Highlands County, Florida Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Highlands County, Florida
Median Highlands County effective property tax rate: 0.89%, significantly lower than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Highlands County home value: $180,546
Median annual Highlands County tax bill: $1,468, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Highlands County calculated?
Property taxes in Highlands County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Highlands County or another part of Highlands County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Highlands County, Florida Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
0.89%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$1,607
$1,491
How Does the Highlands County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Highlands County property tax calculator to estimate your annual property tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Highlands County's median effective tax rate of 0.89% to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the appraisal district assigns for tax purposes, which is typically lower than market value after applicable exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate for a more accurate estimate than the statutory millage rate alone.
Your actual bill may vary based on your specific exemptions, local school district levies, and any special assessment districts that apply to your property.
Highlands County's median tax rate is lower than Florida's 1.10% state median, and the county's median property tax bill of $1,468 is $932 lower than the state median. For a more precise estimate, scroll down to explore city and ZIP code-level tax rate trends across Highlands County.
Property Tax Rates Across Highlands County, Florida
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Highlands County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Highlands County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.
Below, compare Highlands County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Florida or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Highlands County's median effective rate stands at 0.89%, which is lower than the national median of 1.02%. Within Highlands County, the highest rate is found in OKEECHOBEE at 1.31%, while AVON PARK has the lowest at 0.85%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, Municipal Service Benefit Units (MSBUs) assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Highlands County Tax Rate
0.89%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Florida Tax Rate
1.10%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Highlands County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avon Park | 0.38% | 0.50% | 0.85% | 1.44% | 1.81% |
| Lake Placid | 0.41% | 0.53% | 0.91% | 1.31% | 1.49% |
| Lorida | 0.44% | 0.60% | 1.18% | 1.40% | 1.56% |
| Okeechobee | 0.50% | 0.67% | 1.31% | 1.48% | 1.64% |
| Sebring | 0.42% | 0.57% | 0.89% | 1.37% | 1.69% |
| Venus | 0.43% | 0.56% | 1.08% | 1.40% | 1.55% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highlands County, Florida
When examining property taxes in Highlands County, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.
The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Highlands County property appraiser estimates the market value for tax purposes.
The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices:
In Highlands County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of August.
Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Highlands County.
For example, the median tax bill in Highlands County is $1,468, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Lake Placid has the highest median home price at $205,405.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highlands County, Florida
Source: Ownwell
$68,670
$148,126
$227,582
Median Highlands County Market Value
$180,546
Median Florida Market Value
$310,033
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Highlands County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avon Park | $52,902 | $88,378 | $152,096 | $212,971 | $295,880 |
| Lake Placid | $84,845 | $140,088 | $205,405 | $296,228 | $443,872 |
| Lorida | $37,267 | $74,304 | $142,482 | $222,864 | $339,741 |
| Okeechobee | $43,661 | $52,557 | $68,670 | $100,682 | $127,174 |
| Sebring | $73,364 | $124,356 | $184,154 | $252,735 | $340,961 |
| Venus | $57,676 | $89,554 | $147,096 | $239,330 | $337,170 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Highlands County, Florida
Property tax bills in Highlands County are calculated by applying the local tax rate to a home’s assessed value, which is based on the market value of the property. The assessed value can be influenced by the home’s location, size, condition, and any improvements made over time. Once the assessed value is set, exemptions and local taxing authorities help determine the final bill.
For homeowners, this means two similar homes can receive different tax bills if their assessed values differ. In Highlands County, the median home price is $180,546, and property tax bills vary widely across the county. The 25th percentile tax bill is $812, while the 75th percentile is $2,400 and the 90th percentile reaches $3,565.
These differences show how property taxes can affect affordability from one household to another. A higher assessed value usually leads to a higher tax bill, making it important for homeowners to understand how their property is valued each year.
Median Highlands County Tax Bill
$1,468
Median Florida Tax Bill
$3,263
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Highlands County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avon Park | $395 | $687 | $1,128 | $1,938 | $2,825 |
| Lake Placid | $572 | $910 | $1,670 | $2,790 | $4,345 |
| Lorida | $409 | $639 | $1,179 | $2,307 | $3,392 |
| Okeechobee | $319 | $572 | $790 | $1,019 | $1,500 |
| Sebring | $556 | $868 | $1,542 | $2,437 | $3,505 |
| Venus | $370 | $728 | $1,282 | $2,205 | $3,263 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to petition!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Appeal Deadline | September 15 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Highlands Property Appraiser | |
| Website | www.hcpao.org |