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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Walton County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Walton 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
Varies by location due to overlapping jurisdictions - county base rate plus municipal and special district rates
1st Due
Mar 31
Exemptions
6+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Walton County, Florida operates a property tax system that serves as the primary funding source for essential county services including schools, public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency services. Property taxes in Walton County are assessed annually based on the January 1st market value of real property, with tax bills typically issued in November and due by March 31st of the following year.

The effective property tax rate in Walton County varies significantly by location within the county due to multiple overlapping taxing jurisdictions. Property owners may be subject to taxes from the county government, school district, municipal governments, and various special districts for services like fire protection, water management, and community development. The combined millage rate for most properties ranges from approximately 15 to 20 mills (1.5% to 2.0%), though some areas with multiple special districts may experience higher rates.

It's important to note that actual tax rates differ throughout Walton County based on which special taxing districts serve your specific property location. Properties in incorporated municipalities and those served by special districts will have additional tax components beyond the base county levy.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (Mills)Description
County General Fund4.8500Basic county services, administration, public safety
School District6.7240Walton County School District operations and capital
County Transportation0.5000Road maintenance and transportation infrastructure
Emergency Medical Services1.5000Ambulance and emergency medical response
Fire Protection Districts1.0-3.0Varies by district location
Municipal Taxes0.0-5.0Applies only within city limits
Special Districts0.5-4.0Water management, lighting, community services

Rates shown are for FY 2024-2025 levy year. Total effective rates typically range from 15.0 to 20.0 mills depending on 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 Walton County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Mar 31
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 Walton County are triggered by changes 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 after the January 1st assessment date, the Property Appraiser's office issues a supplemental assessment to capture the increased value for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The supplemental tax is calculated by determining the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, then applying the current millage rate on a prorated basis for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a $100,000 addition is completed on July 1st (halfway through the fiscal year), the supplemental tax would be calculated on half of the increased assessed value.

Property owners receive a separate supplemental tax bill that becomes due 60 days after the issue date. This is in addition to the regular annual property tax bill and must be paid separately to avoid penalties and interest charges.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home with Homestead Exemption

  • Market Value: $300,000
  • Homestead Exemption Applied: $50,000
  • Assessed Value: $250,000
  • Tax Rate: 18.0 mills
  • Annual Tax: $4,500
  • Monthly Escrow: $375

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

  • Market Value: $600,000
  • Homestead Exemption: $50,000
  • Additional Senior Exemption: $50,000 (requires application)
  • Assessed Value: $500,000
  • Tax Rate: 17.5 mills
  • Annual Tax: $8,750
  • Monthly Escrow: $729

Example 3: $1,000,000 Investment Property

  • Market Value: $1,000,000
  • No Exemptions Applied: $0
  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Tax Rate: 19.2 mills
  • Annual Tax: $19,200
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,600

Note: All exemptions require annual application and approval. Rates vary by specific location within the county.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most homeowners with mortgages in Walton County have their property taxes collected through an escrow account managed by their mortgage servicer. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of the estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, holding these funds in a separate escrow account until tax payments are due.

Property tax bills in Walton County are mailed directly to the property owner in November, even when taxes are paid through escrow. Mortgage servicers typically receive a duplicate copy but property owners should verify their lender has received the bill and will make timely payment. The tax collector's office sends bills to both the property owner and any mortgage company listed in their records.

Escrow accounts are analyzed annually by lenders to ensure adequate funds are collected. If property taxes increase significantly due to rising assessments or millage rates, homeowners may face an escrow shortage requiring either a lump sum payment or increased monthly payments. Property owners can verify tax payments have been made by checking the Walton County Tax Collector's website or contacting their mortgage servicer directly.

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 the current fiscal year? A: Property taxes for FY 2024-2025 are due by March 31, 2025. Early payment discounts are available: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February.

Q: What homestead tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The primary homestead exemption provides up to $50,000 reduction in assessed value and must be applied for by March 1st annually. This exemption also caps annual assessment increases at 3% under Florida's Save Our Homes provision. Application requires proof of permanent residency and must be filed with the Property Appraiser's office.

Q: Are there additional tax credits for seniors or veterans? A: Yes, additional exemptions are available including up to $50,000 for seniors meeting income requirements, and various veteran exemptions for disabled veterans or surviving spouses. All require separate applications with supporting documentation filed by March 1st deadline.

Q: How can I appeal my property assessment? A: Property assessments can be appealed through the Value Adjustment Board. Informal appeals must be filed by the first Monday in July, with formal petitions due by the 25th day following the mailing of the TRIM notice, typically in late August.

Q: What happens if I pay my taxes late? A: Taxes become delinquent on April 1st and accrue interest at 1.5% per month. Additional penalties may apply, and properties can eventually be sold at tax deed sales for unpaid taxes.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, online payments are accepted through the Walton County Tax Collector's website using bank transfers or credit/debit cards. Convenience fees apply for card payments.

Q: How do special district taxes affect my bill? A: Special districts provide specific services like fire protection, street lighting, or water management. Your property's location determines which districts apply. Contact the Property Appraiser's office to identify districts serving your property.

Q: What is the Save Our Homes portability benefit? A: Homeowners who move within Florida can transfer up to $500,000 of their Save Our Homes benefit to a new homestead property. This transfer must be applied for within two years of establishing the new homestead and requires filing with the new county's Property Appraiser.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
WALTON COUNTY FLORIDA ANNUAL ...flauditor.gov
02
County
Walton County Florida Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
03
County
Florida County Property Tax Reportsumtercountyfl.gov
04
County
News Flash • Walton County • CivicEngagemywaltonfl.gov
05
exemption for persons 65 and olderwaltonclerkfl.gov
06
General TDT Ruleswaltonclerkfl.gov
07
https://www.mywaltonfl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/424...mywaltonfl.gov
08
State
FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL STATE OF FLORIDA1dca.flcourts.gov
09
Tax Doc
Florida's Property Tax Structure: An Analysis of - Save Our ...edr.state.fl.us
10
Inst. #20180003292 Bk: 3064 Pg: 2193 Recordedorsearch.clerkofcourts.co.walton.fl.us
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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