Mission Statement
We are committed to providing the citizens of Monroe County and the local and state agencies for which we collect taxes with courteous, professional, accurate and efficient service, while providing an environment conducive to the professional and personal growth of the Tax Collector's employees.
Tax Collector Responsibilities
The Office of Tax Collector is authorized by Florida's Constitution, as a separate entity from other County Departments or Agencies. The Tax Collector is elected, by the Citizens of Monroe County, and is privileged to serve four-year terms.The Tax Collector is an agent for various state and local government agencies, for the collection of revenue and public funding. It is the responsibility of the Tax Collector to invest these revenues and funds, pending their timely distribution, to various state, local agencies, and taxing authorities.A wide range of services, are provided by The Tax Collector, to the citizens of Monroe County, which include, collection of ad valorem taxes, non-ad valorem taxes, motor vehicle and vessel registration and title applications, collection of sales tax, issuance of hunting and fishing licenses, driver licenses, local business tax, and collection of tourist development taxes.The Tax Collector operates as a "fee office", which means a fee or commission is earned for the services rendered. These fees and commissions are outlined in the Florida Statutes, and established by the Florida Legislature. The annual budget must be approved by the Florida Department of Revenue, and includes any amendments made during each fiscal year. Excess fees are remitted to each government agency, in the same proportion as they were paid, at the end of each fiscal year.
The following is a more detailed description of Tax Collector Responsibilities!
Ad Valorem and non-Ad Valorem Taxes
The Tax Collector is responsible for collecting and dispersing taxes, from information provided on the annual tax roll, which is provided by the Property Appraiser's Office. The tax roll consists of real estate taxes, tangible taxes, and non-ad valorem taxes. (Non-Ad Valorem assessments are primarily assessments for fire services, wastewater, solid waste and trash collection). The collection of taxes, as well as the assessment, is in accordance with the rules and regulations of The Florida Department of Revenue, and Florida Statutes. On or before June 1st each year, the Tax Collector holds a tax certificate sale, on properties with unpaid real estate taxes. The purpose of the sale is to collect unpaid taxes on behalf of the numerous taxing authorities. A tax certificate represents a lien on the property. When a tax certificate is redeemed, the Tax Collector is responsible for remitting the funds to the certificate holder. Funds for a County held certificate are dispersed to the different taxing authorities.
Tangible Personal Property Taxes
This is a tax levied against equipment, furniture, and supplies of a business, or attachments to a mobile home located in a mobile home park. The assessed value is determined by the Property Appraiser, and the tangible roll is then certified to The Tax Collector for collection. The statements are mailed at the same time as real estate bills, and receive the same discounts.
Note: Real Estate Taxes and Tangible Personal Property Taxes may be paid in installments. For more information please call the Main Office, 305-295-5050.
Tourist Development Tax
Florida Legislature amended the "Local Option Tourist Development Act", to allow for collection and administration of the tourist tax at the local level. The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance, which provides for collection, and administration of the tourist tax, and charged the Tax Collector with the duty of collection and distribution.
Local Business Tax
A Local Business tax is a miscellaneous tax imposed by local government, in accordance with county ordinance, which also charges the Tax Collector with the responsibility of collection and dispersement of fees. The Tax grants the privilege of engaging in or managing a business. The tax expires September 30th each year, and is renewable each year, on or before October 1st.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses
As an agent for The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Tax Collector is responsible for the sale of hunting and fishing permits. The Tax Collector may also, appoint subagents, located throughout the County, to assist in the sale of these permits. The Tax Collector is responsible for the maintenance of records, and collection of money associated with these transactions. Also, as an agent for The Department of Natural Resources, the Tax Collector handles the sale of saltwater fishing permits.
Tag/License Plates
As an agent for The Department of Highway Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, the Tax Collector is responsible for issuance of automobile license plates/decals, mobile home decals, disabled persons parking permits, vessel decals, and title applications where applicable. The Tax Collector is responsible for maintenance of records, reporting sales, accounting for inventory, and dispersing monies collected in a timely manner, to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The issuance of registrations and title applications is done in accordance with, rules and regulations of the Department of Highway Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, and Florida Statutes.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is required, by Florida Statute, at 6% of the purchase price, less trade-in, on vehicle purchases. As an agent for The Florida Department of Revenue, the Tax Collector is responsible for collection, and dispersement of this tax, along with a 1.5% surtax, imposed on Monroe County residents. The surtax is 1.5% on the first $5,000 of the vehicle purchase price. More detailed information on each of these services is provided throughout this web site. You may also, call our office at 305-295-5080 (Tags) and 305-295-5050 (Taxes).
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