Where and how to pay Broward property taxes

Broward County Property Appraiser's office collects property taxes, but the Broward County Tax Collector handles payments. You can pay online through the Tax Collector's website, by mail, in person at their office, or by phone. Online payment is the fastest route — you'll need your property account number (found on your tax bill) and a checking account or credit card.

The Tax Collector's main office is located in Fort Lauderdale, but they also operate satellite offices in Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, and other locations across the county. If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address listed on your tax bill. Phone payments are available during business hours, and you can speak to a representative who will walk you through the process.

Credit card payments carry a convenience fee — the amount varies depending on the card processor used. Paying by check, money order, or electronic bank transfer typically has no fee. If you're paying online, the system will show you the fee before you confirm the transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • The Broward County Tax Collector handles all property tax payments, not the Property Appraiser's office.
  • Online payment through the Tax Collector's website is the fastest method and requires your property account number from your tax bill.
  • Multiple payment methods are available — online, by mail, in person, or by phone — with no fee for checks, money orders, or bank transfers.
  • Credit card payments include a convenience fee that you'll see before completing the transaction.
  • Payment deadlines vary by year, so check your tax bill or the Tax Collector's website for the exact due date.

Payment deadlines and what happens if you miss them

Property taxes in Broward County are due by a specific date each year, typically in early November for the current tax year. The exact deadline appears on your tax bill. If you pay after the deadline, a penalty and interest charges are added to your bill — the penalty starts at 3 percent and increases over time if the bill remains unpaid.

If your payment is significantly late, the county can file a tax deed sale, which means your property could be sold at auction to recover the unpaid taxes. This process doesn't happen immediately — there are several months of notices and opportunities to pay — but it is a serious consequence. Paying as soon as you receive your bill, or setting up a payment plan if you can't pay in full, prevents these penalties from accumulating.

Setting up a payment plan if you can't pay in full

If you cannot pay your property tax bill by the deadline, contact the Broward County Tax Collector's office directly to discuss a payment arrangement. The Tax Collector has authority to work out a plan that spreads payments over time, though you will still owe penalties and interest on the unpaid balance.

Payment plans are not automatic — you must request one before or shortly after the deadline passes. The sooner you contact the office, the more options you typically have. Waiting until a tax deed sale notice arrives makes negotiation much harder. Have your property account number and tax bill information ready when you call.

Understanding your tax bill and account number

Your property tax bill shows several key pieces of information: your property account number (also called a folio number), the assessed value of your property, the tax amount due, and the payment deadline. The account number is what you need to make a payment online or by phone. If you've lost your bill, you can find your account number on the Tax Collector's website by entering your address or parcel number.

The assessed value on your bill comes from the Property Appraiser's office and may differ from what you think your home is worth. If you believe the assessment is wrong, you can file a formal challenge called a Value Adjustment Board (VAB) petition, but that is a separate process from paying your taxes. Paying your bill on time does not affect your right to challenge the assessment.

Online payment step-by-step

Go to the Broward County Tax Collector's website and look for the "Pay My Taxes" or online payment portal. Enter your property account number and the amount you want to pay. The system will show you the current balance, any penalties or interest, and the total due.

Choose your payment method — checking account (no fee), credit card (with fee), or debit card (with fee). Enter the required information and review the transaction details before submitting. You'll receive a confirmation number immediately, and the payment typically posts to your account within one to two business days. Keep your confirmation number for your records.

Paying through your mortgage lender or escrow account

If your mortgage lender collects property taxes through an escrow account, you may not pay the Tax Collector directly. Instead, your lender pays on your behalf from the funds you deposit each month with your mortgage payment. Check your mortgage documents or contact your lender to confirm whether they handle tax payments.

Even if your lender pays taxes through escrow, you should still monitor your tax bill to ensure payments are made on time. Lenders occasionally miss deadlines or miscalculate amounts. If you receive a notice that taxes are unpaid, contact your lender immediately to resolve the issue. You remain responsible for the debt if the lender fails to pay.

What to do if you receive a tax notice or delinquency letter

If you receive a notice that your taxes are delinquent or unpaid, act immediately. The notice will include the amount owed, penalties, interest, and a deadline to pay before further action is taken. Do not ignore these notices — they are the county's formal warning that a tax deed sale process may begin.

Contact the Tax Collector's office by phone or in person to confirm the amount owed and discuss payment options. If you believe the notice is an error — for example, if you already paid or if your lender was supposed to pay — bring documentation of your payment or correspondence with your lender. The office can often resolve discrepancies quickly if you have proof.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Broward property taxes online with a credit card?

Yes, the Tax Collector's website accepts credit and debit cards, but a convenience fee applies. The fee amount depends on the card processor and will be shown before you complete the transaction. Paying by checking account or bank transfer through the same website has no fee.

What happens if I pay my property taxes late?

A penalty of 3 percent is added to your bill, plus interest charges. If the bill remains unpaid for several months, the county can begin a tax deed sale process, which could result in your property being sold at auction. Contacting the Tax Collector before the deadline to arrange a payment plan can prevent these consequences.

How do I find my property account number if I lost my tax bill?

Visit the Broward County Tax Collector's website and use their property search tool. Enter your street address or parcel number, and your account number (folio number) will appear. You can also call the Tax Collector's office during business hours and provide your address to get the number.

Does my mortgage lender always pay my property taxes?

Only if your mortgage includes an escrow account for taxes and insurance. Check your loan documents or contact your lender to confirm. Even if they do pay, monitor your tax bill to ensure payments are made on time, because you remain responsible if the lender misses a deadline.

Can I set up a payment plan if I can't pay my full tax bill?

Yes, contact the Broward County Tax Collector's office to request a payment arrangement. You must request this before or shortly after the deadline. Penalties and interest will still apply to the unpaid balance, but a plan prevents the tax deed sale process from beginning.