How to Pay Your Broward County Property Taxes
Where and how to pay Broward County property taxes
Broward County Property Appraiser collects property taxes through the Tax Collector's office, which is the only official place to send your payment. You can pay online through the county's website, by mail, in person at a Tax Collector office, or by phone. Online payment is the fastest and most common method — you'll need your property account number (found on your tax bill) and a credit or debit card. The Tax Collector accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover, though credit card payments charge a convenience fee set by the payment processor.
If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the Broward County Tax Collector at the address printed on your tax bill. Include your property account number on the payment. Mail takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so plan ahead if your due date is approaching. In-person payments at any Tax Collector office location are processed immediately, and you'll receive a receipt on the spot.
Phone payments are also available — call the Tax Collector's office and provide your account number and payment method. A convenience fee applies to phone payments as well. No matter which method you choose, your payment is due by the date printed on your tax bill to avoid penalties and interest charges.
Key Takeaways
- Pay through the Broward County Tax Collector's office online, by mail, by phone, or in person — these are the only official payment channels.
- Online payment requires your property account number and a credit or debit card, and processes immediately with a convenience fee.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so send them well before your due date to avoid late penalties.
- Late payments trigger penalties and interest that compound, so paying on time protects your property from tax sale proceedings.
- If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact the Tax Collector about payment plans or deferral options before the deadline passes.
What happens if your payment is late
Broward County adds a penalty to any property tax payment received after the due date. The penalty starts at a percentage of the unpaid tax and increases if the bill remains unpaid. After the penalty is assessed, interest begins to accrue on the total amount owed — both the original tax and the penalty. Interest compounds, meaning you pay interest on interest, so the longer you wait, the more you owe.
If taxes remain unpaid for an extended period, the county can place your property in a tax sale proceeding. This does not mean your home is sold immediately, but it does mean the county is moving toward selling the property to recover the debt. You will receive notices at each stage, and you have the right to pay the full amount owed plus costs at any point before the sale is finalized. Once a tax deed is issued, however, your ownership rights are transferred and recovery becomes much harder.
The exact penalty percentage and interest rate are set by Florida state law and do not vary by county. Contact the Tax Collector's office if you need the current rates or if you want to know the total amount you would owe if you paid late.
Payment plans and hardship options
If you cannot pay your property tax bill in full by the due date, the Broward County Tax Collector may allow you to set up a payment plan. Payment plans let you split your bill into smaller installments over several months. You must request a payment plan before the due date passes — applying after you are late is much harder and may not be approved. Contact the Tax Collector's office directly to discuss your situation and ask what payment arrangements are available.
Broward County also offers tax deferral for homeowners who meet specific criteria, such as age 65 or older, disability, or low income. A deferral postpones your tax payment to a future year, though interest still accrues. Deferrals are not forgiveness — you will owe the full amount eventually, usually when you sell the property or when the property changes hands. You must file for deferral before the tax bill becomes delinquent.
Homestead exemption is another tool that reduces the taxable value of your home if you own and live in it as your primary residence. This exemption lowers your tax bill going forward, not retroactively. If you have not claimed homestead exemption and you own your home, contact the Property Appraiser's office to learn whether you may have access to and how to file.
Understanding your property tax bill
Your Broward County property tax bill shows several pieces of information you need to pay correctly. The property account number (also called the folio number) is a unique identifier for your property and must be included with every payment. The due date is printed clearly on the bill — this is the deadline for payment without penalty. The amount due is the total tax owed for that tax year.
Your bill also breaks down what your tax money funds: schools, county services, municipalities, and special districts. The bill may show multiple line items if your property is in more than one taxing district. If you disagree with the assessed value of your property or believe an error was made, you can file a property tax appeal with the Property Appraiser's office. Appeals must be filed by a specific deadline each year, usually in the spring.
If you do not receive your tax bill by mail, you can look up your account online through the Tax Collector's website using your property address or account number. You can also sign up for email notifications so you receive a reminder before the due date.
Online payment step-by-step
To pay your Broward County property taxes online, go to the Tax Collector's official website and look for the "Pay My Taxes" or "Online Payment" section. Enter your property account number (found on your tax bill) and your last name. The system will pull up your account and show your current balance and due date.
Review the amount owed and select your payment method — credit card or debit card. Enter your card information and billing address. The payment processor will calculate and display the convenience fee before you confirm. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number immediately. Save or print this confirmation for your records. The payment posts to your account within one business day, though the Tax Collector's office may take a few additional days to update your account status online.
If you have questions about your account or your payment does not post within two business days, contact the Tax Collector's office with your confirmation number. They can verify that your payment was received and help troubleshoot any issues.
Mailing your payment safely
If you pay by mail, write a check or obtain a money order in the amount shown on your tax bill. Write your property account number on the front of the check or money order — this ensures your payment is credited to the correct property. Include a copy of your tax bill or a note with your account number in the envelope.
Mail your payment to the address printed on your tax bill. Do not send cash through the mail. Use a method that provides tracking, such as certified mail, if you want proof of delivery. Allow 7 to 10 business days for your payment to arrive and be processed. If your due date is fewer than 10 days away, do not rely on mail — use online payment or pay in person instead.
Keep a copy of your cancelled check or money order receipt for your records. If your payment is lost in the mail, the cancelled check or receipt proves you sent it. Contact the Tax Collector's office if your account still shows unpaid after two weeks and provide proof of mailing.
In-person payment locations and hours
Broward County has multiple Tax Collector office locations throughout the county. The main office is in Fort Lauderdale, and satellite offices are located in other cities. You can find the address, phone number, and hours for each location on the Tax Collector's website. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.
Bring your tax bill or your property account number when you visit. Bring a check, money order, or debit card — most offices do not accept credit cards for in-person payments, though policies can vary. Ask at the counter if you are unsure. You will receive a receipt immediately after payment, which serves as proof that your tax was paid on time.
In-person payment is useful if you are paying close to the due date and want to ensure your payment is received and recorded the same day. It also allows you to ask questions about your account or payment options face-to-face with a staff member.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's property taxes?
Yes, anyone can pay a property tax bill — you do not have to be the owner. Provide the property account number and the amount due. The payment will be credited to that property regardless of who submits it. If you are paying on behalf of someone else, keep your receipt as proof.
What if I pay too much or overpay my taxes?
If your payment exceeds what you owe, the Tax Collector will credit the overage to your next tax bill or issue a refund. Contact the office to request a refund if you prefer not to carry a credit forward. Refunds typically take several weeks to process.
Do I have to pay property taxes if I am on a fixed income?
Property taxes are still due, but you may may have access to for tax deferral or homestead exemption if you meet income and age requirements. Contact the Tax Collector or Property Appraiser to learn what programs you may be able to use.
What if my property is in foreclosure — do I still owe taxes?
Yes, property taxes remain your responsibility even during foreclosure. If you do not pay, the county can place your property in a tax sale, which can complicate or accelerate the foreclosure process. Contact the Tax Collector about payment options or deferral before taxes become delinquent.
Can I set up automatic payments for my property taxes?
The Tax Collector's office does not offer automatic recurring payments, but you can pay online each year when your bill is due. Some banks allow you to set a reminder or schedule a one-time payment through your own banking system. Check with your bank about bill-pay options.