How to Pay Your Broward County Property Taxes
Where and how to pay Broward County property taxes
You can pay Broward County property taxes online through the county's official website, by mail, in person at the Tax Collector's office, or by phone. The Broward County Tax Collector handles all property tax payments and is the only office that can tell you your exact amount due, payment deadline, and whether your account is current.
Online payment through the Tax Collector's website is the fastest route — you can pay immediately with a debit card, credit card, or electronic bank transfer. Payments made online before the deadline post to your account the same day. If you pay by mail, the postmark date matters: the Tax Collector must receive your payment by the deadline, not just process it after. Mailing takes five to seven business days, so send checks at least a week early.
In-person payments are accepted at the Tax Collector's office during business hours, and you can pay by check, money order, or card. Phone payments are also available, though a convenience fee applies. The Tax Collector's phone line can confirm your balance and due date before you pay.
Key Takeaways
- Property taxes in Broward County are due by March 31 each year, and penalties begin accruing on April 1 if payment is not received by the deadline.
- You can pay online, by mail, by phone, or in person at the Tax Collector's office, and online payment posts the same day.
- The Tax Collector's website shows your property's assessed value, the millage rate applied to your property, and your exact tax amount.
- If you do not receive a tax bill in the mail, you can still look up your account online using your property address or parcel number.
- Penalties for late payment are 3 percent of the tax due, plus interest that accrues monthly, and unpaid taxes can lead to a tax deed sale after two years.
Understanding your property tax bill and what you owe
Your Broward County property tax bill is calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the millage rate — a rate set by the county and expressed as dollars per $1,000 of assessed value. The assessed value is not the market price of your home; it is determined by the Property Appraiser's office and typically increases by no more than 3 percent per year, even if your home's market value rises faster.
Your tax bill includes taxes for the county, the school district, and any special districts (such as fire or water management) that serve your property. Each entity sets its own millage rate, and the total is added together. The bill you receive in the mail shows the breakdown by entity, so you can see exactly where your tax dollars go.
If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can file a Value Adjustment Board (VAB) petition with the Property Appraiser's office. The deadline to file is 25 days after you receive your tax bill. Filing does not stop you from paying your taxes on time — you pay the full amount due, and if the VAB reduces your value, you receive a refund or credit.
Penalties, interest, and what happens if you pay late
If your payment is not received by March 31, a 3 percent penalty is added to your tax bill on April 1. Interest then accrues at 1.5 percent per month (18 percent per year) on the unpaid balance, including the penalty. These charges compound, so a $2,000 tax bill becomes $2,060 after one month of nonpayment, then $2,121 after two months.
After two years of nonpayment, the Tax Collector can issue a tax deed on your property. A tax deed sale transfers ownership of your home to whoever bids at the public auction, and you lose all rights to the property. Before a tax deed is issued, you have the right to redeem your property by paying all back taxes, penalties, interest, and costs — but the window to do so closes once the deed is sold.
If you cannot pay by the deadline, contact the Tax Collector's office immediately. Some payment plans or deferrals may be available depending on your circumstances, though these are not may provide. The sooner you reach out, the more options you may have.
How to find your property tax information online
The Broward County Tax Collector's website has a search tool where you can look up your account using your property address, parcel number, or folio number. The search returns your current balance, due date, payment history, and a breakdown of taxes by entity. You do not need a login to search; the information is public record.
If you have already set up an online account with the Tax Collector, you can log in to see additional details, set up automatic payments, and receive email reminders before the deadline. Creating an account is free and takes a few minutes. You will need your property address and either your parcel number or the account number from a previous tax bill.
The Property Appraiser's website (a separate office from the Tax Collector) shows your property's assessed value, the year it was last assessed, and any exemptions on file. This information helps you understand how your tax bill was calculated and whether you want to challenge the assessed value.
Homestead exemption and other ways to lower your tax bill
If you own and live in your home as your primary residence, you may be may have access to to a homestead exemption, which reduces your assessed value by $50,000. This exemption applies only to school district taxes and county taxes, not to special district taxes. The exemption can save you several hundred dollars per year, depending on your property's value and the millage rates.
To claim homestead exemption, you file a form with the Property Appraiser's office. The deadline is March 1 of the year you want the exemption to take effect, though you can file late if you are a first-time homeowner or recently moved to Florida. The exemption is permanent as long as you own and live in the home and file a new form if you move.
Other exemptions may be available if you are a veteran, a widow or widower of a veteran, or over 65 years old. Each exemption has its own income limits and filing deadlines. The Property Appraiser's office can tell you which exemptions you may may have access to for and how to file.
What to do if you did not receive your tax bill
Tax bills are mailed in October or November, but mail can be delayed or lost. If you do not receive your bill by December, do not wait until March to investigate. Use the Tax Collector's online search tool to look up your account and confirm your balance and due date. You are responsible for paying on time even if you never received the bill in the mail.
If your address on file with the Tax Collector is incorrect, update it immediately through the online portal or by contacting the office. A wrong address is a common reason bills do not arrive. Once you update your address, you can also request that a duplicate bill be mailed to you.
Setting up automatic payments or email reminders through your online account prevents this problem in the future. You can arrange for payment to be withdrawn from your bank account on a date you choose, or receive an email reminder before the deadline so you can pay manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my property taxes in installments?
Broward County does not offer a standard installment plan for property taxes. The full amount is due by March 31. If you cannot pay in full, contact the Tax Collector's office to discuss your situation — some hardship deferrals or payment arrangements may be possible, but they are handled case by case and are not may provide.
What if I own property in multiple counties in Florida?
Each county has its own Tax Collector and its own deadline. You will receive separate bills for each property, and each must be paid by that county's deadline (usually March 31, but confirm with each office). Paying one county does not affect your obligation to the others.
Do I have to pay property taxes if I have a mortgage?
Yes. Your mortgage lender may collect property taxes as part of your monthly escrow payment and pay the Tax Collector on your behalf, but you remain legally responsible. If your lender does not pay, you are liable for penalties and interest. Check your mortgage statement to confirm whether taxes are being escrowed.
Can I dispute my property tax bill after I pay it?
You can file a Value Adjustment Board petition only within 25 days of receiving your bill, before or after payment. If you pay first and then win a reduction, you receive a refund or credit. Paying does not waive your right to challenge the assessed value.
What happens if I pay too much?
If you overpay, the Tax Collector will issue a refund or apply the overpayment to next year's taxes. You can request a refund by contacting the office, or you can leave the credit on your account to reduce next year's bill.