Martin County property tax records are public files that show who owns each parcel, how much it is worth, and what tax is paid each year. These records cover every home, business, and piece of land in Martin County, Florida.
The Property Appraiser’s office keeps the value data. The Tax Collector’s office keeps the payment data. Anyone can look at these records at no cost under Florida public records law. The records date back many years and stay on file for the life of the property.
What Are Martin County Property Tax Records?
Martin County property tax records are a set of files tied to each parcel of land in the county. They track who owns the land, what it is worth, what tax breaks apply, and what tax has been paid. These files are open to the public. No reason is needed to view them. They are a core part of how local government works in Florida. Each record has a unique parcel ID, a legal description, and a history of changes over time.
Who Maintains These Records
Two county offices handle property tax records in Martin County. The Property Appraiser sets the value of each parcel every year. The Tax Collector sends the bills and takes the payments. The Clerk of Court keeps extra records, such as deeds, mortgages, and liens. Each office plays a separate role in the tax system. The records at each office are linked by the parcel ID number, which makes it easy to cross-check data.
Types of Data in Each Record
A property tax record holds many types of data. It shows the owner’s name and mailing address. It shows the parcel ID number, which is a unique code for each piece of land. It shows the assessed value and the taxable value. It shows any tax breaks, such as the homestead exemption. It shows the amount of tax billed each year and whether that tax has been paid. It also shows the size of the lot, the size of the building, and the year the building was built.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida law makes most government records open to the public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets this rule. Property tax records fall under this law. A person can view, copy, or ask for a copy of these records. There is no fee to view the records online. A small fee may apply for printed copies. The law covers value data, ownership data, payment data, and exemption data.
Martin County Property Appraiser Office
The Martin County Property Appraiser is the office that places a value on every parcel in the county. This office does not set tax rates. It does not collect tax payments. Its main job is to keep fair and equal values for all real and personal property. The office is run by an elected official called the Property Appraiser. The office reports to the Florida Department of Revenue each year.
Office Location and Contact
The Martin County Property Appraiser office sits at 1111 S.E. Federal Highway, Suite 330, Stuart, FL 34994. The main phone line is (772) 288-5600. The fax line is (772) 288-5975. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and county holidays. The official website is pa.martin.fl.us. Free parking is available at the office.
Services and Duties
The Property Appraiser office handles many tasks. It places a value on all real estate, business equipment, and other taxable property. It approves or denies tax break applications. It keeps ownership records up to date. It runs the county GIS map system. It tracks sales of land and buildings to check market trends. It also sends out the annual TRIM notice in August. The office works under rules set by the Florida Constitution and state law.
Online Parcel Search Tool
The Property Appraiser website has a free search tool. A user can type in an owner name, a street address, or a parcel ID. The tool returns the value, tax breaks, sale history, and a map of the parcel. The map shows the lot lines, the building outline, and aerial photos. The site is updated as new sales and changes are recorded. The tool works on mobile phones and tablets.
Martin County Tax Collector Office
The Martin County Tax Collector office sends out the tax bills each November. It takes in payments and tracks which parcels are paid. It runs the early payment discount system. It also holds the annual tax certificate sale for parcels with unpaid taxes. The office is run by an elected official called the Tax Collector. The office is part of the Florida Tax Collectors Association.
Office Location and Contact
The Martin County Tax Collector office sits at 3485 S.E. Willoughby Blvd., Stuart, FL 34994. The main phone line is (772) 288-5600. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office has drop boxes for after-hours payments. The official website is martintaxcollector.com. The office also has branch locations in Indiantown and Hobe Sound.
Tax Bill and Payment Process
Tax bills go out each year in late October or early November. The bill covers the full year of tax. The bill shows the taxable value and the total millage rate. It breaks down the rate by each taxing group, such as the county, the school board, and any special districts. Bills can be paid online, by mail, or in person. The bill is mailed to the property owner of record as of November 1.
Early Payment Discount Schedule
Florida law offers a discount for paying tax early. The discount lowers each month. The schedule is set by state law and applies to all Florida counties. The discount applies to the full tax bill, not just one part. The discount is taken off the bill before the payment is made.
| Payment Month | Discount |
|---|---|
| November | 4% off |
| December | 3% off |
| January | 2% off |
| February | 1% off |
| March | No discount |
| April 1 onward | Delinquent |
After March 31, the tax becomes late. Interest and fees start to add up. The Tax Collector then moves forward with the tax certificate sale in June. The interest rate is set each year by the state and can change.
How to Search Property Tax Records
Searching property tax records in Martin County is free and open to all. The Property Appraiser website is the main tool. Users can search by owner name, address, parcel ID, or account number. Each search method works best for a different need. The next few sections explain each method in detail. The search tool is updated each business day.
Search by Owner Name
To search by owner name, go to the Property Appraiser website. Type the last name first, then the first name. The tool will show all parcels with that owner. Results include the parcel address, the assessed value, and the tax breaks. This is a good method when the user knows who owns a parcel but not the address. The search returns partial matches when the full name is not known.
Search by Address
To search by address, type the house number and street name. Do not include the city or ZIP code at first. The search tool will suggest matches. Pick the right one from the list. The result page shows the parcel ID, the owner, the value, and the tax history. This is a good method when the user knows where a property is located. The tool can search by street, avenue, road, lane, or court.
Search by Parcel Number
A parcel ID is a unique code for each piece of land. It looks like 12-34-56-000-000-0000-0. Each part of the code points to a section, township, range, and block. To search by parcel ID, type the full code into the search box. The tool will pull up the exact parcel. This is the fastest method when the parcel ID is known. The code can be found on a tax bill or a deed.
Search by Account Number
The Tax Collector uses a separate account number for each parcel. This number appears on the tax bill. To search by account number, go to the Tax Collector website. Type in the number. The tool will show the current bill, the payment history, and any unpaid amounts. This is a good method for tracking a specific bill. The tool can also send a copy of the bill by email.
Assessed Value vs. Taxable Value
Assessed value is the dollar amount the Property Appraiser places on a parcel. Taxable value is the amount that tax is actually charged on. The two numbers are often different. Tax breaks, such as the homestead exemption, lower the taxable value. The tax bill uses the taxable value, not the assessed value. The assessed value can rise or fall with the market, but the taxable value is capped by the Save Our Homes rule.
How Property Is Valued
The Property Appraiser values all parcels as of January 1 each year. This date is called the assessment date. The value is based on the market, which means recent sales of similar properties. The office uses a method called mass appraisal. This means it values groups of similar properties at one time, rather than one by one. State law sets the rules for how the value must be set. The mass appraisal model is checked each year for accuracy.
Save Our Homes Cap
The Save Our Homes (SOH) cap limits how fast the assessed value can grow each year. For a home with the homestead exemption, the cap is 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. The cap applies only to the homestead portion. If the home is sold, the cap resets for the new owner. The cap is set by the Florida Constitution and Chapter 193 of the Florida Statutes. The cap does not apply to new construction.
Exemptions That Lower Taxes
Florida offers many tax breaks that lower the taxable value. The homestead exemption is the most common. It removes up to $50,000 from the value. Other breaks include the senior exemption, the widow’s exemption, the disability exemption, and the veteran exemption. Each break has its own rules. The Property Appraiser office approves or denies all applications. Most breaks require proof of status each year or on a set schedule.
Homestead Exemption in Martin County
The homestead exemption is a tax break for a person who owns and lives in a home as their main residence. In Martin County, a homeowner must apply by March 1 of the tax year. The break lowers the taxable value. It turns on the Save Our Homes cap. The break can save thousands of dollars a year. The exemption is set by the Florida Constitution and Chapter 196 of the Florida Statutes.
Who Qualifies
To qualify, a person must own the home and live in it as their main home on January 1 of the tax year. A person can have only one homestead in Florida at a time. A renter does not qualify. A person who rents out a home does not qualify for that home. A mobile home owner can qualify if the mobile home is on a permanent site and the land is owned. A person on active military duty can keep the exemption while away.
How to Apply
A first-time applicant must file Form DR-501 with the Property Appraiser. The form is on the Property Appraiser website. The form can be picked up at the office. The applicant must show proof of ownership, such as a deed. The applicant must show proof of residence, such as a Florida driver’s license or voter registration. The deadline is March 1. Late filings are accepted with a reason, but the break may not apply that year.
SOH Portability Rules
Portability lets a person move their Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida homestead. A person can move up to $500,000 of benefit. The person must apply within three years of leaving the old homestead. The new home must become the main home. The Property Appraiser office handles all portability applications. The old SOH benefit is calculated and added to the new home’s cap.
TRIM Notices and Filing Appeals
A TRIM notice is a Truth in Millage notice. It is sent out in August each year. It tells the owner what the proposed tax bill will look like. It lists the public hearings where the tax rates are set. The TRIM notice is not the bill. The bill comes in November. The TRIM notice gives the owner a chance to challenge the value before the bill is sent. The notice is required by Florida law for every parcel.
What TRIM Notices Show
The TRIM notice shows the assessed value. It shows the tax breaks applied. It shows the proposed millage rate from each taxing group. It shows the public hearing dates for each group. It shows the deadline to file an appeal. The deadline is 25 days from the date the notice is mailed. The notice also shows last year’s value and tax, so the owner can compare.
How to File an Appeal
A person who disagrees with the value on the TRIM notice can file an appeal. The first step is to call the Property Appraiser and ask for an informal review. Many appeals are settled this way. If the issue is not solved, the next step is to file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). The petition form is on the Martin County Clerk of Court website. The form must be filed before the 25-day deadline.
Value Adjustment Board Hearings
The VAB is a panel of citizens and a circuit court judge. It hears appeals of property value, tax break denials, and classification changes. The filing fee is $15 per parcel. The hearing is held in person. Both the owner and the Property Appraiser present their side. The board then issues a ruling. A person can still appeal the VAB ruling to circuit court. The hearing is open to the public and recorded.
Tax Certificates and Tax Lien Sales
When a property owner does not pay the tax, the tax becomes delinquent on April 1. The Tax Collector then puts a lien on the property. The Tax Collector holds a tax certificate sale each June. The sale sells the right to collect the unpaid tax, plus interest, from the property owner. Investors bid on these certificates. The process is set by Chapter 197 of the Florida Statutes.
How Delinquent Taxes Work
After April 1, the unpaid tax gains interest. The interest rate is set by Florida law. It can change each year. The Tax Collector adds a fee for the cost of the sale. The owner can still pay the tax at any time before the tax deed sale. The payment includes the tax, the interest, and the fees. The Tax Collector mails a notice to the owner before the certificate sale.
Tax Certificate Sale Process
The tax certificate sale is held online in June each year. Investors place bids. The lowest bid wins. The winning bid is the rate of interest the investor will earn. The certificate is good for seven years. After seven years, the investor can apply for a tax deed sale. The Property Appraiser’s office handles the application. The sale is open to any registered bidder.
Tax Deed Sale Process
A tax deed sale is the final step. The property is sold at public auction to the highest bidder. The sale price covers the unpaid tax, interest, and fees. The former owner has the right to redeem the property up until the sale. After the sale, the new owner gets the title. The process is set by Chapter 197 of the Florida Statutes. The sale is held online or at the county courthouse.
Special Property Classifications
Some types of property get special treatment under Florida tax law. These include farms, ranches, and groves. They include rental apartments, hotels, and motels. They include business equipment and inventory. The Property Appraiser’s office checks each parcel for the right classification. The classification can change the tax bill by a large amount. A wrong classification can be challenged through the VAB.
Agricultural Classification
The agricultural classification values land based on its farm use, not its market value. This is called greenbelt assessment. To qualify, the land must be used in good faith for commercial farming. The owner must show proof, such as sales records or lease agreements. The deadline to apply is March 1. If the land is sold or converted, a rollback tax may apply for up to three prior years.
Commercial and Industrial Property
Commercial property is valued based on its market use. Income and rental data are used in many cases. The Property Appraiser tracks vacancy and lease rates. A large shopping center is valued differently than a small store. Industrial property includes warehouses, factories, and ports. The value is based on the building, the land, and the equipment. Each type uses a different valuation model.
Tangible Personal Property
Tangible personal property is the equipment a business owns. This includes desks, computers, machines, and tools. A business must file a return each year. The return is due April 1. The value is based on the original cost minus depreciation. A small business with less than $25,000 in equipment may qualify for a full break. A late return can lead to a penalty.
Bulk Data and Research Tools
For users who need more than a single parcel lookup, bulk data is available. The Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) runs a data portal. The portal has files for all 67 counties. Martin County files are updated each year. These files are free to download. They are useful for researchers, real estate agents, and title companies. The data covers value, sales, and exemptions.
Florida DOR Data Portal
The DOR data portal is at floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/DataPortal.aspx. The portal has the tax roll, which is the master list of all parcels. It has sales data. It has exemption data. The files are in a format that can be read by Excel or a database program. The files are large and cover the whole state. The files are updated each year in October.
Clerk of Court Records
The Martin County Clerk of Court keeps deed records, mortgage records, and lien records. These records are not the same as the tax records. The Clerk’s website has a search tool at martinclerk.com. The tool lets a user look up a deed by name, by date, or by recording number. A small fee may apply for printed copies. The records go back to the founding of the county.
Map and GIS Resources
The Property Appraiser’s GIS map is the main map tool for tax data. It shows lot lines, building outlines, and parcel IDs. It shows flood zones, zoning, and sales data. The map can be printed. A user can measure distance and area on the map. The map tool is free and open to the public. The map uses aerial photos taken each year.
Office Contact and Location
The Martin County Property Appraiser office is at 1111 S.E. Federal Highway, Suite 330, Stuart, FL 34994. Phone: (772) 288-5600. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official website is pa.martin.fl.us. The Martin County Tax Collector office is at 3485 S.E. Willoughby Blvd., Stuart, FL 34994. Phone: (772) 288-5600. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official website is martintaxcollector.com. The Martin County Clerk of Court is at 100 East Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994. Phone: (772) 288-5576. Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official website is martinclerk.com.
Common Questions About Martin County Property Tax Records
Below are answers to the most common questions about Martin County property tax records. These answers cover searches, bills, tax breaks, and appeals. Each answer is based on Florida law, county rules, and current office practice as of 2026. For the most current details, contact the Property Appraiser or Tax Collector office directly. The answers below are meant to help users get started, not to replace legal advice.
How do I look up my Martin County property tax bill?
To look up your Martin County property tax bill, go to the Tax Collector website at martintaxcollector.com. Type in your account number, your name, or your address. The tool will show the current bill, the amount due, and the due date. You can pay the bill online through the same tool. There is no fee to use the online tool. The Tax Collector office phone line at (772) 288-5600 can help with bill questions during office hours. You can also visit the office in person to get a copy of the bill. The bill shows the millage rate, the taxable value, and any breaks applied. You can see the payment history for the past several years. You can also print a receipt for tax paid in a prior year.
Property Appraiser vs. Tax Collector
The Property Appraiser sets the value of each parcel and approves tax break applications. The Tax Collector sends the bills, takes payments, and runs the tax certificate sale. The Property Appraiser does not set tax rates. The Tax Collector does not set values. They are two separate offices with two separate jobs. Both offices are elected positions in Martin County. The Property Appraiser reports to the Florida Department of Revenue. The Tax Collector reports to the Florida Tax Collectors Association. The two offices share data through the parcel ID, but each office has its own files and its own website. A question about value goes to the Property Appraiser. A question about a bill goes to the Tax Collector.
Can I see who paid the property tax on a parcel?
Yes. Payment records are part of the public tax file. The Tax Collector website shows the payment history for each parcel. The Property Appraiser website shows the current year’s status. These records show the date, the amount, and the method of each payment. Anyone can view these records at no cost. The records are open under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The records go back many years. A user can search by name, address, or parcel ID. A printed copy may carry a small fee. The records can be used for research, title work, or sale history checks. The records can also be used to check if a tax certificate is held on a parcel.
How do I challenge my property value in Martin County?
To challenge your property value, start by calling the Property Appraiser at (772) 288-5600. Ask for an informal review. Bring sales data for similar homes in your area. Many reviews end with a value change. If the review does not help, file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board. The petition must be filed within 25 days of the TRIM notice mailing date. The filing fee is $15 per parcel. The hearing is held in person. You can bring a representative, such as a tax agent or attorney. The board will issue a ruling at the hearing or within a set time after. You can still appeal the VAB ruling to circuit court if you disagree with the result.
What happens if I don’t pay my tax?
If you do not pay your tax by March 31, the tax becomes delinquent. Interest and fees start to add up. The Tax Collector holds a tax certificate sale in June. An investor pays the tax and earns interest. You must pay the investor back, with interest, to clear the debt. If you do not pay within seven years, the investor can apply for a tax deed sale, and your property can be sold at auction. The Tax Collector mails a notice to you before the sale. You can stop the sale at any time by paying the tax, interest, and fees in full. The sale is the last step in a long process. The goal of the process is to collect the tax that is owed to local taxing groups.
How do I get a deed or mortgage copy?
To get a copy of a deed or mortgage, contact the Martin County Clerk of Court. The office is at 100 East Ocean Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994. The phone line is (772) 288-5576. The website is martinclerk.com. The Clerk’s office has records going back many years. The fee for a certified copy is set by Florida law. You can search the records online for free. The search tool lets you look up records by name, by date, or by recording number. A printed copy of an image carries a small fee per page. The Clerk’s office is the official keeper of land records in the county. A deed or mortgage is not part of the tax file, but it is linked to the parcel by the legal description.
Are Martin County tax records free to view?
Yes. Most property tax records are free to view online. The Property Appraiser website and the Tax Collector website both have free search tools. There is no fee to view parcel data, value data, or payment history. A small fee may apply for printed or certified copies. The fee is set by Florida law. The fee is paid to the office that provides the copy. A user can view as many records as needed at no cost. The online tools are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only time a fee may apply is for a formal public records request that needs special research. Most users will not need to pay a fee to look at the records they need.