Florida property owners now have a new option to manage rising property taxes. The Florida Department of Revenue has introduced a statewide installment plan allowing taxpayers to split their annual tax bill into four smaller tax payments. The program, designed to ease budgeting pressures, applies across all 67 counties and begins with the June 30 deadline.
The property tax installment plan allows taxpayers to divide annual taxes into four smaller payments instead of one lump sum. The county tax collector mails notices based on the prior year’s assessed and taxable values, with adjustments later if the current year’s tax roll shows changes in millage rates, exemptions, or non-ad valorem assessments.
To participate, property owners must have a tax bill exceeding $100. Applications are filed through the county tax collector using Form DR-534, which must be submitted by April 30 for the following year. Once enrolled, taxpayers remain in the plan unless they miss a payment, in which case they must reapply. The county tax office is responsible for collecting taxes under the schedule set by law.
The plan follows a quarterly calendar. Payments are due June 30, September 30, December 31, and March 31 of the following year. Discounts apply to the first three: 6 percent, 4.5 percent, and 3 percent, respectively. The final payment carries no discount. The next business day applies if a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday.
For example, a property with annual taxes of $4,000 would have four quarterly tax payments of about $1,000. This allows property owners to manage accounts more evenly throughout the year and avoid the financial strain of a single large tax bill.
Missing an installment leads to removal from the program. The tax collector mails a full tax bill in November, and unpaid balances can result in delinquent property taxes. If not resolved, the county may issue a tax certificate or take court action to recover the amount owed. Interest and fees may also be added to the account.
Each year, the county property appraiser calculates the property’s assessed value using market value, state guidelines, and exemptions such as the homestead deduction. The taxable value derived from this process forms the basis of annual taxes, which later appear on the tax bill.
Millage rates are set by taxing authorities, including the county, the school district, and other local governments. These rates, combined with assessed and taxable values, establish the total property tax bills. Non-ad valorem assessments for services like fire and waste are also added to the tax roll.
Property owners can appeal to the county’s value adjustment board if they dispute the assessed value. When necessary, the adjustment board reviews evidence from the property appraiser, taxpayers, and outside experts. Approved adjustments may affect the following year’s property tax payments and provide relief for taxpayers.
The Florida Department of Revenue has framed the installment plan to give property owners more flexibility in managing property tax payments. Official guidance notes that taxpayers can estimate quarterly payments based on the prior year’s tax bill, with adjustments applied once the current year’s tax roll is finalized.
County tax collectors say the program benefits both taxpayers and local governments. By collecting taxes steadily throughout the year instead of in one lump sum, counties maintain more predictable cash flow to fund services such as schools, fire protection, and waste management. A tax collector’s office also sees reduced pressure during the busy November-to-March collection season.
Many taxpayers welcome the change. Retirees, seasonal workers, and those who own multiple properties say the installment plan makes it easier to pay annual taxes without falling behind. At the same time, tax professionals caution that missed payments can result in delinquent property taxes, interest charges, and even court action if accounts remain unresolved.
Taxpayers must submit Form DR-534 through their county tax collector by April 30 to enroll in the installment plan. The tax collector’s website provides forms and instructions, and once approved, property owners remain in the program unless payments lapse.
The first installment is due June 30, with grace until July 31. Later installments follow each quarter, and if a date falls on a weekend or holiday, the next business day applies. Staying on schedule prevents problems with the account.
Missing payments can trigger delinquent property taxes, added interest, and fees. In some cases, the county may issue a tax certificate or take court action. Property owners are urged to stay current to protect themselves from penalties the following year.
The Florida Department of Revenue provides detailed instructions on property taxes, installment plans, and payment deadlines. Visit the official property tax page here: Florida DOR – Property Tax Information.
Eligible property owners must complete and submit Form DR-534 to their county tax collector. The official form is available online: Download DR-534 Application.
The installment plan is authorized under Florida Statutes, Section 197.222. Full legal details are published by the state: View Statute 197.222.
Each county tax collector is responsible for collecting taxes, mailing notices, and managing accounts. Taxpayers should check their county tax collector’s website for local procedures, exemptions, and additional services.
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