beneficial protections for homeowners such as the Save Our Homes constitutional amendment and homestead exemptions.

Property owners in Orange County can expect effective tax rates typically ranging from 0.8% to 1.2% of assessed value, depending on the specific location and applicable exemptions. The county's 2025 property tax rate is set at 63.83¢ per $100 of assessed value for the general county levy, though total rates vary by municipality and special district assessments. Florida's unique "Save Our Homes" provision caps annual assessment increases at 3% for homesteaded properties, providing long-term tax stability for permanent residents.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Orange County General$0.6383County operations, services, and infrastructure
School District$0.7270Orange County Public Schools operating funds
Municipal Levy$0.20-$0.60City services (varies by municipality)
Water Management$0.0329South Florida Water Management District
Library District$0.0500Orange County Library System
Fire/EMS Districts$0.15-$0.35Local fire protection and emergency services
Special Districts$0.05-$0.25CDD, lighting, parks (property-specific)
Typical Total Range$1.80-$2.50Combined rate varies by location

Note: Rates shown are approximate and vary by specific location within Orange County. Municipal and special district rates differ significantly between areas.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Orange 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 Orange County are triggered by specific events that change a property's ownership or physical characteristics during the tax year. The primary triggers include change of ownership (sale/transfer), completion of new construction, additions or major improvements, and subdivision of land. When these events occur, the Property Appraiser's office issues a Notice of Supplemental Assessment to capture the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessed value.

Supplemental taxes are calculated on a pro-rated basis from the date of the triggering event through the end of the fiscal year (September 30). For example, if a newly constructed home is completed on January 1, the supplemental tax would cover 9 months of the fiscal year. The calculation uses the current year's tax rate applied to the net increase in assessed value after exemptions. Supplemental tax bills are mailed within two weeks of the assessment notice, and due dates vary but typically allow 30 days for payment to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Example Calculation

$300,000 Home (Homesteaded)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.10% (example total rate)
  • Annual Property Tax: $5,250
  • Monthly Escrow: $437.50

$600,000 Home (Homesteaded)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $550,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.10% (example total rate)
  • Annual Property Tax: $11,550
  • Monthly Escrow: $962.50

$1,000,000 Home (Homesteaded)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homestead Exemption: -$50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $950,000
  • Tax Rate: 2.10% (example total rate)
  • Annual Property Tax: $19,950
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,662.50

Note: Examples assume homestead exemption eligibility and average combined tax rates. Actual rates vary by specific location and applicable exemptions.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Orange County mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Your lender collects monthly escrow payments as part of your mortgage payment, typically 1/12th of the estimated annual tax bill plus a cushion amount. These funds are held in a separate account and used to pay your property taxes when they become due on November 1st each year.

Property tax bills in Orange County are mailed by October 1st with payment due November 1st. Early payment discounts are available: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. Full payment is due by March 31st to avoid delinquency. If you have an escrow account, your lender will typically pay in November to capture the maximum discount. You can verify your tax payments and view your account status online at https://www.octaxcol.com/, where you can also download payment receipts and track payment history for your records.

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 Orange County? A: Property taxes are due November 1st each year, with early payment discounts available through February. Final payment deadline is March 31st.

Q: How do I qualify for the homestead exemption? A: You must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence on January 1st. Applications are filed with the Orange County Property Appraiser at https://www.ocpafl.org/.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can petition the Value Adjustment Board if you disagree with your assessment. Petitions must be filed by the 25th day following the mailing of the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Interest accrues at 1.5% per month on unpaid balances. Properties become delinquent April 1st, and tax certificates may be sold to investors.

Q: How does Save Our Homes work? A: Save Our Homes caps annual assessment increases at 3% or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is lower) for homesteaded properties, providing long-term tax stability.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are available at https://www.octaxcol.com/ using bank transfer, credit card, or debit card. Convenience fees may apply for card payments.

Q: What is portability and how do I transfer my Save Our Homes benefits? A: Portability allows you to transfer up to $500,000 of your Save Our Homes benefit to a new homestead within Florida. Applications must be filed by March 1st following the year of purchase.

Q: How often are properties reassessed? A: The Property Appraiser reviews all properties annually, with assessments based on market value as of January 1st each year, subject to Save Our Homes caps for homesteaded properties.

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