This page helps property owners handle a property tax task in Highlands County, Florida, including searching for a tax record, reviewing payment options, checking deadlines, and finding the right office for follow-up.
The main public channels are the Highlands County Tax Collector property tax services and the Highlands County Property Tax Search site.
Highlands County Property Tax Search
Use the official Highlands County property tax search to look up a property tax record. The search field accepts several common keywords.
- Owner name
- Property address
- Account number
After finding the record, review the account details carefully before making a payment or contacting the office about the bill.
- Open the property tax search site.
- Enter an owner name, address, or account number.
- Select the matching record from the results.
- Review the tax information and payment status shown for the account.
Paying Highlands County property taxes
The Highlands County Tax Collector handles property tax payments for real estate and tangible personal property taxes. Tax notices with ad valorem and non-ad valorem assessments are mailed in November each year.
Online payments may be made by credit card, debit card, or e-check. Credit and debit card payments include a convenience fee of 3% or a $0.50 minimum charged by the processing vendor. There is no fee for paying by e-check online.
You can also review the Tax Collector payment page for current payment instructions: review Highlands County property tax payment options.
Discounts, due dates, and delinquency
Property taxes are paid in arrears beginning November 1. Payments made earlier in the collection cycle may qualify for a discount.
| Payment month | Discount or status |
|---|---|
| November | 4% discount |
| December | 3% discount |
| January | 2% discount |
| February | 1% discount |
| March | No discount |
| April 1 | Unpaid taxes become delinquent |
All real estate and tangible personal property taxes are due in full by March 31. Payments not paid or postmarked by March 31 become delinquent on April 1.
Important: Not receiving a tax bill does not remove the property owner’s responsibility to find the amount due and pay before delinquency.
Installment payment plan
Highlands County taxpayers may choose a quarterly installment plan when the estimated taxes are more than $100. Participants receive tax notices in June, September, December, and March.
The first installment must be paid by July 31. If it is not paid by that date, the taxpayer is removed from the installment plan and must pay the full amount by March 31.
| Installment | Due timing | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| First | Due by June 30 for the discount; payable without discount before July 31 | 6% |
| Second | Due by September 30 | 4.5% |
| Third | Due by December 31 | 3% |
| Fourth | Due by March 31 | No discount |
Applications for the following year’s installment plan are available beginning November 1 and must be submitted no later than April 30. Use the Tax Collector’s installment payment plan page for the application and plan details.
Address changes and tax notice issues
Property tax address changes are handled by the Highlands County Property Appraiser, not the Tax Collector. If the property owner or address on the tax notice is incorrect, contact the Property Appraiser’s Office directly.
The Tax Collector states that property owners are responsible for determining the amount due and paying before delinquency even if a tax bill is not received. For address-change guidance, use the Tax Collector’s property tax address change information.
Tangible personal property taxes
Tangible Personal Property Tax applies to furniture, fixtures, and equipment used in businesses and rental property. It also applies to structural additions of a mobile home.
The assessed value is determined by the Highlands County Property Appraiser based on the January 1 status. Businesses, rental units, and mobile homes owned on January 1 may be assessed. Taxpayers should submit a Tangible Tax Return to the Property Appraiser’s Office annually before April 1.
Unpaid tangible personal property taxes become delinquent on April 1, with a 1.5% monthly penalty added. Warrants are issued before April 30 of the next year on unpaid tangible personal property taxes.
Tax certificates and tax deeds
A tax certificate is a first lien for unpaid real estate taxes. It is not a purchase of the property. Florida law requires the Tax Collector to conduct a tax certificate sale beginning on or before June 1 for the prior year’s delinquent real estate taxes.
Delinquent real estate taxes are advertised before the sale. The certificate amount includes unpaid real estate tax, non-ad valorem assessment amounts, interest, Tax Collector commission, and advertising costs.
Tax deed applications are initiated by certificate or lien holders through RealTDA when the certificate is eligible. Tax deed sales are scheduled and conducted by the Highlands County Clerk of Courts Office.
Highlands County property tax contacts
Use these contacts for property tax payments, address-change routing, and office follow-up.
- Highlands County Tax Collector, Sebring Main Office, 540 S. Commerce Ave, Sebring, FL 33870. Phone: (863) 402-6685. Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday - Friday; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday.
- Highlands County Tax Collector, Avon Park Office, 116 E. Main St., Avon Park, FL 33825. Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday - Friday; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday.
- Highlands County Tax Collector, Lake Placid Office, 11 N. Pine Ave, Lake Placid, FL 33852. Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday - Friday; 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday.
- Highlands County Property Appraiser, 560 S. Commerce Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33870-3899. Phone: (863) 402-6659. Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.
Common questions
Where can I search for a Highlands County property tax record?
Use the official Highlands County property tax search site and search by owner name, address, or account number.
When are Highlands County property taxes due?
Taxes are due in full by March 31. Payments not paid or postmarked by March 31 become delinquent on April 1.
Are there discounts for early property tax payment?
Yes. The Tax Collector lists a 4% discount in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. There is no discount in March.
Who handles property tax address changes?
Property tax address changes must be submitted directly to the Highlands County Property Appraiser. The Tax Collector cannot process those address changes.
Is there a fee to pay property taxes online?
Credit and debit card payments include a 3% convenience fee or a $0.50 minimum. The Tax Collector states that there is no fee for paying by e-check online.
What happens if real estate taxes are unpaid after delinquency?
Unpaid real estate taxes become delinquent on April 1 with a 3% penalty. Delinquent real estate taxes are advertised, and unpaid accounts as of June 1 are subject to the tax certificate sale.