What are my rights as a taxpayer?

The Florida Legislature created the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights for Florida property owners (section 192.0105, Florida Statutes). It guarantees your rights, privacy and property are safeguarded during the assessment, levy, collection and enforcement of property taxes.

How is the value of my property estimated?

Market value is defined as the most probable sale price for a property in a competitive, open market involving a willing buyer and seller. The market value assessment is unencumbered and may increase or decrease as the market dictates.

Florida law charges the property appraiser with the task of valuing all property that is not immune from taxation, or otherwise expressly exempt from valuation. Pursuant to Article VII of the Florida Constitution and s. 195.042, F.S., all property shall be assessed according to its market value on January 1 each year. Additionally, the ad valorem (“according to value”) assessment process is governed by Florida law, including s. 193.011, F.S.

The property appraiser considers three generally accepted approaches in the development of market value estimates: the cost approach, sales comparison approach and the income approach. The applicability of each approach depends on the character of the property and the availability of market data.

How are my ad valorem property taxes calculated?

Property taxes are calculated as follows:

Taxable Value x Millage (tax) Rate = Property Taxes

The taxable value equals the assessed value minus exemptions and is estimated as of January 1 (each year) by the property appraiser. The millage (tax) rates are determined by the various taxing authorities.

Can the property appraiser lower my taxes or change my tax rates?

No, the property appraiser cannot lower your taxes or tax rates. Tax rates are set by your local taxing authorities, such as School Board, Board of County Commissioners, Water Management District (SJWMD), municipalities, and special voter-approved districts.

How does the Homestead Exemption affect my property value?

Homestead exemption is a $50,000 reduction in the assessed value of your home. It is granted to eligible property owners who: 1) possess legal or equitable title to real property; 2) are bona fide Florida residents living in the dwelling and making it their permanent residence on January 1; and 3) file an initial application by March 1.

The first $25,000 of assessed value is entirely exempt from taxes. The additional $25,000 exemption applies only to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and is not exempt from school district tax levies.

Are my property taxes “capped” if I have homestead exemption?

No, the assessed value of a property with an existing homestead exemption is capped – not the taxes.

In 1992, the voters of Florida approved Amendment 10, which is also known as the ‘Save Our Homes’ (SOH) amendment, that provided for limiting (“capping”) increases in existing homestead property valuations for ad valorem tax purposes (with the exception of properties with new construction, additions and/or renovations). The SOH cap limits the annual increase in the assessed value (not the taxes) of a homesteaded property to:

  • a 3% assessed value increase from the prior year, or
  • the percent change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.

Once approved, do I have to make an annual application to retain my homestead exemption?

No, once the initial application has been approved (granted), the exemption will be automatically renewed each January and a renewal notice will be mailed to you (keep it as your receipt). If you are still eligible, no action is required. However, it is your responsibility to notify the property appraiser if your eligibility for exemptions has changed.

Can I estimate my property taxes?

Yes, a property tax estimator is available on the Home Page under Quick Links.

Why would my property value change if I haven't done anything to it?

Florida law requires annual assessments of all property. Real estate values are established by buyers and sellers acting independently. If sale prices in your area increase or decrease, the market value of your property will increase or decrease. This is basic supply and demand of the marketplace.

Why is my neighbor’s property assessed at a lower taxable value than my property, when our property is basically the same?

The market value of comparable properties should be similar. However, your neighbor may have owned the property for a long time and have a homestead exemption, thereby benefitting from lower assessed and taxable values. Parcels that have an approved homestead exemption are also entitled to a Save Our Homes Differential (SOHD), which limits increases in property valuations. Also, different exemptions, assessment reductions and classifications may impact the taxable value.

When will I receive official notification of my annual property assessment?

Typically in mid-August, the Notice of Proposed Tax forms, also known as Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices, are prepared and mailed each year by the property appraiser on behalf of the taxing authorities pursuant to Florida law. Although the TRIM notice is not a tax bill, it is intended to notify property owners of possible changes that may appear on the November tax bill.

How long will it take for a review of my property?

We will answer general questions on the phone immediately and refer specific valuation questions to our appraisers. Our goal is to have an appraiser call you within 24 hours.

How do I find out if I qualify for an exemption and how do I apply?

For a list of exemptions and the eligibility requirements, click here. For information on how to file an application for homestead and/or other related tax exemptions, click here. You may also call (904) 269-6305 ext. 1 to speak with an Exemptions Specialist or click here to go to our Contact Us page and submit a request to the Exemptions department.

How do I find information on a particular property in Clay County?

You can locate the information if you know the owner’s name (first, last, or even a portion of that name), the street name or the parcel number. Click Property Search under Quick Links .

Certified property record cards are available on your site, but what do all those abbreviations mean?

We have included an explanation of the property record cards for your use in understanding what the fields represent. Click here to see the listing.

What is a Real Property Decal and what is it for? Do I need one?

A real property decal is required when the owner of a manufactured/mobile home, travel trailer, or park trailer also owns the land to which it is affixed.

Does the Clay County Property Appraiser's Office have an online GIS mapping system?

Yes, maps are available on our site. You can visit Parcel Search under Quick Links to search for a parcel, then select the tab labeled  “MAP” and go directly to the location selected on the record search.

Where do I ask questions about my taxes?

It is always best to first contact the Clay County Tax Collector to discuss the payment of property taxes. You should be able to locate your information online, but a phone call may be necessary.