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Pay Taxes & Tax Payment Info — Broward County Property Appraiser

The Broward County Property Appraiser (BCPA) does not collect or process property tax payments. Its role is to assess property values, apply exemptions, and provide estimates, while the Broward County Tax Collector’s Office handles the actual billing and payment collection. Homeowners looking to pay their Broward property taxes must use the Tax Collector’s online portal, mail payments, or pay in person. This page explains how the assessment and payment process works together, helping you avoid missed deadlines, late penalties, or confusion about who manages each step.

Property taxes in Broward County are billed annually, based on the assessed value provided by the Property Appraiser and the tax rates set by local taxing authorities. Tax bills are usually mailed by November 1 each year, with full payment due by March 31 of the following year. Early payment discounts apply for those who pay in November through February, while late payments result in interest charges and possible tax certificate sales. The Broward County Property Appraiser Tax Payment system connects taxpayers with the right information, but actual payments are only processed through the Tax Collector. By knowing where to find your bill, accepted payment options, and deadlines, you can manage your property taxes with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

Overview of Property Tax Roles in Broward County

The Broward County Property Appraiser (BCPA) determines property values and exemptions, but it does not collect or process tax payments. The Broward County Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for billing, collecting, and enforcing payment of Broward property taxes.

Property Appraiser: Assessment and Exemptions

The Property Appraiser’s role is focused on valuation and fairness. Each year, the BCPA assesses all properties across Broward County to establish taxable value. The office applies exemptions such as Homestead, Senior, Disability, and Veteran benefits, which can reduce the taxable amount. Once values are set, the office publishes an assessment roll that taxing authorities use to set millage rates.

Key duties of the Property Appraiser include:

  • Calculating assessed and taxable values.
  • Applying exemptions for qualified homeowners.
  • Updating ownership and parcel information.
  • Providing public access to property data.

This step ensures that property owners are taxed based on accurate and transparent valuations.

Tax Collector: Billing and Payments

The Broward County Tax Collector’s Office takes over once assessments are finalized. It mails out tax bills, usually by November 1, and manages all payments. Taxes must be paid in full by March 31 of the following year to avoid penalties. Discounts are offered for early payments, such as 4% off in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February.

Key duties of the Tax Collector include:

  • Issuing and mailing the annual tax bill.
  • Collecting payments online, by mail, or in person.
  • Enforce late fees and penalties for missed deadlines.
  • Conducting tax certificate sales on delinquent properties.

How Responsibilities Connect

Many homeowners confuse the two offices, but their responsibilities are separate and complementary. The Property Appraiser provides accurate valuations and exemption details, while the Tax Collector handles the financial side of Broward property taxes.

Here’s a simplified flow:

OfficeRoleResponsibility
Property Appraiser (BCPA)Assesses propertyDetermines value, applies exemptions
Tax Collector’s OfficeCollects paymentsSends bills, processes payments, enforces deadlines

By keeping these roles clear, property owners can better manage tax obligations. The Property Appraiser’s website often includes a tax collector link so users can move directly to payment options without confusion.

Your Broward County Tax Bill — What to Know

Your Broward County property tax bill is mailed each year on November 1 and must be paid by March 31. If unpaid by April 1, the bill becomes delinquent, and penalties are applied.

How the Tax Year Works

The Broward property tax year runs from January 1 through December 31, but bills are issued near the end of the year. The Broward County Tax Collector manages all billing and payment services through broward.org and browardtax.org. Property owners should review their bills as soon as they arrive to confirm assessed value, exemptions, and the total amount owed.

Since the Property Appraiser does not collect taxes, the bill you receive is strictly for payment to the Tax Collector. This separation avoids confusion between valuation and collection, helping property owners track responsibilities more clearly.

Tax Bill Deadlines and Discounts

The timeline for property tax payments is designed to give homeowners flexibility, while encouraging early payments through discounts. Here’s how it works:

  • Mailed: November 1
  • Full amount due: March 31
  • Delinquent date: April 1 (interest and fees begin)

Early-payment discounts can lower the bill:

  • 4% if paid in November
  • 3% if paid in December
  • 2% if paid in January
  • 1% if paid in February

For example, a $3,000 tax bill paid in November would save $120. Waiting until March means paying the full balance with no discount.

What to Expect on Your Tax Bill

Each Broward tax bill includes several key details:

  • Assessed value of your property.
  • Exemptions applied, such as Homestead or Senior.
  • Millage rates set by different taxing authorities.
  • Total amount due after discounts.
  • Payment options: online, by mail, or in person.

The Tax Collector’s office provides secure payment processing through broward.org and browardtax.org, making it simple to pay from anywhere. Property owners can also track their bill online, print duplicate copies, and confirm payment status.

Staying Ahead of Due Dates

Missing the March 31 deadline can result in costly penalties and the start of the tax certificate sale process on delinquent properties. By marking tax bill due dates early and taking advantage of discounts, homeowners can save money and avoid enforcement actions.

Do you want me to create a discount savings table example for different bill amounts (like $1,000, $2,500, $5,000) to make this section more practical for readers?

Payment Methods & Where to Pay

You can pay Broward County property taxes online, by mail, or in person through the Tax Collector’s office. Each method has its own process, fees, and deadlines, so choosing the right option depends on your preference.

Pay Online — Fast and Convenient

Most property owners prefer to pay online through BrowardTax.org. The site offers two main payment options:

  • eCheck: No fee, requires bank routing and account number.
  • Credit/Debit Card: Accepted, but includes a 2.55% convenience fee.

Online payments post faster than checks sent by mail and provide an instant confirmation receipt. This makes it one of the safest ways to pay Broward County property appraiser taxes without delays.

Pay by Mail — Traditional and Reliable

Property owners who prefer checks or money orders can pay by mail. Mail must include the payment coupon from the tax bill and be addressed to:

Broward County Tax Collector

  • P.O. Box 29009
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33302-9009

Key reminders:

  • Payments are based on the postmark date.
  • Late postmarks past March 31 are considered delinquent.
  • Never mail cash.

For peace of mind, many residents send payments with tracking to verify delivery.

Pay in Person — Direct Support

If you prefer to pay face-to-face, you can visit the Broward County Tax Collector’s office or select Wells Fargo Bank branches. This option helps those who want immediate confirmation or need assistance with their account.

  • Tax Collector’s Office: Accepts cash, checks, money orders, debit, and credit cards (2.55% fee on cards).
  • Wells Fargo Branches: Accept payments but may have limitations on payment type and account verification.

Quick Comparison of Payment Options

MethodProcessing TimeFees/CostsBest For
Online (eCheck)Same dayFreeFast, secure, cost-free option
Online (Card)Same day2.55% feeConvenience, card rewards
By MailPostmark-basedStamp costTraditional check payment
In PersonSame dayNone (unless card fee)Direct support, cash payments

Paying your Broward taxes on time, no matter the method, helps you avoid penalties and interest. Many residents choose online payments for speed and convenience, but the Tax Collector provides flexible options for every preference.

Payment Plan Options — Spread Out Your Tax Bill

Broward County offers two main tax payment plans: the partial payment plan and the installment plan. Both give flexibility, but they work very differently in terms of discounts and deadlines.

Partial Payment Plan — Flexible but No Discounts

The partial payment plan allows property owners to split their tax bill into as many as five separate payments. Each payment must be at least $100. This option helps those who cannot cover the full bill at once but still want to stay current.

Key details to know:

  • Available only upon request through the Tax Collector’s office.
  • Minimum payment: $100 per transaction.
  • You can spread payments until the bill is fully covered.
  • No early-payment discounts apply.

This plan works best for taxpayers who value flexibility over savings. It prevents the account from going delinquent, but you miss out on the 4%, 3%, 2%, and 1% discounts available to full or installment payments.

Installment Payment Plan — Save with Scheduled Discounts

The installment plan helps property owners spread the tax bill into four equal payments across the tax year. Unlike partial payments, this plan includes discounts if deadlines are met.

The typical schedule looks like this:

  • June – 1st installment: ¼ of the estimated bill, with a 6% discount.
  • September – 2nd installment: ¼ of the estimated bill, with a 4.5% discount.
  • December – 3rd installment: ¼ of the actual bill, with a 3% discount.
  • March – Final installment: balance due, no discount.

To participate, you must apply with the Broward County Tax Collector before April 30 of the tax year. Missing this deadline means waiting until the following year.

This plan is popular for homeowners who want steady, predictable payments while still receiving partial discounts throughout the year.

Quick Comparison of Payment Plans

FeaturePartial Payment PlanInstallment Plan
Number of PaymentsUp to 54
Minimum Amount$100 per paymentBased on schedule
Discounts Available❌ None✅ Yes (6%, 4.5%, 3%)
Enrollment DeadlineRequest anytimeApply by April 30
Best ForFlexibilitySavings + Structure

Both plans help property owners manage their tax bills without falling delinquent. The partial payment plan offers flexibility, while the installment plan balances affordability with discounts. Choosing the right one depends on whether you prefer savings or payment freedom.

What Happens if Taxes Become Delinquent

Unpaid property taxes in Broward County become delinquent on April 1. At that point, the bill gains 3% interest and advertising fees, creating a heavier financial burden.

Delinquency Starts on April 1

If property taxes remain unpaid by March 31, they become delinquent on April 1. Once delinquent, a 3% interest penalty is added to the balance. On top of this, the account is subject to advertising fees because the delinquent tax list is publicly posted as required by Florida law.

This public notice makes the debt official and signals that the property may be subject to further collection actions. Property owners can review delinquent tax information directly through the Broward County Tax Collector’s office at broward.org.

Tax Certificate Auction Process

By June, the Tax Collector conducts a tax certificate auction. Investors bid to cover the unpaid taxes by purchasing a tax lien certificate. The winning bidder pays the taxes in full, and the homeowner now owes the certificate holder instead of the county.

Key details about certificates:

  • Property owners must redeem the certificate in cash plus interest.
  • Interest rates vary based on the auction, often between 0.25% and 18%.
  • Failure to redeem can lead to a tax deed application after two years.

Risk of Property Sale

If a certificate remains unpaid for two years, the holder may apply for a tax deed sale. At this stage, the property itself is placed for public auction to recover the delinquent taxes.

This means a homeowner could ultimately lose their property if the debt is not cleared. To prevent this, it is best to pay before April 1 or enter into a payment plan to avoid delinquency.

Additional Things to Know

There are a few extra details that can save time and avoid problems with your property tax account. Two of the most common are keeping your mailing address current and following rules for Value Adjustment Board (VAB) partial payments.

Updating Your Mailing Address

Property tax bills are mailed to the address on file with the Broward County Property Appraiser (BCPA). If you move or change your mailing address, you must update it directly with the BCPA, not the Tax Collector.

Once updated, the new information is shared with the Tax Collector to make sure your tax notices reach you on time. Missing a bill does not cancel your responsibility, so it’s smart to confirm your records are accurate.

You can request a change through the BCPA’s official site or by submitting a written form. Always keep a copy of your confirmation for reference.

Value Adjustment Board (VAB) and Partial Payments

If you file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) to contest your property value or exemption, you are still required to make a partial property tax payment. This payment must be made before April 1 to avoid delinquency.

The amount is usually a percentage of the total bill, based on what’s under review. Broward County provides a VAB Partial Payment Calculator on its site, which helps taxpayers determine the exact figure owed.

Key points about VAB partial payments:

  • Payments are made directly to the Tax Collector.
  • If you underpay, your account can still be marked delinquent.
  • The remaining balance is adjusted after the VAB ruling.

Contact Information & Helpful Tax Resources

If you have questions about payments or account details, the Broward County Tax Collector’s office is ready to help. You can reach them by phone, email, or in person during office hours.

Broward Tax Collector Contact Details

Here are the main ways to get in touch:

  • Phone: 954-357-4829
  • Email: revenue@broward.org
  • Office Address: 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room A-100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on county holidays)

Calling is the fastest option for questions about payment methods, delinquent taxes, or payment plans. For written records or receipts, email works better.

Online Tax Payment & Resources

The county provides secure online services for taxpayers who prefer to handle payments digitally. These include:

  • Official Payment Portal — pay by e-check, credit card, or debit card
  • Frequently Asked Questions — common answers on billing, penalties, and deadlines

Using the online system saves time and provides instant confirmation. It also helps avoid late fees since payments are processed on the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Most taxpayers have similar questions about how to pay, what fees apply, and where to go for help. Below is a clear Q&A section that covers the most frequent concerns.

Can I pay my tax bill online?

Yes. You can pay through the official Broward County payment portal with an e-check, debit card, or credit card. E-checks are free, while card payments include a service fee. Online payments are processed the same day, so they help avoid late penalties.

How do I sign up for a payment plan?

Broward County does not offer long-term installment plans for property taxes. Payments are due in full unless you qualify for special programs, like the quarterly installment plan available for estimated taxes. You must apply by April 30 each year to enroll in this option.

What fees apply to credit card payments?

When you pay with a credit or debit card, the processor charges a 2.55% convenience fee, with a minimum of $2. The county does not keep this fee; it goes directly to the card processor. Paying by e-check avoids all extra charges.

Where can I pay in person?

You can make payments at the Broward County Tax Collector’s Office, located at 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room A-100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Payments are accepted by cash, check, money order, or card.

Other common questions

  • Can I mail my payment? Yes, but it must be postmarked by the deadline to be on time.
  • Can someone else pay for me? Yes, anyone can pay your bill, as long as they provide the correct property account number.
  • What happens if I miss the deadline? A 3% penalty is applied starting April 1, with further costs if the account becomes delinquent.