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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Santa Rosa County
Property Tax Guide

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

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
11.3897 mills ($11.39 per $1,000 assessed value), varies by district and municipality
1st Due
Nov 1
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Santa Rosa County, Florida operates under a property tax system that funds essential local services including public education, county operations, emergency services, and infrastructure maintenance. Property taxes are the primary revenue source for the county, with assessments based on just market value as of January 1st each year. The effective tax rate in Santa Rosa County is approximately 11.3897 mills (or $11.39 per $1,000 of assessed value) for most properties, though this represents a recent reduction from previous years.

Actual tax rates vary significantly depending on your specific location within Santa Rosa County due to special taxing districts, municipal boundaries, and school district variations. Properties may be subject to additional assessments from fire districts, municipal service districts, or other local improvement districts. The Florida Save Our Homes amendment provides important protections for homestead properties by capping annual assessment increases at 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower, helping to provide tax stability for permanent residents.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
Santa Rosa County General5.955County operations, services, infrastructure
School District~5.4347Public education funding
Total Base Rate11.3897Combined millage for most areas
Fire DistrictsVariesAdditional 0.5-2.0 mills depending on district
Municipal DistrictsVariesAdditional rates for incorporated areas
Special AssessmentsVariesDrainage, lighting, other local improvements

Rates shown are for FY 2025-2026 levy year. The county millage was reduced from 6.0953 to 5.955 mills for this tax year. Actual rates vary by property location within special taxing districts. Contact the Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser for your specific millage rate based on your property's location and applicable districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Santa Rosa 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 Santa Rosa County are triggered when there is a change in property ownership, completion of new construction, or significant improvements that increase a property's assessed value during the tax year. When these events occur, the Property Appraiser issues a supplemental assessment to capture the increased value for the remainder of the current fiscal year. The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the applicable millage rate for the remaining months in the tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in January that was previously assessed at $200,000 but now has a market value of $350,000, you would receive a supplemental tax bill for the $150,000 difference. This additional assessment would be prorated for the remaining 11 months of the fiscal year at the current millage rate of approximately 11.3897 mills, resulting in a supplemental tax of roughly $1,539 ($150,000 × 0.0113897 × 11/12 months).

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Property with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: $50,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $250,000
  • Annual Tax: $250,000 × 0.0113897 = $2,847
  • Monthly Escrow: $237

Example 2: $600,000 Property with Homestead and Senior Exemption

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: $50,000
  • Additional Senior Exemption: $50,000 (if qualified and applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $500,000
  • Annual Tax: $500,000 × 0.0113897 = $5,695
  • Monthly Escrow: $475

Example 3: $1,000,000 Property (Non-Homestead)

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • Exemptions Applied: None
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.0113897 = $11,390
  • Monthly Escrow: $949

Note: All exemptions require separate applications and eligibility verification. Senior exemptions have income limitations and additional requirements.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Santa Rosa County require property tax escrow accounts to ensure timely payment of property taxes. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month along with your mortgage payment. Property taxes in Florida are due November 1st each year, with discount periods available for early payment (4% discount in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, 1% in February). Lenders usually pay the full amount by March 31st to avoid delinquency.

It's important to review your annual escrow analysis statement to ensure your lender has adequate funds collected, especially if your property value has increased significantly or if you've added exemptions that reduce your tax bill. If your taxes change due to new construction, reassessment, or exemption changes, contact your lender to adjust your monthly escrow payment. You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes correctly by checking with the Santa Rosa County Tax Collector's office online or by phone.

How HonestCasa Helps
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  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due for the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2025-2026 are due November 1st, 2025. Early payment discounts are available: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. Taxes become delinquent on April 1st if unpaid.

Q: What is the Homestead Exemption and how do I apply? A: The Homestead Exemption reduces your taxable value by up to $50,000 and caps annual assessment increases at 3% under Save Our Homes. You must apply with the Property Appraiser by March 1st, have a Florida driver's license/ID with the property address, and make it your permanent residence by January 1st.

Q: Are there additional tax credits available that require application? A: Yes, including Senior Exemption (additional $50,000 for ages 65+ with income limitations), Disability Exemption, Veterans' Exemptions, and Widow/Widower Exemptions. All require separate applications and documentation with specific deadlines, typically March 1st.

Q: How does the Save Our Homes benefit work? A: Save Our Homes caps your homestead property's assessed value increases at 3% annually or the CPI change, whichever is lower. This limits assessment growth, not market value. The benefit requires homestead exemption and is not automatic - you must apply.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board by the deadline specified on your TRIM notice (typically late July/early August). You can also contact the Property Appraiser first to discuss your concerns informally.

Q: What penalties apply for late payment? A: Interest accrues at 1.5% per month on unpaid taxes after April 1st. Properties with unpaid taxes for two years may be subject to tax certificate sales, and after seven years, tax deed sales.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Santa Rosa County offers online payment through the Tax Collector's website. You can pay by e-check or credit card, though credit card payments include convenience fees.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts for fire protection, drainage, street lighting, or municipal services add additional millage to your base county and school rates. Your specific rate depends on your property's location and which districts serve your area.

Q: Is portability available for Save Our Homes benefits? A: Yes, Florida homestead property owners can transfer up to $500,000 of their Save Our Homes benefit to a new homestead property within the state, including within Santa Rosa County. Application must be made by March 1st following the year of purchase.

Q: Where can I apply for exemptions online? A: Santa Rosa County provides an Online Exemption Filing System through the Property Appraiser's website for homestead and other exemptions. You'll need a Florida driver's license or ID reflecting the property address before beginning the application process.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

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

01
Santa Rosa BOCC FY25 Budget Adoptedsantarosa.fl.gov
02
2025 Millagessrcpa.gov
03
Millage Rates | SRCPAsrcpa.gov
04
Online Exemptions Filing System | SRCPAsrcpa.gov
05
County
Santa Rosa County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
06
County
Santa Rosa County Tax Collectorsantarosa.fl.gov
07
County
2024 santa rosa county.pdfflauditor.gov
08
City of Gulf Breeze, Floridaflauditor.gov
09
ATTACHMENT 11 PAGE 1floridadep.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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