How to Pay Your Broward County Property Tax Bill
Where to send your Broward property tax payment
Broward County Property Appraiser's office collects property taxes, but the Broward County Tax Collector is who receives your payment. You can pay online through the Tax Collector's website, by mail, in person at their office, or by phone. Online payment is the fastest route and shows as received immediately.
The Tax Collector's mailing address is on your tax bill. If you pay by mail, send it at least 10 business days before the deadline to account for postal delays. Payments postmarked by the deadline count as on-time, but the Tax Collector must receive them by a specific date to avoid a late penalty.
In-person payments can be made at the Tax Collector's main office in Fort Lauderdale or at satellite locations in other Broward cities. Call 954-357-6830 to confirm hours and locations before you go. Phone payments are also available through the same number, though you will need your bill handy and a credit or debit card.
Key Takeaways
- The Broward County Tax Collector receives property tax payments, not the Property Appraiser, and you can pay online, by mail, by phone, or in person.
- Online payment through the Tax Collector's website is the fastest method and shows as received the same day.
- Mail payments must be postmarked by the deadline, but the Tax Collector must physically receive them by a set date to avoid penalties.
- Late payments trigger a penalty that starts at 3 percent of the unpaid tax and grows if payment is not made within a set timeframe.
- If your property tax bill is unpaid for two years, the county can place a lien on your property or sell the tax certificate to a third party.
Understanding your Broward property tax bill
Your property tax bill arrives in November and covers the tax year that ended June 30. The bill shows the assessed value of your property, the millage rate (the tax per $1,000 of value), and the total amount due. Homestead exemptions, if you may have access to, reduce the assessed value and therefore the tax owed.
The bill also lists any special assessments or voter-approved taxes that apply to your property. These might include school district taxes, water management district taxes, or local improvement district charges. All of these are bundled into one bill from the Tax Collector, but they go to different government bodies.
Your bill shows two payment deadlines: one for discounts and one for penalties. If you pay by March 31, you receive a 4 percent discount. If you pay between April 1 and May 31, there is no discount but no penalty either. After May 31, a penalty begins to accrue.
Deadlines and penalties for late payment
The discount deadline is March 31. Pay by this date and you receive a 4 percent reduction on your tax bill. This is an automatic discount—you do not need to request it, and the Tax Collector applies it when your payment is received.
The penalty period runs from June 1 onward. A payment received on June 1 or later triggers a penalty that starts at 3 percent of the unpaid tax. If the bill remains unpaid after June 30, the penalty grows to 4 percent. After September 30, it reaches 5 percent. These penalties are added to your tax bill and must be paid along with the original tax.
If your property tax remains unpaid for two years, the county can place a tax lien on your property. This means the county has a legal claim against your home for the amount owed. If the lien is not paid, the county may sell the tax certificate to an investor, who then has the right to foreclose on your property if the debt is not resolved within a set period.
Online payment and account setup
The Broward County Tax Collector's website allows you to pay your bill online without creating an account. You can search for your property by address or parcel number and pay immediately with a credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer. A convenience fee applies to credit and debit card payments but not to bank transfers.
If you want to set up recurring payments or view your payment history, you can create a free account on the Tax Collector's website. An account also lets you receive email reminders before the deadline and download past bills for your records. You can manage multiple properties under one account if you own more than one parcel in Broward.
The website shows your current balance, any penalties that have been added, and the exact date your payment was received. If you pay online, your confirmation number serves as proof of payment. Keep this number for your records in case a question arises later.
Payment plans and hardship options
If you cannot pay your full bill by the deadline, contact the Tax Collector's office to discuss your options. Broward does not offer an automatic payment plan for property taxes, but the Tax Collector may work with you on a case-by-case basis if you explain your situation.
Some homeowners with financial hardship may be may be able to access for a homestead exemption increase or a property tax deferral program. The Property Appraiser's office handles exemptions, while the Tax Collector handles deferrals. Both offices can explain what you might may have access to for, but you must contact them directly—there is no online form to request consideration.
If you are over 65, disabled, or a surviving spouse of a veteran, you may may have access to for additional exemptions or deferrals that reduce or delay your tax bill. Call the Property Appraiser at 954-357-6830 to learn what programs apply to your situation.
What happens if you do not pay
Unpaid property taxes in Broward follow a specific timeline. In the first year, penalties and interest accrue monthly. In the second year, if the tax remains unpaid, the county places a lien on your property. This lien is public record and can affect your ability to sell, refinance, or borrow against your home.
After two years of non-payment, the county sells the tax certificate to an investor at a public sale. The investor then has the right to collect the unpaid tax, penalties, and interest from you. If you do not pay the investor within a set period (usually two to seven years, depending on the certificate), the investor can foreclose on your property and take ownership.
Even if you are in a dispute with the county over your assessed value or the tax amount, you must still pay the bill by the deadline to avoid penalties and liens. You can challenge the assessment separately through the Property Appraiser's office or the Value Adjustment Board. Paying does not waive your right to dispute.
Checking your payment status and getting a receipt
After you pay online or by phone, the Tax Collector's website updates within hours to show your payment received. You can log into your account or search by property address to confirm the payment went through. Your confirmation number or receipt is proof of payment and should be kept for your records.
If you paid by mail and want to confirm receipt, wait at least two weeks after mailing, then check the website or call 954-357-6830. The Tax Collector can tell you the exact date your payment was received and applied to your account. If your payment is lost in the mail, the postmark date on your envelope may still protect you from penalties if it was mailed by the deadline.
If you need a formal receipt or a letter showing your account is current, the Tax Collector can issue one. This document is useful if you are refinancing your home or selling it, as the buyer's lender will want proof that property taxes are paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Broward property tax bill with a credit card online?
Yes, the Tax Collector's website accepts credit and debit cards for online payment. A convenience fee is charged for card payments, but not for electronic bank transfers. The fee is added to your bill, so factor that into your decision about payment method.
What is the difference between the Property Appraiser and the Tax Collector?
The Property Appraiser determines the value of your property and issues your tax bill. The Tax Collector receives your payment and credits it to your account. If you have questions about your assessed value, contact the Property Appraiser. If you have questions about payment, contact the Tax Collector.
Do I lose the 4 percent discount if I pay late?
Yes. The 4 percent discount applies only to payments received by March 31. Any payment received after that date does not receive the discount. If you pay between April 1 and May 31, you pay the full amount with no discount and no penalty.
What happens if I pay my property tax bill after the penalty deadline?
A penalty is added to your bill based on how late the payment is. A payment received June 1 or later triggers a 3 percent penalty. The penalty grows to 4 percent after June 30 and 5 percent after September 30. You must pay the original tax plus the penalty.
Can I dispute my property tax amount and delay payment?
No. You must pay your bill by the deadline to avoid penalties and liens, even if you plan to dispute the assessed value. You can challenge the assessment through the Property Appraiser's office or the Value Adjustment Board separately. Paying does not waive your right to dispute.