Find Walton County Property Tax Records
Walton County property tax records are public documents maintained by the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector offices in DeFuniak Springs, covering all parcels in the county with assessment values, exemption data, ownership information, and payment history.
Walton County Quick Facts
Walton County Property Appraiser
The Walton County Property Appraiser mailing address is P.O. Box 510, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435. The phone is (850) 892-8121 and fax is (850) 892-8079. This office values all real and personal property in Walton County as of January 1 each year. The assessed value it sets is the foundation of every property tax bill in the county. The appraiser does not set millage rates and does not collect taxes.
Walton County is in the Florida Panhandle and includes both inland rural areas and some of the most valuable beach communities on the Gulf Coast, including Destin's eastern neighborhoods and the 30A corridor with communities like Seaside, Rosemary Beach, and Watercolor. Property values along the coast can be dramatically higher than inland parcels, making accurate assessment especially important here.
The Walton County Property Appraiser website provides a free online parcel search. You can find any property in the county by owner name, address, or parcel ID. Results include assessed values, just values, taxable values, land and building data, exemption detail, and sales history. GIS mapping tools are also available on the site.
Florida assessment standards are set under Chapter 192, Florida Statutes. The Florida Department of Revenue Property Tax Oversight office monitors all 67 county appraisers for compliance with state standards.
The Walton County Property Appraiser website is the main source for parcel records and assessment data in the county.
The appraiser's online tool provides free access to all parcel records in Walton County, from beachfront condos to inland agricultural land.
Tax Collection in Walton County
The Walton County Tax Collector is at P.O. Box 510, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435, with the same phone of (850) 892-8121 and fax (850) 892-8079. This office handles property tax billing and payment processing for all parcels in the county. It is a separate elected office from the Property Appraiser.
Tax bills go out in November each year. They reflect the taxable value from the appraiser's certified roll, minus any exemptions, multiplied by the combined millage rates of the county, school board, and any applicable special taxing districts. In Walton County, this includes South Walton Fire District and other special districts serving the coastal communities.
Pay early to get a discount. November is 4% off. December earns 3%, January 2%, and February 1%. After March 31, taxes are delinquent. The collector holds a certificate sale in June under Chapter 197, Florida Statutes. Investors pay delinquent taxes and receive certificates that earn interest. Unredeemed certificates after two years can lead to a tax deed action.
Contact the Tax Collector at (850) 892-8121 for current payment methods, office hours, and online payment options. The office processes checks, cash, and typically electronic payment methods as well.
How to Find Walton County Property Tax Records
Start at the Walton County Property Appraiser's website for assessment data. The parcel search accepts owner name, address, or parcel ID. Records show current and prior-year values, building and land data, exemption status, and sales history. All access is free and no login is needed.
For billing and payment data, the Tax Collector's office has a separate lookup. Use a parcel ID or property address to check current amounts due, past payment history, and any certificates issued on a property. Together, the two databases give you a complete picture of any parcel's tax status.
The Florida DOR maintains a statewide property data portal with bulk files available for download. This is useful for researchers, investors, and title professionals who need data across multiple parcels or counties.
All records are public under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. You do not need to explain why you want access. No Florida residency is required. Social Security numbers and personal data on exemption forms are protected, but all core property and tax data is open to the public.
Property Tax Exemptions in Walton County
Florida exemptions apply to qualifying Walton County parcels. The homestead exemption is the most widely used. It 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 assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and does not include school board millage.
An important point for Walton County: many of the high-value properties along the 30A coast and in beach communities are investment or vacation properties, not primary residences. Those parcels do not qualify for homestead. Only a true primary residence can claim it. If you use a property as a vacation rental or second home, homestead does not apply, and you pay taxes on full just value.
Homestead also triggers the Save Our Homes cap, which limits annual assessed value increases to 3% or the rate of inflation. This cap is set out in Chapter 193, Florida Statutes. Other exemptions include those for seniors with limited income, disabled persons, veterans, and widows and widowers. Apply with the Property Appraiser by March 1. The governing statute is Chapter 196, Florida Statutes.
Businesses in Walton County can claim the $25,000 tangible personal property exemption by filing a TPP return with the appraiser by April 1 each year.
Appealing a Walton County Property Assessment
TRIM notices go out each summer. They show the proposed assessed value and estimated taxes. If you think your value is too high, file a petition with the Walton County Value Adjustment Board within 25 days of the TRIM mailing date.
The VAB uses special magistrates for hearings. You present evidence that the appraiser's value is wrong. For beach properties, comparable sales from similar coastal properties are the key evidence. Condition issues, damage, or functional problems can also support a lower value. An independent appraisal adds weight. The magistrate makes a recommendation. The board votes. VAB proceedings follow Chapter 194, Florida Statutes.
Circuit court is available if the VAB result is unsatisfactory. Most disputes settle before that step. Pay the non-disputed portion of your bill while an appeal is pending to avoid penalties on the undisputed balance.
Payment Options in Walton County
Bills come out in November. Pay in November for 4% off. December earns 3%, January 2%, and February 1%. After March 31, the account is delinquent and penalties begin under Chapter 197.
Contact the Tax Collector at (850) 892-8121 for current office hours, accepted payment methods, and online payment options. Mail payments to P.O. Box 510, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435. In-person payment is available at the collector's office in DeFuniak Springs.
Florida's quarterly installment plan is available to all Walton County property owners. Enroll in the spring before the tax year. Payments fall in June, September, December, and March. For vacation home owners in Walton County, this can be a convenient way to manage a potentially large annual tax bill in smaller installments.
The Florida Tax Collectors Association provides statewide information on the certificate sale and tax deed process for delinquent accounts.
The Florida DOR provides oversight of all county tax collection activities and offers resources for property owners statewide, including those in Walton County.
Public Records Access in Walton County
Under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, Walton County property tax records are public documents. Assessment rolls, tax rolls, payment histories, and exemption records are all available to anyone who requests them. No reason is required. No residency requirement applies. The online portals from the Property Appraiser and Tax Collector provide the easiest access. For certified copies or older records, contact the offices directly at (850) 892-8121. Large bulk requests may carry a fee for staff time. The Florida DOR directory lists current contact information for all county offices.
Cities in Walton County
DeFuniak Springs is the county seat of Walton County. The county also includes unincorporated beach communities along the Gulf such as Destin (which borders Okaloosa County), Santa Rosa Beach, Inlet Beach, Rosemary Beach, and Seaside. All parcels in these communities are assessed by the Walton County Property Appraiser. No cities in Walton County currently qualify for a separate city page based on population thresholds.