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. You can pay online through the county's official website, by mail, in person at a Tax Collector office, or by phone. Online payment is the fastest route — you'll need your property account number (found on your tax bill) and a bank account or credit card. Payments made online typically post within one business day.
If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the Broward County Tax Collector at the address printed on your bill. Mail payments take longer to process, so send them at least two weeks before the due date to avoid a late penalty. In-person payments at any Tax Collector office are processed immediately, and you'll receive a receipt on the spot.
Phone payments are also available through the Tax Collector's office, though a convenience fee applies. The county does not accept cash payments by mail, and online credit card payments may carry a processing fee — check the website for the current amount before you submit.
Key Takeaways
- Property taxes in Broward County are due by March 31 each year, and a 4 percent penalty applies to any amount unpaid after that date.
- You can pay online, by mail, by phone, or in person at a Tax Collector office — online is fastest and posts within one business day.
- Your property account number appears on your tax bill and is required for all payment methods except in-person payments.
- If you own multiple properties in Broward County, each has its own account number and tax bill, and you must pay each separately.
- Homestead exemption and other property tax discounts are handled by the Property Appraiser's office, not the Tax Collector, and must be requested before the deadline each year.
Understanding your Broward County tax bill
Your property tax bill shows the assessed value of your home, the millage rate (the tax per $1,000 of assessed value), and the total amount due. The bill also lists your property account number, the tax year, and the due date. If you own the property outright, you receive the bill directly. If you have a mortgage, your lender may pay the taxes from your escrow account — check your loan documents or call your lender to confirm who pays.
The bill arrives in the mail by November each year for the tax year that begins January 1. You have until March 31 to pay without penalty. If you don't receive a bill, contact the Tax Collector's office — non-receipt does not excuse a late payment, and penalties still apply.
Your assessed value may change each year. The Property Appraiser's office sends a separate notice of assessed value in advance of the tax bill. If you believe the assessment is wrong, you can file a value adjustment board petition — the deadline is typically 25 days after the notice is mailed, though the exact date appears on the notice itself.
What happens if you pay late
A 4 percent penalty applies to any property tax balance unpaid after March 31. If the balance remains unpaid after June 30, an additional 3 percent penalty is added. After June 30, the Tax Collector can also charge interest at 18 percent per year on the unpaid balance. These penalties and interest compound, so a small late payment can grow quickly.
If taxes remain unpaid for two years, the county can sell your property at a tax deed sale. The sale process begins when the Tax Collector issues a tax deed certificate, which gives the certificate holder the right to foreclose on your home. You have a redemption period (the length varies based on when the certificate was issued) to pay the full amount owed plus costs, but if you do not, the certificate holder can take ownership of the property.
If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Tax Collector's office immediately. Some payment plans or deferrals may be available depending on your situation, though these are not may provide and have strict requirements.
Homestead exemption and other property tax reductions
If you own and live in your home as your primary residence, you may be may be able to access for a homestead exemption, which reduces your assessed value and lowers your tax bill. The exemption amount varies but typically reduces the first portion of your home's assessed value. To claim it, you must file an application with the Property Appraiser's office by March 1 of the tax year you want the exemption to apply.
Other reductions may be available if you are a veteran, over 65, or disabled. Each has its own application deadline and documentation requirements. The Property Appraiser's website lists all available exemptions and the forms needed. If you miss the March 1 deadline, you cannot claim the exemption for that tax year — it does not carry forward.
Once approved, the exemption stays in place each year unless you move, sell the property, or no longer meet the requirements. You do not need to reapply annually, but you must notify the Property Appraiser if your status changes.
Paying taxes on a property with a mortgage
If you have a mortgage, your lender typically requires you to pay property taxes through an escrow account. Each month, you pay a portion of the estimated annual tax bill along with your mortgage payment. The lender holds this money and pays the tax bill on your behalf when it comes due. Your mortgage statement shows the escrow amount separately from principal and interest.
Escrow accounts are not always exact — if taxes rise, your lender may increase your monthly escrow payment. If taxes fall or you receive an exemption, your payment may decrease. Your lender must send you an escrow analysis statement each year showing how much was collected, how much was paid, and what your new monthly payment will be.
If you pay off your mortgage before the tax bill is due, you become responsible for paying the remaining balance yourself. Contact your lender to find out the exact payoff date and whether taxes are included in the final payment. After payoff, you will receive tax bills directly from the Tax Collector's office.
Setting up automatic or recurring payments
The Broward County Tax Collector's online system allows you to set up a one-time payment or a recurring payment schedule. Recurring payments are useful if you want to spread the cost across several months rather than pay the full amount at once. You can choose the payment dates and amounts, as long as the full balance is paid by March 31.
Automatic payments reduce the risk of forgetting the due date, but you remain responsible if a payment fails — a bank error or insufficient funds does not excuse a late payment. Keep records of all payments, especially if you set up recurring payments, so you can verify that each one posted correctly.
If you change your mind about a recurring payment, you can cancel it through the online system. Contact the Tax Collector's office if you need help setting up or canceling a payment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my property is in both Broward County and another county?
Properties that cross county lines are taxed by both counties. You will receive separate tax bills from each county's Tax Collector. Pay each bill to the correct Tax Collector by the deadline — penalties apply separately to each bill if either is late.
Can I pay someone else's property taxes?
Yes, anyone can pay a property tax bill. You will need the property account number and can pay online, by mail, or in person. The payment reduces the balance owed, but it does not give you any legal claim to the property unless you have a written agreement with the owner.
What if I disagree with my assessed value?
File a value adjustment board petition with the Property Appraiser's office. The deadline is 25 days after the notice of assessed value is mailed. You must submit the petition in writing and may need to provide evidence of the property's actual value, such as a recent appraisal or comparable sales in your area.
Do I have to pay property taxes if I'm in a homeowners association?
Yes. Homeowners association fees are separate from property taxes and do not replace them. You owe both the county property tax and any HOA fees required by your community.
What if I lost my tax bill?
Contact the Tax Collector's office and request a duplicate bill. You can also look up your account online using your property account number or address. Non-receipt of a bill does not extend the due date or prevent penalties, so act quickly if your bill is missing.