Taxes

The state of Florida has NO STATE INCOME TAX!

How can I calculate my taxes on a home I purchase?

There are a lot of variables that go into figuring how much tax will be levied against a particular home. The best source of information is the Property appraisers office. I recommend that you call them to get a ballpark figure.

You can contact the Sarasota County Property Appraiser at (941) 951-5650, or the Manatee County Property Appraiser at (941) 748-8208.
That being said, you can calculate a close ballpark tax figure by doing the following:

• If this will be your primary residence, deduct the $50,000 Florida Homestead Exemption from the sale price of your properly.
• Multiply that figure by 1.9%.

The Florida Homested Exemptin & Save Our Homes Law

What is the Florida Homested Exemption

The Homestead exemption is a constitutional guarantee that reduces the assessed value of residential property up to $50,000 for qualified permanent residents.

The homestead exemption provision states that Permanent Residents of the state of Florida do not have to pay taxes on the first $50,000 of their home's appraised value. It reduces your ad valorem tax bill by deducting the first $50,000 of your home's value. To file for exemption, you must establish residency by Dec. 31 the year prior to claiming an exemption.  You then must file for an exemption in January or February.

Fore more information contact the Sarasota County Property Appraiser at (941) 951-5650, or the Manatee County Property Appraiser at (941) 748-8208.

What is Save Our Homes?

Basically it is a Amendment to the Florida Constitutional which limits, or caps the annual increase in assessed value of homestead property. The yearly tax increase cannot exceed 3% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lesser, for the previous year. In no case can the assessed value be greater than the market value.

What is a Homestead Tax Exemption?

From the Sarasota Property Appraiser's Office website.

A tax exemption is an important benefit that offers you, as a Florida resident, the opportunity to save up to hundreds of dollars in your property tax bill. The homestead exemption is the most common and valuable exemption, providing savings every year you own and reside in your home.

You may be eligible for additional savings if you qualify for certain personal exemptions, such as those offered to widows, widowers and disabled persons. Organizations, usually not-for-profit, who use their properties for exempt purposes, also may qualify for savings
Agricultural use of land does not qualify for an exemption but it may allow property used for a commercial agricultural operation to be eligible for a special classification that could lower property taxes.

It is your responsibility as a property owner to file an application for a new exemption and to let us know if you change the property's use. Please carefully read this link which explains how to file and qualify to receive the exemptions to which you may be entitled. You may find our additional publications helpful in understanding appraisals and the rights of property owners. If you still have questions or would like more information, please call or visit your Property Appraiser's Office. They are there to serve you.

The Homestead Exemption Defined

A homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of real property by up to $50,000. It is an ad valorem tax exemption provided by Florida law for qualified residents who own and reside on the property as their permanent residence. Properties that receive the homestead exemption qualify under the "Save Our Homes" Amendment and may realize additional benefits.

Who is Entitled to Homestead Exemption?

Florida statutes set firm requirements for persons receiving the valuable homestead exemption. The following criteria will help you determine if you may qualify for an exemption. If you still have questions about your eligibility, please call the Property Appraiser's Office.

Check out MyFlorida to find out what you must do to start saving!

Voter Registration

To vote, you must register in your county of residence. You are eligible to vote if you are a U.S. citizen, county resident and at least 18 years old by the next election. To register, fill out a form and swear an oath that you live in the county. Your voter registration card will be mailed to you before the next election. For information on registration locations near you, call the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office at 101 S. Washington St. (941) 951-5307.

Vehicle Registration/Driver's License

New residents must register their vehicles in Florida within 10 days of gaining employment or enrolling children in school. To register a vehicle, be prepared to provide the Sarasota County Tax Collector's office with your current driver's license, proof of Florida auto insurance, prior registration certificate, and ownership title. The vehicle identification number will be verified, and you will need to apply for a Florida license plate. The fee depends on the vehicle's weight. Newcomers also must apply for a Florida Title Certificate if there is a lien on the vehicle; you should bring your payment book to the Tax Collector's office. Contact the Sarasota Tax Collector, 101 S. Washington, (941) 362-9898.

Roads

Residents of Sarasota County enjoy convenient access to interstate and state highways, including I-275, I-75, US 301, US 41, and State Road 70. This access makes it easy for travelers to commute to and visit nearby cities and towns, such as:

Venice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 miles
Fort Myers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 miles
Sarasota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 miles
Tampa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 miles
Orlando . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119 miles