Today is February 28, 2026, and there’s a buzz in the air about property taxes in the Sunshine State. A recent report from Florida Tax Watch, released in December 2025, has brought to light the counties with the lowest property taxes in Florida. With property taxes rising across the state, this information is particularly useful for homeowners looking to save a few bucks.

The state average for property taxes stands at a hefty $2,397.57 per person, but some counties are managing to keep their rates significantly lower. Union County tops the list with an astonishingly low per capita tax of just $415.94. To put that into perspective, that’s less than a fifth of the state average! This county, which has a population of only 15,532, is the smallest in Florida.

Counties with the Lowest Property Taxes

Following Union County, here are the other counties that boast low property tax rates:

  • Holmes County: $516.83 per capita, population 19,653, known for its stunning natural springs.
  • Jackson County: $695.76 per capita, population 47,319, established back in 1822.
  • Liberty County: $719.91 per capita, population 7,974, part of the beautiful Big Bend region.
  • Lafayette County: $727.64 per capita, population 8,226, formed in 1856.
  • Calhoun County: $757.03 per capita, population 13,278, located in the northern panhandle.
  • Washington County: $778.75 per capita, population 25,318, created in 1825.
  • Baker County: $825.14 per capita, population 28,529, which is part of the Jacksonville metro area.
  • Wakulla County: $868.66 per capita, population 33,764, situated in the Tallahassee metro area.
  • Gadsden County: $881.14 per capita, population 43,826, historically known for its tobacco crops.

Interestingly, all of these counties have populations under 50,000 and are primarily located in the panhandle region. This demographic detail highlights how smaller communities can offer significant savings when it comes to property taxes.

Understanding Florida’s Property Tax Landscape

In general, property taxes in Florida are calculated by multiplying a home’s assessed value by the local tax rate, which averages 0.97% of assessed fair market value. This means that homeowners can expect to pay around $1,773 annually for a home valued at approximately $182,400. However, these figures can vary widely from county to county.

For example, while Miami-Dade County has the highest average property tax at $2,756, Dixie County holds the title for the lowest at $503. With Florida ranking 23rd among the 50 states for average property taxes collected, it’s clear that homeowners should carefully consider their location when purchasing property.

Residents can also benefit from tax relief initiatives such as the $50,000 Homestead exemption and the “Save Our Homes” cap, which limits annual assessment increases to 3% or inflation. These programs can significantly lessen the financial burden on homeowners, especially in a climate where property taxes are on the rise.

In conclusion, understanding the property tax landscape in Florida is crucial for current and prospective homeowners alike. With the state average being quite high, it’s enlightening to discover that there are counties, particularly in the panhandle, where property taxes remain remarkably low. For more detailed statistics and localized property tax rates, you can check out the comprehensive resources available on property tax websites like Tax Rates and the latest report from Florida Tax Watch, available here.