Tax Collector

The Broward County Tax Collector handles property tax billing and collection, local business tax receipts, vehicle registration services, and several other transactions. This article explains which services belong to the Tax Collector, how to use its official service pages, what to prepare before paying or visiting, and which deadlines and restrictions can affect a transaction.

What the Tax Collector Handles

The Broward County Tax Collector collects and distributes real estate and tangible personal property taxes. The office also administers local business taxes and provides motor vehicle services, including registration renewals, license plates, parking placards, and title application processing. It offers hunting and fishing licenses and select driver license and Florida ID services through its mobile DASH program.

These services involve different records and procedures. A property tax bill is separate from a business tax receipt, and neither is the same as a vehicle registration renewal. Choose the service that matches your transaction before entering account information or making a payment.

The Tax Collector collects taxes set by the County Commission, local taxing authorities, and special levying districts. It also acts as an agent for certain state departments. Its tax services overview explains these responsibilities and the range of taxes and licenses the office handles.

Property Taxes and Assessments

Broward County property tax includes ad valorem taxes and non-ad valorem assessments levied annually by local taxing authorities. Ad valorem taxes are tied to a property’s assessed value. Non-ad valorem assessments are charges for particular services, such as fire protection, water management, or street lighting. Property taxes apply to Broward County real estate, including homes, condominium units, and commercial buildings.

The Broward County Property Appraiser determines each property’s assessed value as of January 1 and manages exemptions, including homestead, senior, and veteran benefits. Taxing authorities set millage rates. After the Property Appraiser prepares the tax roll, the Tax Collector compiles and mails tax bills, collects payments, and distributes the money to the appropriate authorities. The Tax Collector does not determine a property’s assessed value or set its tax rate.

This division of responsibility matters when a bill looks wrong. A question about assessed value or an exemption concerns the Property Appraiser’s work. A question about paying a bill, a payment already made, or a delinquent tax balance concerns the Tax Collector. Identifying which part of the bill you are questioning can save a referral between offices.

Annual Bills and Due Dates

The Tax Collector mails property tax bills in November, and taxes become payable November 1. Payment is due in full by March 31 of the following year. Taxes become delinquent April 1. The property tax service page provides the official payment entry point and explains the annual cycle.

Early payment discounts depend on the month of payment: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. Review the amount shown for the applicable period before submitting payment. The office offers online, mail, and in-person payment options, as well as partial payment and installment payment plans.

A regular annual bill and an installment bill should not be treated as interchangeable. If you participate in an installment plan, review the installment notice and its due date rather than assuming that the March 31 deadline for paying annual taxes in full applies to each installment.

Delinquent Taxes and Tax Certificates

A delinquent real estate property tax bill incurs a 3% interest charge plus advertising costs. A delinquent tangible personal property tax bill incurs interest of 1.5% per month plus advertising costs. The distinction matters because the two types of property do not have the same interest terms.

On or around June 1, the Tax Collector sells tax certificates at public auction on delinquent real estate. A tax certificate is a lien on the property. After a certificate is issued, payment must be made by cash, cashier’s check, money order, or wire transfer; personal checks are not accepted. The property tax page also describes online and in-person options for paying delinquent taxes before a certificate changes the available payment methods. Confirm the account’s status before choosing how to pay.

If delinquent taxes remain unpaid for two years, a certificate holder can file a Tax Deed Application, and the property may be sold at public auction. Property owners dealing with an overdue bill should review its current balance and status promptly, because interest, advertising costs, and certificate activity can change what is required to resolve it.

Local Business Tax Receipts

A Broward County Business Tax Receipt, or BTR, is required for businesses operating in the county, including home-based businesses and sole proprietors. The Tax Collector accepts new applications year-round online or in person and provides an online renewal option. The Business Tax Receipt page separates the new-application and renewal paths.

Check municipal requirements before applying for a county receipt. Most municipalities require their own receipt for a business within city limits before the county BTR can be issued. For a business in unincorporated Broward County, the owner must obtain a Certificate of Use before applying for the county receipt. The Tax Collector identifies Broward County’s Permitting, Licensing & Consumer Protection Division as the source for that certificate.

A new business should register its business name with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations before applying. Certain businesses must also provide documents with matching information. Depending on the business, these may include a current state license, Certificate of Competency, registration, Florida Seller of Travel license, or exemption letter. Review the requirements for your business type before beginning the application so that its name and other identifying details agree across the documents.

BTR rates depend on the type of business and the number of employees at each location. A receipt for one business activity or location should not be assumed to cover a different activity or location. The Tax Collector’s forms and reports page includes a BTR application, a list of local business tax categories, an exemption application, and forms for particular circumstances.

Renewal Dates and Late Charges

The BTR renewal period begins July 1. Receipts expire September 30, and late penalties begin October 1. The published schedule adds 10% in October, 15% from November 1 through November 29, 20% plus a $25 fee in December, and 25% plus a $25 fee after December. The Tax Collector states that its $25 fee is added to an account effective November 30.

If a business applies with a start date in a prior year, back taxes may apply. For each assessed year, the Tax Collector lists the annual BTR fee, a 25% late penalty, and a $25 Tax Collector fee. Broward County may assess up to three prior years plus the current year. Entering an accurate business start date helps the office determine the applicable years.

The business tax receipt and tangible personal property tax are separate obligations. The Tax Collector states that a business with furniture or other items valued at $25,000 or more must pay tangible property tax. Paying for or renewing a BTR does not itself settle a tangible personal property tax bill.

Vehicle Registration Services

The Tax Collector renews registrations for vehicles, vessels, and mobile homes registered in Broward County. Available channels include online renewal, self-service kiosks, Express Lane pickup, and an office visit. Its registration renewal page explains the options, eligibility limits, and fees.

Most personal vehicle registrations expire at midnight on the first owner’s birthday. The page gives the same expiration point for personal heavy trucks up to 7,999 pounds. Vessel registrations expire at midnight on the owner’s birthday, and registration is required for vessels with a motor. Mobile home registrations expire annually on December 31. Check the registration type before relying on a birthday-based deadline.

Renewal may be completed up to three months before expiration. Online and kiosk renewals are available for up to three months after expiration; beyond that period, the Tax Collector directs customers to an office. A delinquent fee is added beginning on the 11th day of the month after the renewal month when registration was not renewed on time. The amount depends on the license tax.

Online Renewal and Mail Delivery

For an online renewal through the Broward County Tax Collector, have the renewal notice, current registration, or license plate number available. Proof of Florida insurance may also be required. The Tax Collector lists a $3.50 fee per registration for renewal through its site. It separately describes Florida’s statewide MyDMV Portal as charging a $2 fee for an entire cart, which may matter when renewing multiple registrations.

The Tax Collector says registrations ordered for mail delivery are generally expected within 7–10 business days. Allow for that delivery period when selecting mail rather than pickup. A completed payment and a mailed registration are different stages of the transaction.

Kiosks, Pickup, and Office Visits

Self-service kiosks print an updated registration and decal during the transaction. To use one, you need either the PIN from a registration renewal notice or a license plate number and the first registrant’s date of birth. The Tax Collector lists a $4.50 kiosk convenience fee per transaction in addition to a card processing fee. Kiosks do not accept cash.

Most standard passenger vehicles can use a kiosk, but certain records require another renewal channel. A kiosk cannot process a vehicle needing a new plate or one with an insurance lapse, driver license suspension, or toll violation on record. The excluded categories also include boats, mobile homes, government vehicles, personalized plates, and parking permits or placards. Checking these limits before traveling to a kiosk can prevent an unsuccessful attempt.

Express Lane allows a customer to renew a vehicle, vessel, or mobile home registration online and select “In-person Pick Up” for collection at the Plantation office. Wait for the ready-for-pickup notice before going to the office. Bring a valid photo ID for pickup.

The Plantation motor vehicle office also accepts walk-in registration renewals. For an office renewal, bring a photo ID; the renewal notice, current registration, or license plate number; and proof of Florida personal injury protection insurance. The Tax Collector lists additional tax and insurance documents for commercial vehicles. At the office, credit card payments carry a 2.55% charge, debit card payments carry a flat $2.55 charge, and cash or check payments have no convenience fee.

One-Year or Two-Year Renewal

Most passenger vehicles may qualify for a two-year registration renewal, with the full two-year fee due when renewing. The Tax Collector also lists SUVs, light trucks under 5,000 pounds, motorcycles, vessels, mobile homes, and motor homes among eligible categories. Restricted or specialty plates, certain commercial and heavy trucks, and several other registration types are limited to one year. Review the category shown for your registration before selecting a renewal period.

Driver License Services Through DASH

DASH, the Tax Collector’s Driver Assistance Service Hub, uses mobile units to offer select driver license and Florida ID transactions. The DASH service page lists standard driver license renewals, replacement licenses, address and name changes, and ID card issuance. These services are reserved for Broward County residents.

A confirmed appointment is required. DASH locations change, and space is limited. The Tax Collector advises residents to contact their city officials about upcoming visits or review its event information. Do not assume that a mobile unit will accept a walk-in transaction.

Bring the documents required for the scheduled service. Depending on the transaction, those may include an acceptable form of identification and supporting records, such as a marriage certificate for a name change or proof of residency for an address change. DASH accepts credit or debit cards; it does not accept cash or checks. Missing documents or an unacceptable payment method can prevent the transaction from being processed.

Choosing an Office or Form

The Tax Collector maintains separate tax and motor vehicle service locations. Before visiting, match the location to the transaction: a property tax or business tax matter belongs with tax services, while an in-person registration renewal or Express Lane pickup belongs with motor vehicle services. The official locations page identifies both offices and provides a path to kiosk locations. General office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Some transactions require a particular form rather than a general inquiry. The forms page groups property tax documents, motor vehicle forms, and local business tax forms. Its property tax materials include erroneous-payment instructions, an application for a refund of ad valorem taxes, and a homestead tax deferral application. Select the document for the transaction you actually need; a form concerning an erroneous payment serves a different purpose from an exemption or deferral request.

When preparing to contact the Tax Collector, keep the relevant bill, receipt, renewal notice, registration, or application documents at hand. For property taxes, identify whether the question concerns assessed value, an exemption, or collection of a billed amount. For a business receipt, confirm the business location, activity, employee count, and any required license or municipal documentation. For a registration renewal, confirm the registration type and whether an insurance or other record issue may limit online or kiosk service.

Relevant Departments and Offices

Broward County Tax Collector’s Office — Taxes
115 S. Andrews Ave, A100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-357-4829

Broward County Tax Collector’s Office — Motor Vehicle Services
1800 N.W. 66 Ave, Suite 101, Plantation, FL 33313
954-797-8733

Tax Collector FAQs

What if I paid the wrong property tax account?

Keep your payment confirmation and identify both the account you paid and the account you intended to pay. The Tax Collector lists erroneous payment instructions and an ad valorem tax refund application, but these address different situations. Read the instructions before submitting a refund application or making another payment. Check the accounts again afterward so you know whether the intended bill has been paid.

How do I change the mailing address on my property record?

Use the Property Appraiser’s name and address change authorization form listed on the Tax Collector’s forms page. When reviewing a tax bill, distinguish the mailing address from the property’s physical address; changing where notices are sent does not change which property the bill covers. Have the property details available so the request can be matched to the right record.

Is homestead tax deferral the same as a homestead exemption?

No. An exemption concerns the property’s taxable value and is managed by the Property Appraiser. A deferral concerns payment of qualifying taxes. The Tax Collector’s forms page lists a homestead tax deferral application separately from homestead tax exemption information. If you are trying to lower an assessed value or claim an exemption, follow the Property Appraiser’s process. If you need to explore deferring payment, read the deferral application and its requirements before applying.

Can I transfer a business tax receipt if I no longer have the original?

The Tax Collector lists an affidavit specifically for a transfer when the original local business tax receipt cannot be presented. Start with that form rather than filing an unrelated new business application. Check that the business name, location, and activity in your records accurately describe the transaction you are requesting; a change in those details may affect what paperwork the office needs.