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Commonly Asked Questions:
What if I don't get my bill?
According to Florida state law, it is YOUR (the property owner's) responsibility to assure that the bill for your property tax is received and paid by the due date. These tax statements will be sent to the owner at the address on record. If you move, it is YOUR responsibility to notify the Property Appraiser in writing of your new residence. You should receive a separate tax bill for each individual property you own and you should verify that all information on your tax bill is accurate. If you do not receive a tax bill by November 15th contact the Sarasota Tax Collector's office or visit their website for more information.
What if I receive a tax bill and I no longer own the property?
If you received a real estate tax bill for property you no longer own, please forward it to the new owner or return it to this office. If you received a tangible personal property tax bill for property you no longer own, but you did own on January 1, 2005, you are still responsible for paying the taxes. If you did not own the tangible personal property on or after January 1, 2005 you need to contact the Property Appraiser immediately at (941) 861-8200
What if I receive a notice stating "This bill has been requested by an escrow company"?
According to Florida law, an escrow company may request a property tax bill. When this request is made, the tax collector is required to send it to the escrow company and send a notification to the property owner. This notification will read as follows: "This bill has been requested by an escrow company." If your property taxes are not escrowed through your mortgage company, you should submit payment with the bottom portion of your notice. If your taxes are escrowed, you do not need to do anything further as your escrow company would have received the same bill. However, if your taxes are escrowed and you received the original bill (with no statement across the top), contact your mortgage company immediately!!
How can I get a paid receipt?
Paid receipts can be printed anytime from the Sarasota Property Appraiser's website.
Do I have to pay all my taxes at once?
If your taxes are at least $100 this year, you may choose to pay next year's taxes on the installment plan. Property owners must send a completed application to the Tax Collector before May 1st for taxes which will be due later that year. Otherwise, all taxes are due and payable in full. Applications can be printed from the Sarasota Property Appraiser's website. Payments are made quarterly in the months of June, September and December of the tax year, and March of the next year. Remember, to plan ahead!! If you wait until you receive your tax bill in November, it will be too late to pay by installment for that year.
What if I can't pay my tax bill?
If you are eligible for homestead exemption, Florida law entitles you to defer a portion of your payment. This process will be dependent on your age and income. Interest will be charged on the deferred taxes and treated as a lien against your property. The deferred taxes and interest will be due upon your death or if you sell your home. The application to defer your payment must be complete before January 31st.
I bought the property in the middle of the year. Will I have to pay taxes for a whole year?
As the property owner, you are still responsible for paying the entire tax bill mailed in November whether or not you owned the property for the entire year. In most cases taxes are usually prorated on the closing statement and credit is given by the seller for the time during the year that you were not the property owner. This credit is an agreement made with the seller as no money is given by the seller to the Tax Collector as partial payment for the property taxes during the year.
Who decides what my taxes will be?
According to Florida law, your tax bill includes both ad valorem taxes and non-ad valorem assessments. For more information about each of these: Ad Valorem Taxes and Non-Ad valorem Assessments.
Who do I contact for other questions?
Bill Furst, Property Appraiser (941) 861-8200 - View Website
Karen Rushing, Clerk of Circuit Court (941) 861-7400 - View Website
As a property owner in Sarasota County, it pays to be informed about your rights and responsibilities under Florida law. Understanding the procedures regarding property taxes can save you money and will help us to better serve you.
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