Navigating the Orlando real estate market requires a sharp understanding of all contributing factors, and property taxes are a significant piece of that puzzle. For real estate agents and brokers, having up-to-date knowledge on Orlando property tax is crucial for advising clients and ensuring smooth transactions.
This article clearly explains property taxes and the outlook for rates in Orlando, Florida, covering how they’re calculated, key dates, and other vital information for you and your clients.
Orlando property taxes in 2025
Here’s how Orlando’s property tax cycle generally works: Towards the end of any given year, taxing authorities such as Orange County, the City of Orlando, and the public school system finalize property tax rates (millage rates) for the next tax year, following budget hearings.
Based on these rates, tax bills are mailed to property owners around November 1st. These bills cover the tax year that starts the following January 1st and ends December 31st.
Property owners then typically have until March 31st of the year after the tax year in question to pay, with discounts often offered for earlier payments.
How are property taxes in Orlando calculated?
Understanding how to calculate property tax in Orlando is key. The formula is straightforward:
(Taxable Value of Property × Millage Rate) / 1000 = Property Tax Due
Let’s break this down:
- Assessed Value: The Orange County Property Appraiser (OCPA) determines the assessed value of all properties as of January 1st each year. This value aims to reflect the market value but can be lower due to assessment limitations.
- Exemptions: Florida offers various exemptions that reduce the taxable value of a property. The most common is the Homestead Exemption, which can exempt up to $50,000 of a primary residence’s assessed value. Other exemptions exist for seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. These applications are typically due by March 1st.
- Taxable Value: This is the assessed value minus any applicable exemptions.
- Millage Rate: Each taxing authority (county, city, school board, special districts) sets its own millage rate. One mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. The total millage rate is the sum of rates from all applicable taxing authorities in a specific location within Orlando or Orange County. For instance, the Orange County property tax for Orlando, FL will comprise county rates, city rates (if applicable), school board rates, and others.
Are real estate taxes the same as property taxes? Yes, in this context, “real estate taxes” and “property taxes” (often referred to as ad valorem taxes) are used interchangeably to mean the tax levied on real property.
Important dates for Orlando property taxes
Keeping track of deadlines is crucial for property owners. Here are some important dates for Orlando property tax:
- Mid-August: The Orange County Property Appraiser mails the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, also known as the TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice. This shows the property’s assessed value, proposed millage rates, and an estimate of taxes.
- September/October: Taxing authorities hold public hearings to finalize their budgets and millage rates.
- November 1: Tax bills are mailed out and payments can begin.
- November 30: Last day for an early payment discount of 4%.
- December 31: Last day for an early payment discount of 3%.
- January 31: Last day for an early payment discount of 2%.
- February 28: Last day for an early payment discount of 1%.
- March 1: Deadline to file for property tax exemptions.
- March 31: Property taxes become delinquent if not paid. Penalties and interest apply after this date.
When are property taxes due? While the final deadline is March 31st of the year following the assessment, early payments offer valuable discounts.
Where do my Orlando property taxes go?
Clients often ask, “What are property taxes used for?” Orlando, Florida property taxes are essential for funding local community services. The revenue collected is distributed among various entities, including:
- Public schools (a significant portion)
- Orange County government (for services like law enforcement, parks, libraries, and infrastructure)
- City of Orlando (if the property is within city limits, for city-specific services)
- Water management districts
- Other special districts
This funding is vital for maintaining and improving the quality of life in the Orlando area.
What are the current Orlando property tax rates?
As of May 2025, the 2025 Orlando property tax rates (millage rates) are set, having been finalized in the fall of 2024. The City of Orlando’s city millage rate is 6.6500.
This city rate is only one component of a property’s total tax. The complete millage rate also includes levies from Orange County, Orange County Public Schools, and other special districts. This means the actual combined rate is higher and varies by a property’s specific location.
Homeowners can find their specific 2025 total rate on their tax bill. Looking ahead, the 2026 tax rates are expected to be determined around October 2025.
For clients asking “what’s the property tax in Orlando” for a particular property, always guide them to consult their official Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice or the Orange County Tax Collector’s website for the most accurate details.
Will property taxes in Orlando rise this year?
Predicting exact changes in Orlando property tax rates is challenging. Several factors influence whether rates rise, fall, or stay the same:
- Property Values: The overall health of the Orlando real estate market affects assessed values. Rising property values can sometimes lead to a lower millage rate to collect the same amount of revenue (the “rolled-back rate”), or authorities might keep the rate steady and collect more revenue.
- Budget Needs: Increased demand for public services or new infrastructure projects can necessitate higher budgets, potentially leading to higher millage rates.
- State Legislation: Changes in state law regarding property assessments or exemptions can also impact local property taxes.
Real estate agents should advise clients to monitor the TRIM notices they receive, which will show proposed rates for their specific property, and stay informed about local budget discussions. Understanding these factors helps manage client expectations regarding property taxes in Orlando.
Nearby cities and their property tax rates
When clients are exploring the Central Florida area, they might compare property taxes. Here’s a general look at another city jurisdictions in Orange County, keeping in mind that these are also subject to annual changes and total millage depends on specific location:
- Bay Lake: 1.8850
- Windermere: 3.7425
- Winter Park: 4.3130
- Belle Isle: 4.4018
- Winter Garden: 4.5000
- Edgewood: 5.2500
- Oakland: 6.7000
- Eatonville: 7.2938
It’s always best to consult the specific county tax collector or property appraiser websites for the most accurate and current rates for any given area. For more insights on property taxes in other Florida cities, you might find our article on Miami property taxes helpful.
Empowering your clients using Orlando property tax
Understanding property taxes in Orlando is a non-negotiable for Florida real estate professionals. From calculation methods and key due dates to the factors influencing the Orlando property tax rate, this knowledge empowers you to guide your clients effectively.
As Orange County finalizes the 2026 rates later this year, you will need to stay updated through official channels. By doing so, you can help clients navigate their home buying or selling journey with confidence, fully aware of their potential property tax obligations in the vibrant Orlando real estate landscape.
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FAQ
The 2025 Orlando property tax rates (millage rates) were set in the fall of 2024.
Property tax is calculated by multiplying the property’s taxable value (assessed value minus exemptions) by the combined millage rate and then dividing that amount by 1,000.
Orlando property taxes become delinquent if not paid by March 31st of the year following the tax year in question.
No, the City of Orlando’s rate is just one part, as the total millage rate also includes levies from Orange County, public schools, and other special districts.
Homeowners can find the most accurate details about their specific Orlando property tax on their official Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice or the Orange County Tax Collector’s website.
