DeSoto County, FL Property Tax: $1,322/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in DeSoto County is 0.87% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $151,500, that works out to about $1,318 per year, or $110 per month. DeSoto County is located in southern Florida, and is home to approximately 34,719 residents.
About DeSoto County
DeSoto County covers approximately 636.7 square miles in Florida. The county is home to about 34,719 residents living in roughly 15,713 housing units, of which 57.4% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $50,868, and the median home was built in 1989.
DeSoto County borders Charlotte County, Glades County, Hardee County, Highlands County, Manatee County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Florida
Property taxes in Florida are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Florida offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the DeSoto County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
DeSoto County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeSoto County, FL | 0.87% | $151,500 | $1,318 |
| Florida state average | 0.73% | — | $1,106* |
| Charlotte County | 0.89% | $291,000 | $2,581 |
| Glades County | 1.01% | $114,800 | $1,163 |
| Hardee County | 1.05% | $129,400 | $1,358 |
| Highlands County | 0.73% | $177,900 | $1,295 |
| Manatee County | 0.79% | $359,800 | $2,853 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at DeSoto County's median home value of $151,500. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does DeSoto County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Florida?
At 0.87%, DeSoto County is higher than the Florida state average of 0.73%. On a home at the county median of $151,500, that means about $1,318 per year — versus $1,106 at the state average rate, a difference of $212 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, DeSoto County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in DeSoto County?
For a home at the county median value of $151,500, the annual property tax in DeSoto County is approximately $1,318 — or about $110 per month. For a home worth $227,250, expect around $1,977 per year. For a $303,000 home, approximately $2,636 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a DeSoto County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in DeSoto County are handled by the DeSoto County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in DeSoto County?
Florida counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 0.87% shown here. Contact the DeSoto County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File