Thinking about listing your Jacksonville home? Property taxes can be one of the most confusing parts of selling, especially with homestead rules and timing that affect both you and your buyer. A little preparation goes a long way. In this guide, you will learn the key Duval deadlines, how bills are calculated, what changes at closing, and the steps to take before you go live. Let’s dive in.
Why taxes matter before you list
Property taxes affect your net proceeds and your buyer’s monthly costs. Understanding how Duval calculates taxes helps you set accurate expectations and avoid surprises at closing. It also makes your listing stronger because you can answer common buyer questions with confidence.
Key Duval dates and deadlines
- Assessment date: Values are set as of January 1 each year. You can review how Duval bills and discounts work on the tax collector’s site. See the tax collector’s real estate tax overview.
- Exemptions: The timely filing deadline for new homestead and most other exemptions is March 1. Learn how homestead works and who qualifies. Check the homestead exemption guidance.
- TRIM notice: Duval mails the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes in mid August. It shows proposed millage rates and your window to appeal. Review how millage and TRIM work in Duval.
- VAB deadline: You typically have about 25 days after TRIM is mailed to file a value appeal with the Value Adjustment Board. See the VAB process and deadlines.
- Tax bills and payment: Annual bills are payable starting November 1 with early payment discounts through February. Unpaid taxes become delinquent on April 1. See Florida’s payment and delinquency statute.
How your Duval tax bill is calculated
Values and exemptions
Duval estimates your market, also called just, value as of January 1. If the home is your primary residence and you have homestead, your assessed value is limited by the Save Our Homes cap, which restricts annual increases to 3 percent or the change in CPI, whichever is less. Your taxable value equals assessed value minus exemptions. Learn how Save Our Homes works in Duval.
The standard homestead exemption reduces taxable value by up to 25,000 dollars, with an additional exemption of up to 25,000 dollars that applies to non school levies for assessed values between 50,000 and 75,000 dollars. Amounts and rules are set by state law. Review the Florida homestead exemption statute.
Millage rates and your TRIM notice
Your tax rate comes from millage set by taxing authorities like the City of Jacksonville, School Board, and special districts. Your TRIM notice each August shows proposed millages and how they affect your property. It also lists meeting dates where rates may be finalized, plus your appeal deadline. See Duval’s millage and TRIM overview.
Non ad valorem assessments
Your bill may include non ad valorem charges such as stormwater, solid waste, or a Community Development District fee. These are set charges, not based on value, and exemptions do not reduce them. Identify these early since they are commonly prorated at closing. Review Jacksonville fee information.
What changes when you sell
- Loss of the seller’s cap: When the property transfers, the existing Save Our Homes cap on that parcel ends for the next roll. The buyer’s assessed value will reset based on the new just value, unless portability applies to the buyer’s own homestead benefit. Learn about Save Our Homes and resets.
- Tax proration at closing: Florida taxes are paid in arrears. Closings typically prorate taxes using last year’s bill or an estimate, with a possible re proration once the current bill is issued.
- Liens and special assessments: Any city fees, CDD assessments, or special liens that appear on the tax bill are handled at closing. Be ready to disclose what applies to your property. See the tax collector’s overview of real estate taxes.
- Appeals and timing: If you plan to contest your value, note the short VAB window after TRIM. If a sale is imminent, discuss timing with your agent and closing team. Review the Duval VAB process.
Seller checklist before you list
- Confirm exemptions and ownership status. Make sure any homestead or special exemptions are current and reflect the right owner, and know the March 1 filing rules for new claims. Start with the Property Appraiser’s homestead page.
- Pull a recent tax history and estimate a buyer’s future bill. Share last year’s bill and use the county estimator to model what a new owner may pay if the assessed value resets. Use the Duval tax estimator.
- Evaluate portability if you are buying another Florida home. You may be able to transfer some or all of your Save Our Homes benefit to your next primary residence if you file with your new homestead application. See Duval’s portability guidance.
- Identify non ad valorem charges and any liens. Confirm stormwater, solid waste, CDD assessments, or other city charges that show on your bill and disclose them. Review Jacksonville fee information.
- Coordinate tax prorations with your closing team. Expect prorations based on last year’s bill and consider a re proration clause once the current bill arrives in November.
- Watch the TRIM in August. Verify proposed millage and deadlines, and decide quickly if an appeal is warranted. See how TRIM and millage work.
Set buyer expectations the right way
If your home has enjoyed a long homestead cap, buyers may see higher taxes after they purchase. Proactively explain the Save Our Homes reset and share an estimate using the county’s tool. This builds trust, protects your negotiation position, and reduces last minute surprises. Run a quick estimate with the county tool.
Ready to sell with clarity
Property taxes do not have to be a hurdle. With the right timing, clear disclosures, and a solid plan for prorations, you can move from listed to closed with confidence. If you would like a walkthrough tailored to your address, connect with Claudia Hilbert for a quick strategy session.
FAQs
How do Duval property tax deadlines affect Jacksonville home sellers?
- Taxes are payable starting November 1 with discounts through February, become delinquent April 1, and TRIM notices arrive mid August with appeal deadlines that are usually about 25 days later.
What is the Save Our Homes cap for Jacksonville homes?
- For homesteaded properties, assessed value increases are limited to 3 percent or the change in CPI, whichever is less, and the cap resets for the next roll after a sale.
How much is the Florida homestead exemption for Duval County?
- The standard exemption reduces taxable value by up to 25,000 dollars, plus an additional exemption up to 25,000 dollars for non school levies between 50,000 and 75,000 dollars.
What are non ad valorem charges on a Duval tax bill?
- City fees like stormwater, solid waste, or CDD assessments are fixed charges that are not reduced by exemptions and are typically prorated at closing.
Can I move within Florida and keep my tax savings?
- You may transfer, or port, some or all of your Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida homestead if you had a prior homestead within the last three tax years and file the portability form with your new homestead application by March 1.
