Port St. Lucie property taxes are set to increase for most residents in 2025, despite the city lowering its millage rate for the tenth consecutive year. The rise comes as property values in Port St. Lucie have more than doubled over the past five years, outpacing rate reductions and leading to higher tax bills for homeowners. For a deeper understanding, see these 5 key facts every resident should know about St. Lucie County property tax.
Port St. Lucie Property Taxes: Millage Rate Drops, Bills Climb
The Port St. Lucie City Council is scheduled to vote on a proposed city budget of $869,811,393 for the upcoming fiscal year. This marks a 2.2% increase from last year’s budget, according to official city documents. The new budget includes a reduced millage rate of 4.97 mills, down from the previous year, but most homeowners will still see higher property tax bills.
According to Michelle Franklin, the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser, the increase in property values is the main factor driving up tax bills. “Most property owners will see an increase in their taxes, because the value increased, the value that we assessed on January 1 increased more than the reduction of the millage rate,” Franklin stated.
Explosive Growth Fuels Higher Property Values in Port St. Lucie
City of Port St. Lucie has experienced rapid population growth in recent years. According to city officials, the current population stands at 258,575, up by more than 73,000 residents since 2016. This growth has led to a surge in new home construction and an increase in the value of existing properties.
Franklin reported that the city’s taxable value was $11,795,767,510 in 2020. For 2025, that figure has more than doubled to $25,657,621,359. “Those brand-new properties that are coming on the tax roll, along with existing properties that became more valuable, added to a larger tax roll,” Franklin explained. To understand why these property values—and taxes—are rising so quickly, explore the key reasons behind St. Lucie County’s high property taxes.
How Millage Rates and Property Values Affect Tax Bills
The millage rate is the amount per $1,000 of property value used to calculate local property taxes. Even as the city reduces the millage rate, the significant jump in assessed property values means most homeowners will pay more.
- If a property’s assessed value rises faster than the millage rate drops, the tax bill increases.
- New construction adds to the city’s overall tax base, further boosting total revenue.
According to the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s Office, these trends are expected to continue as the area grows.
City Budget Priorities: Infrastructure, Police, and Services
Port St. Lucie’s proposed budget allocates more than $200 million for roads and other capital improvement projects. Mayor Shannon Martin said the increase in spending is necessary to keep up with population growth and inflation. “We have more expenses as a result of inflation, as a result of the city growing,” Martin said.
The budget also includes plans to add 65 new positions, with 20 additional police officers among them. City officials state these additions are needed to maintain public safety and service levels as the city expands. Notably, the city has taken steps to address rising costs by lowering the tax rate amid increasing homeowner expenses, even as overall bills climb.
Key Areas of Spending in the 2025 Budget
- Road improvements and capital projects
- Public safety, including hiring more police officers
- General city services to support a growing population
According to Mayor Martin, “We are getting infrastructure in place, getting projects done as much as we possibly can with all the funding that we have, and leveraging all of our resources to do it.”
Final Vote on Port St. Lucie Property Taxes and Budget
The Port St. Lucie City Council will hold its final vote on the proposed budget and millage rate on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. Residents are encouraged to attend or follow the proceedings for updates.
According to city officials, the budget process is designed to balance the need for expanded services with the impact on taxpayers. Details may be updated as the council finalizes its decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Port St. Lucie Property Taxes
What is the new millage rate for Port St. Lucie property taxes in 2025?
The proposed millage rate for Port St. Lucie property taxes in 2025 is 4.97 mills, according to city budget documents.
Why are Port St. Lucie property taxes rising even though the millage rate is lower?
Most homeowners will pay more because property values have increased significantly, which means the lower millage rate does not offset the higher assessments, according to the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser.
How much has the taxable value in Port St. Lucie increased?
According to official sources, the taxable value in Port St. Lucie has more than doubled from about $11.8 billion in 2020 to over $25.6 billion in 2025.
Are there any exemptions or relief options for Port St. Lucie homeowners?
Homeowners in Port St. Lucie may qualify for state or local exemptions, such as the State of Florida Homestead Exemption. Residents should contact the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s Office for details.
Where can residents get official information about their property tax bills?
Residents can find official information about property tax assessments and bills on the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s website or by contacting the office directly. For matters related to public safety, residents may also refer to the Port St. Lucie Police Department.
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