Ad
Valorem - A Latin term meaning "according to
worth," referring to taxes levied on the basis of
value. Taxes on real estate and tangible personal
property are ad valorem.
Appraisal
- The dollar value assigned to a person's property by
the Property Appraiser. This amount, less any
exemptions, is the basis of the ad valorem portion of
the tax.
Assessment
- The actual amount of tax a person owes. The ad
valorem is based on the appraised value of the property,
less exemptions, multiplied by the millage rate.
Millage
Rate - The rate of taxes levied based on a mill
(1/10 of one cent), or one dollar per one thousand
dollars of taxable value. A 30-mill tax rate
levied against a taxable value of $100,000 would
generate a $3,000 tax liability.
Non-ad
Valorem Tax - Assessment not based on millage
and value, usually flat amount of $x per acres, housing
unit, lot, etc. (e.g. Solid Waste Authority fees are
based on the type of property producing the
waste).
Parcel
- A geographically described tract of land for which a
deed exists.
Property
Control Number - A digit number identifying real
property; a parcel number.
Real
Property - Land, buildings and
improvements.
Tangible
Personal Property - Goods, chattel and other
owned objects. For taxation purposes in Florida,
vehicles and household goods are not considered tangible
personal property.
Tax
Certificate - A first-lien instrument offered
for sale by the Tax Collector through competitive bid to
pay delinquent taxes. A tax certificate expires
seven (7) years from the date issued.
Tax
Deed Application - A legal document filed with
the Tax Collector by the holder of a tax certificate to
demand payment. The tax deed may be applied for
two (2) years from April 1 of the year of
issuance. If the taxes are not paid by the date
set for the tax deed sale, the property is sold by the
Clerk of Courts' Office to the highest bidder.
Tax
Lien - A lien for property taxes effective
January 1 of the tax year. Taxes are due November
1 and are payable prior to April 1 of the next
year.
Taxable
Property - Real property and tangible personal
property.