Sunrise City property tax records are public files that show how much tax each property owner must pay each year in Sunrise, Florida. These records are kept by Broward County offices because Florida runs property tax at the county level.
Anyone can look at these records for free. You do not need to own property, live in Sunrise, or give a reason to ask for them. This page covers where the records are, what they show, how to read them, and what to do if you think a value is wrong.
What Are Sunrise City Property Tax Records
Property tax records in Sunrise City are a set of public files tied to each piece of land in the city. They include the value placed on the land, the value placed on any buildings, the tax amount billed, payments made, and any exemptions that lower the bill. Each record is linked to a parcel number, also called a folio number in Broward County. The parcel number is the key that ties every file together. Without it, searches still work, but they take longer.
Types of Records Available
Several different records exist for each property. The first type is the assessment record from the Property Appraiser. It shows the land size, building size, year built, and the values used to set the tax bill. The second type is the tax bill record from the Tax Collector. It shows what was billed, what was paid, and what is still owed. The third type is the sales history record. It lists past sales of the property with dates and prices. The fourth type is the exemption record. It shows which tax breaks apply to the parcel.
- Assessment records with land and building data
- Tax bill and payment records
- Sales history with past sale prices and dates
- Exemption records showing applied tax breaks
- Map and parcel boundary records
Who Maintains These Records
Two main offices keep these files. The Broward County Property Appraiser handles all values, assessments, and exemptions. The Broward County Tax Collector handles all bills, payments, and delinquent taxes. The city of Sunrise does not run either of these offices. Florida law puts the work at the county level. Each office is run by an elected official who serves a four-year term. Both offices post their records online so people can search without visiting in person.
Why These Records Are Public
Florida’s public records law, called Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, opens most government files to the public. Property tax files fall under this law. The reason is simple. Tax records show how the government spends money and how it values private property. When people can see these files, they can check the work of tax officials. They can also spot errors. Some personal data, like Social Security numbers on exemption forms, stays private. But all tax values, bills, and payments are open for anyone to view.
How to Search Sunrise City Property Tax Records
Searching Sunrise City property tax records is a simple process. You can use the Broward County Property Appraiser website for value and exemption data. You can use the Broward County Tax Collector website for bill and payment data. Both sites are free. No account is needed. No fee is charged for basic searches. The fastest way to start is with a parcel number. If you do not have one, an address search also works well.
Search by Parcel Number
The parcel number, or folio number, is the cleanest way to pull up a record. Each folio in Broward County starts with a code for the county and ends with a string of numbers tied to the specific parcel. Type the number into the search box on the Property Appraiser site. The result page shows every field tied to that property. The same number works on the Tax Collector site for bills and payments. If you have the folio, you can skip address or name searches that might pull up extra results.
Search by Address
Address search is the most common way people look up records. Type the full street address into the search bar. Make sure the city is set to Sunrise. The result should pull up the parcel tied to that address. Some properties, like condos, may have more than one record. In those cases, check the unit number. If the address is brand new, the record may not show up yet. New parcels take time to enter into the system after the county records the deed.
Search by Owner Name
Name searches work when you know who owns the property but not the address. Type the last name first, then the first name. The result may show several properties if the owner has more than one. Businesses often own property under a company name, so the name on file may not match the brand people know. Look for the DBA name, or “doing business as,” to get better results. Name searches pull from the most current data, so recent sales may still be listed under the old owner for a short time.
Free Versus Paid Search Methods
All basic searches are free. The Property Appraiser site and the Tax Collector site do not charge for lookups. Some third-party sites charge a fee to pull the same data. These paid sites do not have better data. They just package public records into a report. For most needs, the free county sites give you everything you need. The only time a paid service helps is when you need bulk data for many properties at once, or when you want a formatted report for legal use.
Broward County Property Appraiser Database
The Broward County Property Appraiser keeps the main database of property values in Sunrise City. The office is led by an elected Property Appraiser and follows Florida law for valuing land and buildings. The main tool for the public is the online search at bcpa.net. The site lets you search by parcel, address, or owner. Each result page shows the full record for the property.
Online Search Tools
The Property Appraiser site has several search tools. The basic search is the main one most people use. There is also a map search that shows the parcel on a GIS map. The map view shows parcel lines, street names, and nearby parcels. For deeper research, there is a sales comparison tool that lists recent sales near a subject property. The site also has a tax estimator that lets you test how a value change would affect the tax bill. All tools work without a login.
Assessment Data Fields
Each parcel record on the Property Appraiser site has many data fields. The key ones are just value, assessed value, and taxable value. Just value is the market estimate. Assessed value is the value used for tax calculation after the Save Our Homes cap or other caps. Taxable value is the assessed value minus any exemptions. The record also shows the land value, the building value, the year built, the living area, and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Exemptions on file appear in a separate section.
Sales History Access
Sales history is part of every parcel record. The site shows the date of each sale, the sale price, and the type of sale. Some sales are flagged as qualified or unqualified. Qualified sales are arms-length deals used to set values. Unqualified sales include foreclosure, family transfers, and other deals that do not reflect the market. The sales history helps owners check if the appraiser is using good data when setting the value. It also helps buyers research a property before purchase.
Broward County Tax Collector Records
The Broward County Tax Collector handles all billing and payment records for Sunrise City properties. The office sends out the tax bills each year, processes payments, and tracks any unpaid amounts. The main office is in Plantation, with branch offices across the county. The Tax Collector site at browardtax.org has a search tool for tax bills and payment history.
Bill and Payment History
The Tax Collector search tool shows the current tax bill and past bills. Each bill shows the gross amount, the discount available, the amount due, and the amount paid. The site also shows any unpaid balance from prior years. Payment history goes back several years. You can see the date of each payment and whether it was paid on time. The tool works by folio number or address. The data updates as new payments are processed.
Discount Schedule
Florida law gives a discount for early payment of property tax. In Broward County, the discount is 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. The full bill is due by March 31. After that date, the bill becomes delinquent and penalties begin. The discount applies to the full bill amount, not just part of it. Paying in November gives the largest discount. The discount is set by state law and is the same in every Florida county.
Delinquent Tax Records
Delinquent tax records show taxes that were not paid by the March 31 deadline. The Tax Collector tracks these amounts and charges interest. The site flags any parcel with a past-due balance. The county holds a tax certificate sale each June for parcels with delinquent taxes. Investors buy these certificates and earn interest. If the owner does not pay the certificate within two years, the investor can apply for a tax deed. This could lead to a forced sale of the property. The full process is set by Chapter 197 of the Florida Statutes.
Understanding Property Tax Bills in Sunrise City
Property tax bills in Sunrise City come from the Broward County Tax Collector each November. The bill lists the value used, the exemptions applied, the millage rates, and the total tax. Each line is based on a different law or rate set by a different government body. Learning to read the bill helps owners check the math and plan for next year.
Millage Rates Explained
A millage rate is the tax per thousand dollars of value. A rate of 10 mills means $10 in tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. Sunrise City property tax bills include several millage rates stacked together. The main ones are the county rate, the school board rate, the city of Sunrise rate, the South Florida Water Management District rate, and a few special district rates. Each rate is set by a different elected body. The Tax Collector adds them up to get the total rate that applies to the parcel.
| Taxing Authority | Role |
|---|---|
| Broward County | Sets countywide services rate |
| School Board of Broward County | Sets school operating and capital rates |
| City of Sunrise | Sets municipal services rate |
| South Florida Water Management | Sets water district rate |
| Special Districts | Sets rates for fire, library, or other local services |
Assessed Value vs Just Value
Just value is the appraiser’s estimate of what the property would sell for on January 1 of the tax year. Assessed value is the value used to compute the tax. Florida law limits how much the assessed value can rise each year for homestead properties. This limit is called the Save Our Homes cap, and it is the lower of 3% or the change in the consumer price index. The just value can still go up with the market, but the assessed value grows more slowly. Over time, the difference between just and assessed value can grow large for long-term owners.
Taxable Value Calculation
Taxable value is the number the millage rate applies to. It starts with the assessed value. Then any exemptions are subtracted. The homestead exemption removes up to $50,000 from the assessed value for the main home. Other exemptions, like senior or veteran exemptions, add more savings. The taxable value is often much lower than the just value, especially for long-term owners with the Save Our Homes cap. The tax bill uses the taxable value, not the just value, to compute the total tax.
Property Tax Exemptions in Sunrise City
Sunrise City property owners can apply for several tax exemptions. Each exemption removes part of the assessed value from taxation. Most exemptions require an application. Most applications have a March 1 deadline. The Broward County Property Appraiser handles all exemption filings. The rules for each exemption come from Chapter 196 of the Florida Statutes.
Homestead Exemption
The homestead exemption is the most common break. It applies to a person’s main home as of January 1 of the tax year. The exemption removes up to $50,000 from the assessed value. The first $25,000 applies to all tax rates. The second $25,000 applies to all rates except school taxes. New residents must file by March 1 of the year they move in. After the first year, the exemption stays on file and renews on its own. The homestead exemption also triggers the Save Our Homes cap on assessed value growth.
Senior and Disability Exemptions
Seniors age 65 and older with low income can apply for an extra exemption. The income limit and the amount of the exemption can change each year. The Property Appraiser site has the current numbers. People with a disability, or who are legally blind, can also apply for an extra exemption. Each requires proof such as an income statement, a doctor’s letter, or a disability award letter. The deadline is March 1. Late filings are accepted within a short window for the next year but may not apply to the current year.
Veteran and Widow Exemptions
Veterans with a service-connected disability can apply for a veteran’s exemption. The amount depends on the disability rating. A 100% disability rating gives the largest break. Surviving spouses of veterans and first responders who died in the line of duty can also apply. Each application needs proof of service and proof of disability. The widow or widower exemption is for a spouse who has not remarried. The Property Appraiser can answer questions about which documents to submit.
Filing Deadlines
Most exemption applications are due by March 1 of the tax year. The Property Appraiser accepts late filings, but late applications only take effect for the next year. Missing the deadline means losing a year of savings. Some exemptions, like the $25,000 tangible personal property exemption for businesses, have a different deadline of April 1. All deadlines are firm, and postmarks count. The Property Appraiser can help with forms and required documents.
How to Appeal a Property Tax Assessment
Property owners who disagree with the assessed value can file an appeal. The appeal goes to the Value Adjustment Board, or VAB. The VAB is a separate body from the Property Appraiser. A special magistrate hears each case and makes a recommendation. The full VAB votes on the recommendation. Most appeals are about the market value, but owners can also appeal exemption denials or classification issues.
VAB Petition Process
The first step is filing a petition with the VAB. The petition form is on the Broward County Clerk of Courts site. The form asks for the parcel number, the owner’s name, and the reason for the appeal. The TRIM notice mailed in August is the trigger for the appeal. Petitions are due within 25 days of the TRIM notice mailing date. Late petitions are not accepted. After filing, the clerk sets a hearing date. Hearings usually take place between September and October.
Required Documentation
Good evidence is the key to a successful appeal. Bring comparable sales of similar homes in the same area. A recent appraisal from a licensed appraiser is also strong evidence. Photos showing problems with the property, like a damaged roof or a needed repair, can help. Owners must show that the appraiser’s value is too high. The magistrate looks at the facts from both sides. Missing evidence often leads to a denial, so it pays to gather paperwork early.
Hearing Preparation
Come to the hearing ready to speak. A VAB hearing is less formal than court, but it is still a legal process. Dress in clean clothes. Bring copies of all evidence for the magistrate and the appraiser. Practice a short summary of why the value is too high. Stay calm and answer questions. Most hearings take less than 30 minutes. The magistrate sends a written recommendation to the VAB. The VAB votes on it at a public meeting. The decision is mailed to the property owner.
Historical Property Tax Records in Sunrise City
Historical tax records are useful for research, title work, and legal cases. They show past owners, past values, and past tax payments. The Broward County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector sites keep several years of data online. Older records may require a written request or a visit to the office. Florida’s public records law covers these older files too, but storage and format can make them harder to access.
Accessing Past Records
The Property Appraiser site shows sales history and value history for each parcel. Most records go back to the late 1990s online. Older data may need a trip to the Fort Lauderdale office. The Tax Collector site shows payment history for recent years. For records older than the website can show, file a public records request with the office that holds the data. The office may charge a small fee for copies or staff time. The request process is set by Chapter 119.
Research Uses
Title companies use historical records to clear up past issues with a property. Real estate investors use them to spot trends in values. Lawyers use them in tax court cases. Homeowners use them to check for errors in past bills. Researchers use them to study how property values shift over time in a given area. The data is the same data the county uses, so the research matches official records.
Office Contact and Location
The Broward County Property Appraiser office is at 115 S. Andrews Ave., Room 111, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is (954) 357-6830. The website is bcpa.net. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Broward County Tax Collector main office is at 1800 NW 66th Ave., Suite 100, Plantation, FL 33313. The phone number is (954) 765-4697. The website is browardtax.org. Both offices have multiple branch locations across the county for in-person service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunrise City Property Tax Records
The questions below cover the most common points people ask about Sunrise City property tax records. Each answer is meant to be a quick reference for property owners, buyers, and researchers who need clear data on the system. The answers are based on Florida law and current Broward County practice.
Are Sunrise City Property Tax Records Free to View?
Yes. All basic records are free to view through the Broward County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector websites. You can search by parcel, address, or owner name at no cost. No login is needed. A written request for older records may carry a small fee for copies or staff time, but the data itself is open to the public under Florida law.
How Often Are Property Values Updated in Sunrise City?
Property values are set each year as of January 1. The Property Appraiser reviews the market and updates the just value for the new tax year. TRIM notices with the new values go out in August. Bills based on the new values go out in November. Values can change each year, but the assessed value for homestead properties is capped by the Save Our Homes limit.
Can Someone Else Look Up My Property Tax Records?
Yes. Tax records in Florida are public under Chapter 119. Anyone can look up the value, the bill, or the payment history for any property. Some private data on exemption applications, like Social Security numbers, is kept private. But all core tax data is open. There is no residency requirement, and no reason is needed to ask for the records.
What Happens if Property Taxes Are Not Paid in Sunrise City?
Unpaid taxes become delinquent on April 1. Penalties and interest begin to accrue. The Tax Collector holds a tax certificate sale in June. Investors buy the certificates and pay the tax. The owner must pay the investor back with interest to clear the lien. If the lien stays unpaid for two years, the investor can apply for a tax deed. A tax deed can lead to a forced sale of the property. The safest path is to pay on time or sign up for an installment plan.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Tax Record Correction?
Corrections depend on the type of error. A simple value correction can take a few weeks after filing the right form. A VAB appeal can take several months, since the hearing is set for September or October. Errors with exemptions are usually handled within 30 to 60 days. Call the Property Appraiser to check on the status of any pending correction.
Do Condo Owners Pay Property Tax in Sunrise City?
Yes. Condo owners in Sunrise City pay property tax on their unit. The tax bill goes to the unit owner, not the condo association. Each unit has its own folio number. The Property Appraiser values the unit based on the share of the building tied to the unit. The tax collector sends the bill directly to the owner. Condo exemptions work the same way as for single-family homes.
Where Can I Find a Property Tax Bill From 10 Years Ago?
Recent bills are on the Tax Collector website. For older bills, file a public records request with the Broward County Tax Collector. The office may need a few weeks to pull older files. The Property Appraiser site has value history going back further. For very old records, contact the Broward County Records Division. Some old paper records may have been moved to storage.