Highlands County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Highlands County is 1.01%, which is slightly higher than the national median of 0.99% but lower than the Florida state median of 1.14%. With the median home value in Highlands County at $142,723, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $1,345, which is considerably less than the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Highlands County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, often lower than the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions, such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding Highlands County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Sebring or another part of Highlands County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Highlands County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.01%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,442
$1,363
Ownwell’s Highlands County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Highlands County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Highlands County to estimate your property tax bill. This insight helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Highlands County, Florida
Property taxes in Highlands play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Highlands is 1.01%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Highlands set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Highlands estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares Highlands' effective property tax rate with other counties in Florida and the national median. For comparison, the city of Okeechobee has one of the higher property tax rates in Florida at 1.85%, while the city of Avon Park boasts one of the lowest at 0.96%. Analyzing how Highlands' tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Highlands County Tax Rate
1.01%
Average Florida Tax Rate
1.14%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Highlands County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avon Park | 0.46% | 0.59% | 0.96% | 1.59% | 1.94% |
| Lake Placid | 0.52% | 0.64% | 1.01% | 1.48% | 1.67% |
| Lorida | 0.55% | 0.74% | 1.37% | 1.60% | 1.79% |
| Okeechobee | 0.75% | 1.05% | 1.85% | 2.23% | 2.46% |
| Sebring | 0.54% | 0.68% | 1.01% | 1.55% | 1.97% |
| Venus | 0.46% | 0.59% | 1.27% | 1.49% | 1.72% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highlands County, Florida
In Highlands County, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Highlands County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. Assessment notices in Highlands County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. The median home price in Highlands County stands at $142,723. Cities like Lake Placid have the highest median tax bill at $1,529, while Okeechobee has the lowest at $674. Being aware of these valuation processes in Highlands County will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highlands County, Florida
Source: Ownwell
$43,180
$114,837
$186,494
Average Highlands County Assessed Value
$142,723
Average Florida Assessed Value
$276,648
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highlands County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avon Park | $41,519 | $73,990 | $122,220 | $172,298 | $238,318 |
| Lake Placid | $62,337 | $109,583 | $162,341 | $242,951 | $362,982 |
| Lorida | $30,140 | $57,793 | $115,796 | $181,756 | $248,702 |
| Okeechobee | $22,815 | $28,768 | $43,180 | $69,863 | $94,132 |
| Sebring | $52,560 | $94,887 | $144,850 | $203,614 | $277,003 |
| Venus | $48,487 | $84,736 | $128,991 | $211,220 | $298,541 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Highlands County, Florida
In Highlands County, FL, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is determined by the county's property appraiser. The assessed value is then multiplied by the local millage rate to determine the tax bill. Several factors influence the assessed value, including the property's market value, location, and any applicable exemptions. For homeowners in Highlands County, the median home price is approximately $142,723. Tax bills can vary significantly, with the 25th percentile at $774 and the 75th percentile at $2,166. The highest median tax bill in the county is found in Lake Placid at $1,529, while the lowest is in Okeechobee at $674. Compared to the national median property tax rate of 0.99%, Highlands County offers relatively moderate property taxes. Understanding these factors helps homeowners anticipate their tax obligations and manage their finances more effectively.
Average Highlands County Tax Bill
$1,345
Average Florida Tax Bill
$2,953
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Highlands County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avon Park | $394 | $664 | $1,044 | $1,764 | $2,548 |
| Lake Placid | $568 | $850 | $1,529 | $2,504 | $3,956 |
| Lorida | $376 | $598 | $1,085 | $2,039 | $2,988 |
| Okeechobee | $356 | $530 | $674 | $875 | $1,281 |
| Sebring | $559 | $820 | $1,409 | $2,199 | $3,127 |
| Venus | $393 | $709 | $1,232 | $2,042 | $3,075 |
Source: Ownwell