Buying a home in Pinellas County? From St. Petersburg to Clearwater, there are plenty of breathtaking places to settle down. One of the least desirable parts of moving to a new locale is figuring out how much you’ll owe each year in property taxes. Although this process can be stressful and confusing, having a firm understanding of the property taxes that you need to pay is essential for your financial health. Thankfully, there are resources available for you to know exactly how much you’ll be spending as a new homeowner in one of Pinellas County’s many gorgeous cities.
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Pinellas County Property Taxes
Individuals who own a home in Pinellas County, Florida can expect to owe yearly property taxes. The Pinellas County Tax Collector is responsible for the collection of all property taxes. Learn more about the departments and individuals involved in assessing and collecting property taxes from county residents.
Pinellas County Property Appraiser
One of the two departments in charge of property taxes in this county is the Pinellas County Property Appraiser. Led by Mike Twitty, MAI, CFA, this department handles a large number of tasks. In addition to providing a robust set of online offerings for residents (including a Tax Estimator and late filing forms), the Pinellas County Property Appraiser is responsible for the following:
- Knowing market values set by activity in the real estate marketplace
- Appraising all county property based on marketplace activity
- Determining tax rates based on current budgetary needs
- Utilizing a nationally accepted property appraisal system for assessing home values
- Sending a list of taxable property items to the office of the tax collector
You can visit the Pinellas County Property Appraiser at four separate locations. Depending on where you reside, you can visit the office that is most convenient for you:
- County Courthouse, 315 Court Street, 2nd Floor, Clearwater, FL, 727-464-3207
- North County, 29269 US Hwy 19 North, Clearwater, FL, 727-464-3207
- Mid County, 13025 Starkey Road, Largo, FL, 727-464-3207
- South County, 2500 34th Street North, 2nd Floor, St. Petersburg, FL, 727-464-3207
Office hours for each location are Monday through Friday from 8am until 5pm.
Pinellas County Tax Collector
The Pinellas County Tax Collector office handles the following duties:
- Accepts property tax payments
- Mails tax bills to property owners
- Offers DMV services, including driver license renewals and vehicle registration
- Provides road tests for new drivers
The current Pinellas County Tax Collector is Charles W. Thomas. There are multiple office locations available for residents to visit:
- North County, 29399 US Highway 19 North, Suite 100, Clearwater, FL
- Gulf to Bay, 1663 Gulf to Bay Boulevard, Clearwater, FL
- Main Office, 315 Court Street, 3rd Floor, Clearwater, FL
- Mid County, 13025 Starkey Road, Largo, FL
- South County, 2500 34th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL
Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8am until 4:30pm, and Wednesday from 8:30am until 4:30pm. Offices are closed on both Saturdays and Sundays. You can contact the Pinellas County Tax Collector by phone at 727-464-7777.
Pinellas County Property Tax Rate
Although tax rates can be incredibly confusing to figure out, there are key pieces of information available that can help you better understand what you will owe each year.
When trying to calculate your taxes, your final bill will depend on several variables. This includes the millage rate established by each taxing authority, how much property you own, and the assessed value of your property. Tax exemptions or caps (such as the homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes cap) may reduce how much you will ultimately need to pay if you qualify.
How are property taxes calculated in Pinellas County, Florida?
Taxing authorities that are allowed to tax county residents for their services include the Pinellas County Schools, Board of County Commissioners, water management districts, community service districts, and several others. Aside from the Board of County Commissioners (which is responsible for a portion of the overall resident taxes paid), each taxing authority sets a millage that helps fund their yearly budgets.
In Pinellas County, one mill is equivalent to $1 per $1,000. As an example, one mill on a $200,000 property is $200. Proposed millage rates are voted on by the taxing authorities each year. After the vote has been settled, the Pinellas County Property Appraiser sends out something called a TRIM (Truth in Millage) to every property owner. According to the county, this notice shares a property value estimate, and it provides a list of all of the taxing authorities. The TRIM letter also notifies the resident of the total estimated property tax that will be owed on the property. One important thing to note is that the millage rate set only applies to 26% of your total bill.
How much are property taxes in Pinellas County?
Because the taxing authorities vote on the annual millage that is assessed to property owners, property taxes in Pinellas County vary each year. On average, the tax rate is 0.91% of a home’s assessed value.
Homeowners looking to reduce the amount owed each year can pay their assessments early. Under Florida law, residents who submit their property tax payments between November and February will receive a discount on their bill. Individuals who pay in November receive a 4% discount. Each month after, this discount is reduced by 1% through February (when the discount is 1%).
For a better understanding of tax rates in Pinellas County, check out this sample breakdown of tax rates and percentages.
Pinellas County Tax Resources
Pinellas County provides its residents with some excellent online property tax resources. Homeowners can search for their property and property bill by using their name or address.
On the Pinellas County Property Appraiser website, residents can utilize the Tax Estimator Calculator to see how much they are likely to owe in a given year.
Pinellas County Property Tax Rates by City
Property tax rates (i.e. millage rates) vary significantly throughout Pinellas County. While some cities choose to use the county property tax rate (last estimated at 2.09 mills), cities can set individual rates much lower or higher.
Here are some examples of the highest and lowest millage rates in Pinellas County:
- Highest: Clearwater, 5.96
- Lowest: North Redington Beach, 1.0
- Highest: St. Petersburg, 6.65
- Lowest: Indian Rocks Beach, 1.83
- Lowest: Madeira Beach, 2.75
- Highest: Largo, 5.58
Pinellas County Property Tax Payments – Due Dates & How to Pay Your Tax Bill
The property tax year runs on the standard calendar year (January 1st through December 31st). Pinellas County property taxes are due between November 1 and March 31. Each year, your tax bill is mailed on the last business day of October. Alternatively, you can register online to have your bill emailed to you. As mentioned earlier, paying your property tax bill in full between November and February qualifies you for a discount on your overall bill, ranging between 1%-4%.
Wondering how to pay your Pinellas County property tax bill? There are multiple options available for residents. For mortgage-holding homeowners, taxes are paid automatically through their mortgage company. Funds are saved in an individual’s escrow account, and paid out to the Pinellas County Tax Collector on-time.
If your property taxes are not automatically paid by a mortgage company, there are several payment options from which you can choose. Paying online iseasiest by visiting the Pinellas County Tax Collector online payment portal, search for your property bill, and pay in-full. You can authorize an online payment with an eCheck (at no additional cost), or with a debit or credit card. If you pay with a debit or credit card, a service fee of 2.95% of the transaction total is assessed.
Those wanting to pay with a physical check can mail their full payment to: Charles W. Thomas, Pinellas County Tax Collector, P.O. Box 31149, Tampa, FL 33631-3149. Checks should be made out to “Charles W. Thomas, Pinellas County Tax Collector.”
If you cannot pay your property taxes in full, but want your account to remain in good standing, you can arrange a payment plan. An installment payment plan gives residents a 3.5% discount on their total bill, and splits what they owe into four separate payments (due on June 30, September 30, December 31, and March 31). Additionally, all individuals who are entitled to a homestead exemption can defer their payments (as determined by their household income). However, those who choose to defer payments will have a lien placed on their property.
Three additional options for submitting your Pinellas County property tax payment include drop box (at one of the tax collector offices), wire transfer, and in-person with a representative from one of the tax collector offices.
Your Pinellas County property tax payment is considered delinquent if not received by April 1st. Once your taxes are past due, interest and other fees are added. It is important to be aware that Florida law does not allow property owners to submit partial payments for delinquent real estate taxes. If your taxes become past due, the full balance must be paid.
Pinellas County Property Search/Tax Records
Since tax records are public information, you can look up homes that you are considering purchasing for tax information. Use the Pinellas County Tax Collector Property Tax Search tool to get details on a specific home or property. This tool will give you access to the current property tax payment status, payment history, and the cost of each annual bill.
Additionally, the Pinellas County Property Appraiser Address Search tool allows you to access added information. Search for an address to gain information on the subdivision, ownership, property use, and more.
Pinellas County Property Tax Exemptions
One of the most notable tax exemptions in Pinellas County is the homestead exemption. This benefit provides qualified owners with a $50,000 exemption from the total assessed value. Other property tax exemptions (of varying amounts) are available to individuals who have select disabilities, widows/widowers, veterans, and seniors. Seniors can get a complete exemption from property taxes in Pinellas County if they meet the conditions as detailed.
In order to receive one of these exemptions, individuals must apply according to the deadline and rules set forth by the county.
Pinellas County Property Tax Appeals
If you receive a tax bill (TRIM letter) that appears to be assessed incorrectly, the first step you should take is to speak with a representative from the Property Appraiser office. The next step is to file a petition with the Finance & Comptroller office for a property value adjustment.
Pinellas County Property Tax FAQ
When are property taxes due in Pinellas County?
Pinellas County property taxes are due by March 31 of every year. Payments made early (between November and February) receive a discount.
How do I pay my property taxes in Pinellas County?
There are multiple ways to pay your Pinellas County property taxes online and in-person. The Pinellas County Tax Collector accepts eChecks, physical checks, debit and credit cards, and wire transfers. Individuals who cannot pay in-full by the March 31 deadline can arrange a payment plan — billed four times per year. Taxes are considered delinquent on April 1.
When are Pinellas County tax bills mailed?
Your tax bill is mailed on the last business day of October. It can be mailed or emailed to you depending on your preference.
Once you’ve become a resident of Pinellas County — in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, or Largo — getting used to budgeting for and paying your property tax bill is easy. Need help packing and transporting your belongings to your new home? Contact our experienced team at 2 College Brothers for the best Tampa and Gainesville FL area moving services.
