Property Taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
With potential upcoming changes to Florida's property tax system, the City of Dunedin wants to ensure that residents understand how property taxes work, where their money goes, and why these local revenues are essential to maintaining the high quality of life the community enjoys. Read more in our Dunedin Insight and find some common questions below.
General Questions
Q: How are property taxes determined?
A: Property taxes are calculated by multiplying your property's taxable value by the millage rate, then dividing by 1,000. The basic formula is: (Taxable Value x 1,000) × Millage Rate = Annual Property Tax.
Q: Who sets my property value?
A: The Pinellas County Property Appraiser determines your property's assessed value each year. This is different from market value and may be limited by Save Our Homes caps.
Q: What portion of my property taxes goes to the City of Dunedin?
A: Only about 23% of your total property tax bill goes to the City of Dunedin. The majority goes to Pinellas County Schools (36%) and Pinellas County government (26%).
Q: What is a millage rate?
A: The millage rate is the tax rate per $1,000 of assessed property value. Dunedin's 2024 millage rate is 4.1345, meaning you pay $4.13 for every $1,000 of assessed value.
Q: Can the City of Dunedin control my entire property tax bill?
A: No. The City can only control its portion (23% of your bill). We cannot influence rates set by the school district, county, or special districts.
Q: Who benefits from property tax "reform"?
A: Not local residents: Snowbirds and large corporate landowners. The people who lose are the fulltime Floridians who rely on well-funded services and expect a system that benefits them.
Q: What happens if we eliminate property taxes?
A: Eliminating local property taxes won’t eliminate costs, it just shifts them. It means higher sales taxes, new fees, or cuts to local services. And it reroutes decision-making from local communities to Tallahassee.
Q: Isn't Florida already a low-tax state?
A: Yes. Florida ranks among the most tax-efficient states in the nation. Our property tax burden is about half that of Texas, thanks to smart spending, local accountability, and the “Florida Formula” that keeps dollars and decisions close to home.
Save Our Homes and Exemptions
Q: What is Save Our Homes?
A: Save Our Homes is a Florida constitutional amendment that caps annual increases in assessed value at 3% for homesteaded properties, protecting longtime residents from dramatic tax increases.
Q: How do I qualify for homestead exemption?
A: You must make the property your permanent residence as of January 1 and apply with the Pinellas County Property Appraiser by March 1.
Q: Why are my taxes different from the previous owner?
A: When property changes ownership, exemptions are removed and the property is reassessed at current market value. You must reapply for exemptions.
City Services and Budget
Q: What do City property taxes fund?
A: City property taxes funds crucial services, including law enforcement and fire, parks and recreation and road maintenance. These services are tailored to local needs and managed by leaders directly accountable to the people they serve.
Q: How much does the City spend on public safety?
A: In 2023, Dunedin spent over $14.4 million on police and fire services combined - actually more than our total property tax revenue of $14.1 million.
Q: Has Dunedin raised property tax rates recently?
A: Like 71% of Florida cities, Dunedin has kept millage rates at or below 2020 levels despite rising costs. Dunedin’s millage rate has remained the same since 2016.
Getting Help
Q: How can I appeal my property assessment?
A: Contact the Pinellas County Property Appraiser's office. They have formal appeal processes and can explain how your assessment was determined.
Q: Where can I get more information about exemptions?
A: Visit the Pinellas County Property Appraiser website or call their office directly for information about available exemptions and application procedures.
Q: How can I stay informed about City budget decisions?
A: Attend City Council meetings, participate in budget hearings, read budget documents on the City website, and sign up for DunediNews.