Access Sumter County Property Tax Records
Sumter County property tax records are public documents held by the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices in Bushnell, covering all parcels in the county with assessment values, exemption data, ownership information, and billing history.
Sumter County Quick Facts
Sumter County Property Appraiser
The Sumter County Property Appraiser office is located at 218 E. McCollum Ave., Bushnell, FL 33513. The phone is (352) 569-6800 and fax is (352) 569-6741. This office values all real and personal property in the county as of January 1 each year. That value is the foundation of the annual tax bill. The appraiser does not collect taxes and does not set millage rates.
Sumter County is notable for being one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, largely due to The Villages, a large retirement community that spans Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties. The property roll in Sumter is extensive and actively updated. Every parcel gets a legal description, owner name, assessed value, just value, taxable value, and a record of any exemptions on file.
The Sumter County Property Appraiser website offers a free online parcel search. You can find records by owner name, address, or parcel ID. The results show current and prior-year values, building and land information, sales history, and exemption detail. GIS maps are also available.
All Florida county appraisers work under standards set by the Florida Department of Revenue. The legal definition of "just value" and assessment requirements come from Chapter 192, Florida Statutes.
The Sumter County Property Appraiser website is the main resource for parcel lookup and assessment data in the county.
The online search tool provides free access to all parcel records in Sumter County, including The Villages properties.
Tax Collection in Sumter County
The Sumter County Tax Collector is located at 220 E. McCollum Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513. The phone is (352) 569-6740 and fax is (352) 569-6741. This office bills and collects property taxes on behalf of all taxing authorities in the county. The Tax Collector is an elected official and operates independently from the Property Appraiser.
Bills go out each November. They reflect taxable value from the appraiser's certified roll, minus exemptions, multiplied by the combined millage rates of all applicable taxing districts. In Sumter County, this can include the county, the school board, The Villages-related special districts, and other special taxing units.
Early payment saves money. Pay in November for a 4% discount. December earns 3% off, January 2%, and February 1%. Taxes become delinquent after March 31. At that point, a tax certificate sale follows under Chapter 197, Florida Statutes. Investors pay the delinquent balance and receive certificates that earn interest. If unredeemed for two years, a certificate holder can apply for a tax deed.
Contact the Tax Collector at (352) 569-6740 for payment methods, office hours, and any questions about your bill. Online payment is available and the office processes e-checks and credit cards.
How to Search Sumter County Property Records
The Sumter County Property Appraiser's website is the best starting point. Use the parcel search to find any property in the county by owner name, address, or parcel ID. The record shows assessed value, just value, taxable value, land and building data, exemption status, and recent sales history. Access is free.
The Tax Collector's office has a separate lookup for billing and payment data. Enter a parcel ID or address to see the current balance, past payments, and any certificate information. Both databases together give a complete picture of any parcel's tax status.
For large-scale data, the Florida DOR maintains a statewide property tax data portal. Downloadable files allow broader analysis across counties, useful for research or investment due diligence.
All records are open to the public under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. No reason is required for access. Anyone can request records, regardless of where they live.
Exemptions in Sumter County
Florida's property tax exemptions are available to qualifying Sumter County property owners. The homestead exemption reduces assessed value by up to $50,000 on a primary residence. The first $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities. The second $25,000 covers assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 but not school board millage.
Homestead also locks in the Save Our Homes cap. Once the exemption is applied, the assessed value cannot increase by more than 3% or the rate of inflation each year. In Sumter County, where real estate values have climbed sharply, the SOH cap has provided real relief for long-term residents. The cap is established in Chapter 193, Florida Statutes.
Given the concentration of retirees in Sumter County, particularly in The Villages, additional exemptions matter here more than in many counties. The senior exemption for low-income residents over 65, disability exemptions, veteran exemptions, and widow/widower exemptions all apply to qualifying parcels. Applications for all exemptions must be filed with the Property Appraiser by March 1. All Florida exemption rules are in Chapter 196, Florida Statutes.
Businesses in the county can claim the $25,000 tangible personal property exemption by filing a return with the appraiser by April 1.
Appealing a Sumter County Assessment
The TRIM notice arrives each summer. It shows your proposed assessed value and what your estimated tax bill will be. If you think the value is wrong, file a petition with the Sumter County Value Adjustment Board within 25 days of the TRIM mailing date.
VAB hearings are conducted by special magistrates. You present evidence showing the appraiser's value is too high. Comparable recent sales are the most persuasive evidence. Photos and inspection reports help too. The magistrate reviews both sides and recommends a result. The board votes on it. This process is governed by Chapter 194, Florida Statutes.
Circuit court is available if the VAB doesn't resolve it. Most disputes settle earlier. Pay at least the undisputed portion of your tax bill while an appeal is pending to avoid penalties on top of the dispute.
Payment Options for Sumter County Taxes
Bills come out in November. Pay that month for 4% off. The discount shrinks each month. After March 31, there is no discount and penalties begin. Full payment by March 31 avoids delinquency.
Online payment is available through the Tax Collector's office. Mail-in payment goes to 220 E. McCollum Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513. In-person payment is available at the collector's office. Call (352) 569-6740 for hours and branch information.
A quarterly installment plan lets you spread payments across the year. Enroll in spring before the tax year. The plan splits the estimated tax into four installments due in June, September, December, and March. This approach works well for retirees on a fixed income who want predictable monthly or quarterly payments.
The Florida Tax Collectors Association offers general information about the certificate and tax deed process if taxes go unpaid past the delinquency date.
The Florida DOR provides statewide oversight of all county property tax collection activities and publishes guidance for property owners.
Public Records in Sumter County
Under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, property tax records in Sumter County are public documents. Anyone can access them. The appraiser's and collector's online portals are free to use. For certified copies or records not available online, submit a request to the relevant office. They must respond in a reasonable time. Large requests may carry a fee, but the data is open to all.
The Florida DOR local officials directory has current contact information for the Sumter County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector if you need to reach either office directly.
Cities in Sumter County
Bushnell is the county seat of Sumter County. The largest community in the county is The Villages, a master-planned retirement community that extends into Lake and Marion counties as well. Property tax records for The Villages parcels in Sumter County are handled by the Sumter County Property Appraiser. You can find more detail on the The Villages property tax records page.