Highlands County, FL Property Tax: $1,295/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Highlands County is 0.73% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $177,900, that works out to about $1,299 per year, or $108 per month. Highlands County is located in southeastern Florida, and is home to approximately 103,808 residents.
About Highlands County
Highlands County covers approximately 1,017.7 square miles in Florida. The county is home to about 103,808 residents living in roughly 58,086 housing units, of which 62.4% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $55,581, and the median home was built in 1986.
Highlands County borders Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Glades County, Hardee County, Okeechobee 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 Highlands County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Highlands County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlands County, FL | 0.73% | $177,900 | $1,299 |
| Florida state average | 0.73% | — | $1,299* |
| Charlotte County | 0.89% | $291,000 | $2,581 |
| DeSoto County | 0.87% | $151,500 | $1,322 |
| Glades County | 1.01% | $114,800 | $1,163 |
| Hardee County | 1.05% | $129,400 | $1,358 |
| Okeechobee County | 0.75% | $179,000 | $1,349 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Highlands County's median home value of $177,900. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Highlands County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Florida?
At 0.73%, Highlands County is equal to the Florida state average of 0.73%. On a home at the county median of $177,900, that means about $1,299 per year — versus $1,299 at the state average rate, a difference of $0 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Highlands County is below average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Highlands County?
For a home at the county median value of $177,900, the annual property tax in Highlands County is approximately $1,299 — or about $108 per month. For a home worth $266,850, expect around $1,948 per year. For a $355,800 home, approximately $2,597 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Highlands County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Highlands County are handled by the Highlands 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 Highlands 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 0.73% shown here. Contact the Highlands 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