St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners has adopted a 2025 total millage rate of 21.79 mills, making it very likely the highest property tax rate in Florida for the upcoming fiscal year. The new millage rate, which is the main keyword, reflects ongoing financial pressures and public service demands throughout the county. For a deeper understanding of how these rates impact residents, see 5 key facts about St. Lucie County property taxes.
Understanding St. Lucie County’s 2025 Millage Rate
The 2025 millage rate for St. Lucie County stands at 21.79 mills, according to county budget documents and local reporting. This figure represents a slight increase from the previous year and positions the county at the top of Florida’s property tax rates, based on the latest available data.
What Is a Millage Rate?
A millage rate is the amount of tax payable per $1,000 of assessed property value. In Florida, property taxes are levied at the county level, with each county setting separate millage rates for government operations, school boards, and special districts. These rates are then combined into a total millage rate that determines the property tax bill for homeowners and businesses.
Statewide Comparison: St. Lucie County’s Millage Rate
According to the most recent data available from the Florida Department of Revenue (FDOR), St. Lucie County’s 2024 total millage rate of 21.56 mills was the highest statewide. The newly adopted 2025 rate of 21.79 mills continues this trend, pending official confirmation from the FDOR’s forthcoming 2025 county-by-county rankings.
- St. Lucie County (2025): 21.79 mills (adopted by county commission)
- St. Lucie County (2024): 21.56 mills (highest statewide per FDOR’s last published data)
- Orange County (2024): 21.31 mills
- Alachua County (2024): 20.80 mills
- Broward County (2024): 19.83 mills
The official 2025 statewide rankings have not yet been released, but all available evidence suggests St. Lucie County will again be at or near the top. For more insight into why these rates are so elevated, explore the main reasons behind St. Lucie County’s high property taxes.
Why Is St. Lucie County’s Millage Rate So High?
Officials attribute the high millage rate to the area’s relatively lower property values compared to counties like Palm Beach or Miami-Dade. With less taxable value per property, St. Lucie County must set a higher rate to generate adequate revenue for essential services such as public safety, infrastructure, and education.
Factors Contributing to the High Rate
- Lower average property values require higher millages to meet budget needs.
- Increased school and special district millages have pushed the combined rate upward.
- Steady growth in population and service demands throughout St. Lucie County.
According to county officials, the millage rate is necessary to fund critical services, including law enforcement, emergency response, and public education.
Impact of the 2025 Millage Rate on Homeowners
For homeowners in St. Lucie County, the 2025 millage rate of 21.79 mills will directly affect annual property tax bills. The impact varies depending on the taxable value of each property and any exemptions for which the homeowner qualifies.
Example Property Tax Calculations
- A property with a taxable value of $250,000 would pay approximately $5,448 annually before exemptions.
- For a $300,000 taxable value, the annual tax would be about $6,537.
Florida’s Florida Homestead Exemption and the Save Our Homes cap can reduce individual tax bills, but the overall millage rate sets the baseline for county revenue collection.
Recent Changes Affecting Property Taxes
In 2025, Amendment 5 takes effect, allowing the second $25,000 portion of the Homestead Exemption to increase with inflation. This change may provide some relief to eligible homeowners, but it does not alter the underlying millage rate adopted by the county.
Breakdown of Property Tax Uses
- About 36% of the total property tax rate funds county government operations.
- The remainder supports schools, law enforcement, water management, and special districts.
Officials emphasize that the need to maintain and improve public services is a key driver of the high millage rate.
What’s Next for St. Lucie County Property Taxes?
The Florida Department of Revenue is expected to release its certified 2025 property tax tables later this year. If past patterns hold, St. Lucie County will again appear at or near the top of the statewide property tax rankings. As the area continues to grow, it’s worth noting that Port St. Lucie is ranked as one of the best real estate markets in Florida for 2025, which could influence future property values and tax trends. Details may be updated as the investigation and official reporting continue.
Frequently Asked Questions About St. Lucie County 2025 Millage Rate
What is the 2025 millage rate for St. Lucie County?
St. Lucie County has adopted a total millage rate of 21.79 mills for the 2025 fiscal year, according to county budget documents and local reporting.
How does St. Lucie County’s millage rate compare to other Florida counties?
Based on the latest available data, St. Lucie County’s millage rate is the highest in Florida. Official statewide rankings for 2025 are pending from the Florida Department of Revenue.
How much will a homeowner pay with the 2025 millage rate?
A homeowner with a taxable property value of $250,000 will pay about $5,448 annually before exemptions. Actual bills may be lower if exemptions apply.
Are there exemptions that can lower my property tax bill in St. Lucie County?
Yes, Florida’s Homestead Exemption and the Save Our Homes cap can reduce the amount homeowners owe. Amendment 5 will also allow the exemption to increase with inflation starting in 2025.
Where can I find official information about St. Lucie County’s property taxes?
Official property tax information is available from the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser and the Florida Department of Revenue. The FDOR will publish the certified 2025 tax tables later this year.
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