Suwannee County Property Tax Records

Suwannee County property tax records are public documents kept by the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices in Live Oak, covering every parcel in the county with assessment data, exemption status, ownership information, and payment history.

Suwannee County Property Appraiser

The Suwannee County Property Appraiser is located at 215 Pine Ave. S.W., Suite B, Live Oak, FL 32064. The phone is (386) 362-1385 and fax is (386) 330-2666. This office values all real and personal property in Suwannee County as of January 1 each year. That value serves as the starting point for calculating annual property taxes. The appraiser does not collect taxes and does not set tax rates.

The property roll includes every parcel in the county, each with a legal description, owner name, assessed value, just value, taxable value, and any exemptions applied. Records are updated throughout the year as property changes hands, construction occurs, and permits are issued. The office uses mass appraisal techniques in line with Florida Department of Revenue standards, basing values on comparable sales and property data.

The Suwannee County Property Appraiser website offers online parcel lookup at no cost. Search by owner name, property address, or parcel ID. Records include assessed and just values, building data, land details, sales history, and exemption status. No account is needed to access this information.

Florida's assessment standards come from Chapter 192, Florida Statutes. The Florida Department of Revenue Property Tax Oversight office monitors all county appraisers statewide for compliance with those standards.

The appraiser's online portal gives you direct access to all current parcel records in Suwannee County.

Tax Collection in Suwannee County

The Suwannee County Tax Collector is at 215 Pine Avenue SW, Suite A, Live Oak, FL 32064. The phone is (386) 362-2816 and fax is (386) 330-2666. This office sends out property tax bills and handles payment. It is a separate elected office from the Property Appraiser.

Bills go out in November each year. They reflect the taxable value certified by the appraiser, minus applicable exemptions, multiplied by millage rates from the county commission, school board, and any special taxing districts. The total bill on any parcel reflects all of those rates combined.

Pay early to save. A 4% discount applies in November. December earns 3% off, January 2%, and February 1%. After March 31, taxes become delinquent. The collector then holds a tax certificate sale in June. Investors bid on delinquent accounts and receive certificates that earn interest. Failure to redeem a certificate within two years can lead to a tax deed action under Chapter 197, Florida Statutes.

Contact the Tax Collector at (386) 362-2816 for current office hours, payment methods, and information on installment plans. Online payment options are typically available through the collector's office.

How to Look Up Suwannee County Property Records

The Suwannee County Property Appraiser's website is where most searches start. Use the parcel search to find properties by owner name, address, or parcel ID. Results include assessed value, building and land data, sales history, and exemptions. Access is free and requires no login.

For tax bill and payment status, the Tax Collector's office maintains a separate lookup. You can check the current balance, payment history, and whether any certificates have been issued on a property. Using both databases together gives a full view of any parcel's status in the county.

The Florida DOR also maintains a statewide property tax data portal with bulk data available for download. This is a useful tool for researchers or investors who need county-level data rather than individual parcel records.

Florida's public records law, Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, makes all of these records open to anyone. No reason is required. No residency requirement applies. Certain personal data on exemption applications is protected, but the core property and tax data is fully public.

Exemptions in Suwannee County

Florida's exemption programs apply to qualified Suwannee County parcels. The homestead exemption reduces assessed value by up to $50,000 on a primary residence. The first $25,000 covers all taxing authorities. The second $25,000 applies to value between $50,000 and $75,000 and excludes school board millage.

Homestead also brings the Save Our Homes assessment cap, which limits annual increases to 3% or the inflation rate, whichever is less. This cap is codified in Chapter 193, Florida Statutes. For homeowners who have held their property for many years, the cap can mean a taxable value well below just value.

Other exemptions available in Suwannee County include the senior exemption for low-income residents over 65, disability exemptions, veteran exemptions, and widow/widower exemptions. All applications go to the Property Appraiser's office by March 1. The full set of rules for each exemption is in Chapter 196, Florida Statutes.

Businesses with tangible personal property can get a $25,000 exemption by filing a TPP return with the appraiser by April 1 each year. File on time to get the exemption automatically. Late filings may result in penalties.

Appealing Your Suwannee County Assessment

Each summer, the Property Appraiser mails TRIM notices to all property owners. The notice shows the proposed assessed value and estimated taxes. If you disagree, you have 25 days from the mailing date to file a petition with the Suwannee County Value Adjustment Board.

The VAB assigns a special magistrate to hear your case. You present evidence that the assessed value is too high. Comparable sales from the area are the strongest evidence. Photos, condition reports, and independent appraisals all help. The magistrate makes a recommendation. The board votes on it. VAB appeals follow Chapter 194, Florida Statutes.

If the VAB result does not satisfy you, circuit court is available. Most cases resolve before that. Pay at least the non-disputed portion of your bill while the appeal is pending to avoid penalties on top of the dispute.

Payment Options in Suwannee County

Tax bills arrive in November. Pay in November for 4% off the total. The discount falls by 1% per month through February. March 31 is the deadline before delinquency. After that, interest and penalties begin under Chapter 197.

The Tax Collector's office accepts payment by mail, in person, or through available online payment channels. Mail a check to 215 Pine Avenue SW, Suite A, Live Oak, FL 32064. Call (386) 362-2816 for current office hours and any available online payment details.

A quarterly installment plan is available in Florida for property owners who want to spread out their tax payments. You must enroll in spring before the tax year begins. Installments are due in June, September, December, and March. This is a useful option for owners on fixed budgets.

The Florida Tax Collectors Association provides general information on the tax certificate and deed process for delinquent accounts statewide.

Florida DOR oversight ensures consistent assessment and collection practices across all 67 counties, including Suwannee.

Public Records in Suwannee County

Under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, all property tax records in Suwannee County are public. Assessment rolls, tax rolls, payment history, and exemption records are open to anyone. The online portals from the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector are the fastest and easiest way to get the data. For certified copies or records not available online, contact the offices directly. Large requests may carry a fee for staff time, but the data itself is not restricted. The Florida DOR directory lists current contact details for all county offices.

Cities in Suwannee County

Live Oak is the county seat and largest city in Suwannee County. Other communities include Branford, Wellborn, and Lee. All parcels in these areas are assessed by the Suwannee County Property Appraiser. No cities in Suwannee County currently meet the population threshold for a separate city page.

Nearby Counties