Tallahassee city property tax records cover every home, business, and piece of land inside Florida’s capital city. These records are kept by two county offices, not a city office, because Florida runs property taxes at the county level.
Anyone can look up the records for free. The records show who owns a property, what it is worth, what taxes are owed, and what exemptions apply. Homeowners, buyers, real estate agents, and researchers use these records every day to make smart money choices.
How Leon County Runs Tax Records
Tallahassee is the county seat of Leon County. There is no city property tax office. Two county offices handle every part of the property tax process. They work as a team but stay separate in their jobs. Both are elected offices run by the people who live in the county.
Two Offices, One Tax System
The Leon County Property Appraiser decides what each property is worth. This value sets the base for the tax bill. The Leon County Tax Collector sends the bills and takes the payments. Together, these two offices handle every step from value to payment. The appraiser values the land. The collector sends the bill. The same parcel moves from one office to the other each year.
Why State Land Stays Exempt
Because Tallahassee is Florida’s capital, the state owns a large amount of land inside the city. State buildings, offices, and agencies sit on this land. State-owned land is tax exempt under Florida law. This does not change how private parcels are handled. Homes, rental units, stores, and offices all go through the same steps as in any other Florida county.
The January 1 Assessment Date
Florida law locks in property values on January 1 each year. This date is called the assessment date. Any sale, new building, or change that happens after January 1 does not affect that tax year. The rule comes from Chapter 192 of the Florida Statutes. It applies to every county, including Leon County.
Leon County Property Appraiser
The Property Appraiser is the office that sets values. Each year, the office looks at every parcel in Leon County. The office uses sales data, building details, and land size to set a fair value. The values are public and posted online.
Appraiser Office and Contact
The Leon County Property Appraiser is at 315 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL 32301. The office phone number is (850) 606-6200. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office stays open during lunch. Walk-in visitors can ask questions at the front desk.
Records You Can Search Online
The appraiser runs a free search tool on its website. Users can look up records by owner name, property address, or parcel number. The search shows the just value, assessed value, taxable value, and any exemptions. It also shows land size, building size, year built, and last sale date. The tool works from any computer or phone.
GIS Map and Parcel Tools
The appraiser’s site has a GIS map layer. The map shows every parcel drawn on top of an aerial photo. Users can zoom in to see lot lines, building shapes, and street names. The map links to the same data shown in the text search. A property owner can see where the land ends and the next lot starts.
State Rules That Apply
The Florida Department of Revenue oversees every county property appraiser. The DOR sets rules for how values are set. These rules come from Chapter 193 of the Florida Statutes. The DOR also checks county rolls each year to make sure values match market prices. Leon County follows the same rules as the other 66 Florida counties.
Leon County Tax Collector
The Tax Collector bills and collects property taxes. Once the appraiser sets the value, the tax collector sends the bill each November. The bill covers the full tax year and lists all taxing authorities in one amount.
Tax Collector Office Contact
The Leon County Tax Collector office phone number is (850) 606-4700. The office is in downtown Tallahassee. The office accepts payments in person, by mail, and online. Online payments can be made with a credit card, debit card, or e-check. A small fee may apply to card payments.
How Your Tax Bill Is Built
A Tallahassee tax bill covers four main taxing authorities. The Leon County government sets a millage rate. The Leon County School Board sets a rate. The City of Tallahassee sets a rate. Special districts, like water and fire, set their own rates. All these rates are added together. The total rate is multiplied by the taxable value to set the bill. Each authority votes on its own rate each year.
Discount and Penalty Dates
The tax collector mails bills in early November. A 4% discount applies to bills paid in November. December payments get 3% off. January payments get 2% off. February payments get 1% off. March 31 is the final day to pay at face value. After March 31, a 3% penalty applies. The collector also charges interest on late amounts.
Ways to Pay Your Bill
Owners can pay online through the collector’s portal. Owners can mail a check to the office. Owners can pay in person at the downtown office. A quarterly installment plan lets owners pay in four smaller amounts across the year. The plan sign-up deadline is April 30 of the year before the bills come due.
Search by Name, Address, or Parcel
The appraiser’s search tool supports three main ways to look up a property. Each method gives the same set of records. Some methods work better for some users based on the data they have ready.
Search by Owner Name
Users can type a last name into the search box. The tool returns a list of all parcels with that last name. Users click a result to see the full record. Owner searches help people who want to see all land held by a person or company. Common names may return many results.
Search by Property Address
Users can type a street address. The tool returns the exact parcel at that address. Address search is the easiest way to check a single home. Users type the house number and street name. The tool handles both full addresses and partial street names.
Search by Parcel Number
Each parcel has a unique number called a parcel ID. The ID is a string of numbers and dashes, like 21-26-20-000-0000-0000. Parcel search gives the most exact match. Users who have an old tax bill or a deed can copy the ID from there. The tool returns one record, even if owners share a name.
Reading Your Property Record
A Tallahassee property record has many data fields. New users can feel lost at first. The fields show three main value numbers, plus exemptions, sales, and building facts. Each number has a specific role in the tax calculation.
Just Value and Assessed Value
The just value is the appraiser’s full market value. This number reflects what the property would sell for on January 1. The assessed value is the value used for taxes. The two numbers match the first year a parcel gets a homestead exemption. After that, the assessed value grows slowly each year. The just value can jump with the market.
Taxable Value and Exemptions
The taxable value is the assessed value minus all exemptions. This is the final number used to compute the tax bill. Exemptions appear as separate lines. A $50,000 homestead exemption, for example, shows as a deduction. The taxable value is what gets multiplied by the millage rate.
Sales History and Building Data
The record shows every recorded sale. Each sale lists the price, date, and buyer or seller. The record also lists land size in square feet, building size, year built, and number of rooms. These details help owners check that the appraiser has the right facts about the property. Wrong facts can lead to wrong values.
Exemptions That Lower Your Tax Bill
Florida offers many property tax exemptions. Each exemption cuts part of the value from the tax base. Tallahassee owners who file exemptions save real money each year. The appraiser’s office handles all exemption filings.
Homestead Exemption Rules
A homestead exemption gives up to $50,000 off the assessed value of a primary home. The first $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities. The second $25,000 applies only to value between $50,000 and $75,000 and does not cover school board taxes. To get the exemption, the owner must live at the property on January 1 and claim it as the main home. The deadline to file is March 1.
Save Our Homes 3% Cap
Once a homestead exemption is in place, the assessed value can only grow by 3% per year. The 3% cap is set by the Save Our Homes amendment, passed in 1992. The cap stays in place for as long as the owner keeps the homestead. Over time, the gap between just value and assessed value grows. The tax bill stays low even when the market rises.
Senior, Veteran, Disability Claims
Owners aged 65 or older with low income can claim an extra exemption. Veterans with service-related disabilities can also claim an extra exemption. Surviving spouses of first responders and military members killed in service can claim an exemption. Each program has its own rules. The appraiser’s office has forms and details for each program.
Tangible Personal Property
Business owners in Tallahassee must file a tangible personal property (TPP) return each year. TPP covers furniture, equipment, and tools used in a business. The deadline is April 1. The first $25,000 of TPP value is exempt. Filing on time claims this $25,000 exemption automatically.
Appealing Your Property Assessment
Owners who think the appraiser set the value too high can appeal. The appeal process is run by the Value Adjustment Board, or VAB. The VAB holds hearings each year for owners who file a petition. Most owners handle their own appeal without a lawyer.
The TRIM Notice Timeline
Each August, the appraiser mails a TRIM notice to every property owner. TRIM stands for Truth in Millage. The notice shows the proposed value and the proposed tax amount at current rates. Owners have 25 days from the mailing date to file a petition. Missing the deadline means waiting for next year.
Filing a VAB Petition
Petitions are filed with the Leon County Clerk of Court, who runs the VAB. The form asks for the parcel ID, the owner’s contact details, and the reason for the appeal. A filing fee applies. The form can be filed online, by mail, or in person. Chapter 194 of the Florida Statutes sets the rules for the VAB process.
Preparing for Your Hearing
The VAB schedules a hearing before a special magistrate. Owners should bring photos, recent sales of similar homes, and any independent appraisal. The magistrate reviews the facts and rules on the value. The owner carries the burden to show the value is wrong. A successful appeal can lower the value and cut future tax bills.
Delinquent Taxes and Tax Sales
Taxes that are not paid by March 31 become delinquent. The collector charges a 3% penalty plus interest. The unpaid taxes then go to a public sale. The sale rules are set in Chapter 197 of the Florida Statutes.
Tax Certificate Sale Process
Each year, the Leon County Tax Collector holds a tax certificate sale. The sale takes place online, typically in late May or early June. Investors bid on the unpaid taxes. The investor who bids the lowest interest rate wins the certificate. The certificate earns interest for the buyer. The property owner can pay off the certificate at any time and stop the process.
Tax Deed Sale Timeline
If the owner does not pay the certificate within two years, the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed. The court then orders a public auction of the property. The auction is held online. The winning bidder gets a tax deed. The original owner can still reclaim the property by paying all back taxes, fees, and interest before the sale closes.
Public Records and Florida Law
All Tallahassee property tax records are public. Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119, gives every person the right to see government records. The right does not require Florida residency or any stated reason.
Chapter 119 Public Access
Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes sets the rules for public records. Both the appraiser and the tax collector must provide records on request. The offices cannot turn down a request just because the requester is not a property owner. The offices can charge a small fee for copies or large data pulls.
Bulk Data and Research Files
Researchers who need large amounts of data can use the Florida Department of Revenue data portal. The portal has county-level files with values, exemptions, and tax amounts. Files can be downloaded as spreadsheets. Researchers, appraisers, and students use these files for market studies and policy work.
Office Locations and Contact
Both offices sit in downtown Tallahassee, a short drive from the Capitol building. Visitors can park in nearby garages and lots. Public bus routes also serve the area. The offices stay open Monday through Friday, closed on state holidays.
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Property Appraiser | 315 S. Calhoun Street, Suite 200, Tallahassee, FL 32301 | (850) 606-6200 |
| Tax Collector | 1276 Metropolitan Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32312 | (850) 606-4700 |
Official websites: leonpa.org (Property Appraiser) and leontaxcollector.com (Tax Collector). For state rules, visit floridarevenue.com/property.
Property Tax Records FAQs
Many Tallahassee owners have similar questions about property tax records. The answers below cover the most common topics. Each answer is based on Florida law, Leon County rules, and current office practice as of 2026. For a personal question, call the appraiser or tax collector office directly.
How Do I Find My Parcel ID?
A parcel ID is on any tax bill, TRIM notice, or property deed. The ID is a string of numbers and dashes, such as 21-26-20-000-0000-0000. Owners who cannot locate the ID can search the appraiser’s online tool by name or address. The parcel ID shows up on the search result page. Title companies and real estate agents also have parcel IDs on file. A quick search by address is the fastest way for most people.
What Is the Difference Between Just and Assessed Value?
The just value is the appraiser’s full estimate of market value as of January 1. The assessed value is the value used to compute taxes. For a brand-new homestead, the two numbers start out the same. Each year after, the assessed value can only rise by 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. The just value can jump with the real estate market. The gap between the two numbers grows over time and lowers the tax bill.
When Are Property Taxes Due in Leon County?
Bills are mailed in early November each year. A 4% discount applies to November payments, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. March 31 is the final day to pay at face value. After March 31, a 3% penalty plus interest applies. Owners who want to pay in four parts can join the installment plan by April 30 of the year before the bills come due.
Can I Appeal My Property Tax Assessment?
Yes. Any owner can file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board within 25 days of the TRIM notice mailing date. The petition form is on the Clerk of Court website. Owners should bring comparable sales, photos, and any independent appraisal to the hearing. The hearing is run by a special magistrate, not a judge. Most appeals settle at the VAB level without going to court.
What Happens If I Don’t Pay My Property Taxes?
Unpaid taxes become delinquent after March 31. A 3% penalty plus interest applies. The unpaid amount goes to a tax certificate sale, held online each May or June. Investors buy the certificates. If the owner does not pay the certificate within two years, the investor can apply for a tax deed. The court then orders a public auction of the property. Owners can stop the process at any point by paying all back taxes, fees, and interest.
Are Property Tax Records Public in Florida?
Yes. Florida’s public records law, Chapter 119, makes all property tax records open to the public. The right does not require Florida residency or any stated reason. Both the appraiser and tax collector must provide records on request. The offices can charge a small fee for copies. Social Security numbers and certain personal data on exemption forms are kept private. Owner names, values, taxes, and sales history are open for all to see.
How Do I Apply for a Homestead Exemption?
Pick up a form from the Leon County Property Appraiser’s office or download one from the website. Fill out the form and bring it back with proof of ownership and proof of residence. Common proof items include a Florida driver’s license, voter registration, and a recorded deed. The deadline to file is March 1 of the tax year. Once approved, the exemption stays in place for as long as the owner lives at the property and keeps the homestead status.