Real Estate Taxes
The term real estate tax is a common reference to a tax on real property. Real property refers to land, buildings, fixtures, and all other improvements to the land.
Real estate taxes consist of ad valorem taxes, which are based upon the assessed value of real property, and non-ad valorem assessments, which are levies based on the cost of providing a service such as erosion control and water control.
Tangible Personal Property Taxes
In Florida, tangible personal property refers to furniture, fixtures, and equipment located in business and/or rental properties and on mobile home additions, where the owner of the mobile home does not also own the land upon which it is affixed. Subject mobile home additions include skirting, screen rooms, utility sheds, awnings, air conditioning and heating units.
State Prohibition
Florida's Constitution prohibits state government from levying ad valorem taxes on real property and tangible personal property. This gives counties, school districts, municipalities, and special taxing districts the exclusive right to levy ad valorem taxes on real property and tangible personal property. However, the state legislature can and does regulate the maximum rate at which ad valorem taxes can be levied and the manner in which they are collected.
