Q: When are property taxes due in Sarasota County?
A: Property taxes for fiscal year 2025-2026 are due November 1st. Early payment discounts are available: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. Taxes become delinquent after March 31st, with additional fees and interest charges applied starting April 1st.
Q: What is the Homestead Exemption and how do I apply?
A: The Homestead Exemption reduces your property's taxable assessed value by up to $50,000 for your primary residence. You must apply by March 1st following the year you establish residency. This is NOT automatic and requires filing Form DR-501 with the Property Appraiser's office along with proof of residency.
Q: How does the Save Our Homes assessment cap work?
A: Save Our Homes limits annual assessment increases on homestead properties to 3% or the Consumer Price Index (whichever is lower), regardless of actual market value increases. This benefit requires having an approved homestead exemption and is not a tax credit but rather a cap on assessment growth.
Q: What other tax exemptions are available and do they require applications?
A: Additional exemptions include Senior Exemption (ages 65+ with income limits), Disability Exemption, Veterans' Exemptions, and Widow/Widower Exemptions. ALL exemptions require separate applications with specific deadlines, typically March 1st annually. None are automatic.
Q: How can I appeal my property assessment?
A: Assessment appeals must be filed by the 25th day following mailing of the TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice, typically in late August. Contact the Property Appraiser's office or file online. You'll need comparable sales data or evidence of property condition issues.
Q: What are the penalties for late payment?
A: Taxes not paid by March 31st incur 3% interest plus additional fees. Properties with delinquent taxes for two consecutive years may be subject to tax certificate sales. Interest continues to accrue monthly on unpaid balances.
Q: Can I pay my property taxes online?
A: Yes, Sarasota County offers online payment through the Tax Collector's website at www.sarasotacountyfl.gov. Payments can be made by bank transfer (ACH) for a small fee, or by credit/debit card with higher processing fees.
Q: Why does my tax rate differ from my neighbor's?
A: Total millage rates vary throughout Sarasota County based on special taxing districts serving each property. Fire districts, municipal boundaries, library districts, and other special districts create different rate combinations. Two properties with the same county rate may have different total rates due to these district variations.
Q: Is portability available for Save Our Homes benefits?
A: Yes, Florida allows homestead property owners to transfer (port) up to $500,000 of their Save Our Homes benefit to a new homestead property within the state. Applications must be filed by March 1st following the year of purchase of the new property.
Q: What triggers a supplemental tax assessment?
A: Supplemental assessments occur with ownership changes, completion of new construction, major improvements, or loss of exemptions during the tax year. The supplemental tax covers the difference in assessed value for the remaining portion of that tax year.
