Property taxes are one of the most misunderstood parts of buying a home in Florida—especially for first-time buyers in SWFL. Real-estate listings often display the current owner’s annual tax bill, but that number may have little to do with what you will pay after closing. Why? Florida offers exemptions and assessment caps that can keep a long-time owner’s taxes far below today’s market reality.
Why the Seller’s Tax Bill May Not Match Yours
Two programs can significantly reduce a current owner’s taxable value:
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Homestead Exemption (primary residence)
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Save Our Homes (SOH) assessment cap (limits annual increases in assessed value)
If the seller has owned the home for years with Homestead + SOH in place, their assessment may be capped far below market value. When you buy, the assessed value typically resets based on your purchase price (subject to your own future exemptions/caps once you qualify), so your bill can be very different.
What Smart Buyers Should Do
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Check the seller’s exemptions and ownership length. Prior tax bills usually show whether Homestead and Save Our Homes are in effect—and for how long.
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Don’t guess. Get an estimate. Contact the county property appraiser to model your likely first full-year tax bill at your expected purchase price. Your Realtor can point you to the right page/tool.
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Plan ahead for your own exemptions. If you’ll make the home your primary residence, apply for Homestead after closing (your benefits typically begin the following tax year once approved).
Collier County: Use the Tax Estimator (It’s Fast)
Collier County provides an easy tool to estimate what you could pay based on your purchase price:
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Visit the Property Appraiser at collierappraiser.com.
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Select Tax Estimator from the left-hand menu.
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Enter the property address and your approximate sale price, then run the estimate.
This gives you a clearer picture than relying on the seller’s historical bill.
Quick Buyer Checklist
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Compare: listing’s tax number vs. your Tax Estimator result
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Verify: seller’s Homestead status and SOH history
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Ask: your Realtor for the appraiser’s estimate link and any local nuances
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Calendar: note when you can apply for Homestead after closing
Want a Deeper Dive?
For background on Florida’s key programs—Homestead Exemption and Save Our Homes—see our explainer: https://dawnpreziosi.com/blog/florida-property-tax-relief-a-quick-guide-for-homebuyers/
This post is general information, not legal or tax advice. For specifics about your situation, consult your accountant and the county property appraiser.