Pop Quiz!

You’ve received your tax bill and have a question about why your taxes are so high. Who should you call? The Tax Collector, the Property Appraiser, or the Taxing Authority?

The answer may not be what you think. To be fair, our system can be confusing, especially for residents coming from other states.

In Florida, the Constitution establishes two different elected positions to work with taxing authorities (i.e. the County Commission, City Councils or School District), to comprise our Property Tax System.

It’s like three legs of a stool.

The Property Appraiser values properties and prepares and certifies the tax roll (including assessed values, exemptions, legal description, assessed owners’ names and mailing addresses).

The Taxing Authorities establish millage rates and other assessments based on revenue needed to operate.

The Tax Collector receives all that information and prints and mails the tax bills, collects payment, and distributes the funds to the taxing authorities.

While we all work together, each plays a distinct role in the system.

So, the pop quiz question could have two answers: The Property Appraiser and/or the Taxing Authority.

For more information about each of our offices and who to contact with frequently asked questions, we’ve created the following chart:

This printable handout also explains the responsibilities of each office, so you know who to contact with questions!