Section 197.222, Florida Statutes, allows an alternative plan for payment of property taxes. A taxpayer who elects to pay taxes by the installment method shall make payments based upon an estimated tax which shall be equal to the actual taxes levied upon the property in the preceding year.
Florida Law requires that your estimated taxes must be more than $100.00 per tax notice in order to participate in the Installment Payment Plan. If your estimated taxes are $100.00 or less you do not qualify for this plan.
To participate in the installment payment plan, the taxpayer must:
- Submit an installment payment application to the Tax Collector prior to April 30th and make the first payment no later than June 30th of that tax year.
- The Department of Revenue allows a 30 day extension period for the first installment payment to be made, however there is a loss of a 6% discount at that time.
Once you have elected to participate in the installment payment plan by timely paying the first payment you are required to continue participation for the tax year. Annual renewal is automatic as long as the June Payment is made each year.
Installment payments that become delinquent shall be paid with the next installment payment. Any amount remaining unpaid on April 1st is treated as delinquent taxes. Discounts will not be allowed on delinquent payments. If you elect to discontinue participation, you will not be entitled to receive the discounts provided by law.
The following is the payment schedule:
Installment Payment | Year Taxes | Discount | If Not Paid |
First Installment: | 1/4 the total estimated taxes and assessments based on the previous year. Annual renewal is automatic as long as the June Payment is made each year. | 6% for payments applied or POSTMARKED by June 30th | The account is removed from the installment plan. You will receive a tax notice for the entire amount due around November 1st. You must reapply by the following April 30th in order to participate in the installment plan for future years. The tax collector may accept payment in July resulting in a loss of discount. |
Second Installment: | 1/4 the total estimated taxes and assessments based on the previous year | 4.5% for payments applied or POSTMARKED by September 30th | Added to the next installment due in December and results in the loss of the discount. |
Third Installment: | 1/4 the total estimated taxes and assessments plus 1/2 of any adjusted tax amount | 3% for payments applied or POSTMARKED by December 31st | Added to the next installment due in March and results in the loss of the discount.
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Fourth Installment: | 1/4 the total estimated taxes and assessments plus the other 1/2 of the adjusted tax amount | No discount. Payment must be applied or POSTMARKED by March 31st | Unpaid Installments are delinquent April 1st. If the taxpayer does not pay the fourth installment, the Tax Collector may issue a tax certificate on real property or a tax warrant on Tangible taxes. |