Bradford County Property Search, GIS, Exemptions and Taxes
Search Bradford County property records through the official Property Appraiser, review parcel maps, values, exemptions and building details, then use the correct county office for tax payments, recorded deeds or a Value Adjustment Board appeal.
Bradford County is in Florida and does not operate a Texas-style Central Appraisal District. Florida separates property valuation, tax collection, recorded documents and assessment appeals among the Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Clerk and Value Adjustment Board.
Start With the Right Bradford County Property Service
The same parcel can appear in appraisal records, tax records and recorded-document indexes, but those records are maintained by different constitutional offices.
Find a parcel or owner
Use the Property Appraiser’s official record search for ownership, parcel number, assessed value, exemptions, land and building information.
Open official property search →View the parcel map
Open the Property Appraiser GIS to locate the parcel and compare nearby property records.
Pay a tax bill
Use the Bradford County Tax Collector for current-year tax searches, online payments, receipts and delinquency questions.
Search property taxes →Apply for an exemption
File homestead, veteran, disability, widow, widower, senior or another exemption with the Property Appraiser.
Review exemption requirements →Appeal an assessment
Contact the Property Appraiser first, then file a timely petition with the Bradford County Value Adjustment Board when necessary.
Read VAB filing instructions →Find a deed or lien
Use the Clerk’s Official Records for deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, plats, releases and recorded instruments.
Open Official Records →How to Search Bradford County Property Records
The official search combines property records and GIS access. Begin with the smallest reliable search term so abbreviations, middle initials or address formatting do not hide the correct account.
Owner-search tips
- Try only the surname first.
- Remove punctuation and middle initials.
- Search trust, estate and business names separately.
- Try a former owner after a recent transfer.
- Use the parcel ID for repeat searches.
Address-search tips
- Use the property location, not the owner’s mailing address.
- Remove Road, Street, Avenue and directional punctuation.
- Try the street name without the building number.
- Rural and vacant parcels may not have a standard situs address.
- Use the parcel map after finding the account.
How to Use the Bradford County GIS Map
Bradford County provides multiple GIS resources. The Property Appraiser map is best for parcel assessment research, while the county GIS page includes broader road, flood, land-use, topographic and government layers.
What a Bradford County Property Record Means
| Record field | What it tells you | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Parcel ID | The Property Appraiser’s identifying number for the parcel. | Use it when contacting the Appraiser, Tax Collector or VAB Clerk. |
| Owner name | The ownership name carried in the assessment database. | Compare it with the latest deed recorded by the County Clerk. |
| Mailing address | The address used for assessment and tax correspondence. | It may differ from the parcel’s physical location. |
| Situs address | The physical address associated with the parcel. | Vacant and rural property may not display a normal street address. |
| Legal description | An abbreviated description used in the assessment system. | Use the recorded deed for the complete legal description. |
| Just value | The Property Appraiser’s estimate of market value as of January 1. | Check the correct assessment year and property characteristics. |
| Assessed value | The value after applicable assessment limitations such as Save Our Homes. | It may be lower than just value for a qualified homestead. |
| Taxable value | The value remaining after applicable exemptions. | School and non-school taxable values can differ. |
| Exemptions | Homestead, veteran, disability, widow, widower, senior or other approved benefits. | Confirm that the expected exemption appears for the correct year. |
| Land information | Land size, use code, agricultural treatment and related appraisal data. | Check acreage, use and whether agricultural classification remains active. |
| Building details | Structures, square footage, age, quality, use and related characteristics. | Look for additions, removals, damage or incorrect measurements. |
| Sales history | Recorded transfers associated with the parcel. | Not every recorded transfer represents an arm’s-length market sale. |
| Taxing district | The combination of county, school, city and water-management rates applied to the parcel. | Confirm city limits and the correct water-management district. |
Three-part account audit
Name and mailing address
Compare the owner and mailing address with the latest recorded deed and your current contact information.
Land and buildings
Check land size, building area, condition, use, additions, demolitions and agricultural classification.
Assessment and exemptions
Review just value, assessed value, taxable value, exemptions and the parcel’s taxing district.
Property Appraiser vs Tax Collector vs County Clerk
| Your question | Correct office | What that office handles |
|---|---|---|
| What is my parcel’s assessed value? | Property Appraiser | Just value, assessed value, property characteristics and exemptions. |
| Why is my building size or land use wrong? | Property Appraiser | Assessment-record corrections and physical property data. |
| Was my homestead application approved? | Property Appraiser | Homestead, portability, veteran, disability and other exemptions. |
| How do I challenge the assessed value? | Property Appraiser, then VAB | Discuss the value first; file a timely VAB petition when unresolved. |
| How much property tax do I owe? | Tax Collector | Tax bills, current balances, discounts, payments and delinquency. |
| Did my online payment post? | Tax Collector | Payment processing, receipts and tax-account balances. |
| Where can I verify a deed or mortgage? | County Clerk | Recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, judgments and plats. |
| Where do I file a VAB petition? | VAB Clerk through the County Clerk | Petition intake, deadlines, filing fee, scheduling and hearing records. |
| Can the GIS map establish my property line? | No | Use recorded documents and a qualified surveyor. |
Bradford County Homestead and Property-Tax Exemptions
Florida homestead exemption can reduce the taxable value of a permanent residence by up to $50,000. The first $25,000 generally applies to all property taxes. The additional portion applies to assessed value above $50,000 and does not apply to school taxes.
Homestead exemption
For an owner who holds legal or equitable title and uses the property as a permanent Florida residence.
- Own the qualifying interest by January 1.
- Occupy the home as the permanent residence.
- Apply by the March 1 deadline.
- Provide identity and residency evidence.
Homestead portability
Qualified owners moving from a prior Florida homestead may apply to transfer part of their Save Our Homes assessment difference.
- File the new homestead application.
- Complete portability Form DR-501T.
- Provide the prior parcel information.
- List the former homestead owners.
Age 65 and older
A local-option exemption may be available to qualifying seniors who meet ownership, residence and household-income requirements.
- Be at least 65.
- Hold title to the homestead.
- Meet the current income limit.
- File the required income statement.
Veteran exemptions
Benefits can include a $5,000 exemption, a combat-related discount for certain veterans age 65 or older, or a full exemption for qualifying total and permanent disability.
Review veteran requirements →Disability and blindness
Florida provides exemptions for qualifying disability, blindness and certain total and permanent disabilities.
- Obtain the required certification.
- Confirm Florida residency.
- Review income limits when applicable.
- Apply by the stated deadline.
Widow or widower
A qualifying permanent Florida resident may apply for the statutory widow or widower exemption.
- Provide marital-status information.
- Supply a death certificate when requested.
- Confirm the applicant has not remarried.
- File through the Property Appraiser.
Bradford County Agricultural Classification
Agricultural classification is available only when land is used primarily for bona fide commercial agricultural purposes. Agricultural zoning alone does not automatically qualify the land.
Basic qualification check
- The agricultural use exists on or before January 1.
- The use is commercial and conducted in good faith.
- The application is filed by March 1.
- Supporting records establish the actual use.
- The owner responds to additional information requests.
Evidence to prepare
- Lease or farm-management agreements.
- Livestock, crop or timber records.
- Sales, expense and income documents.
- Photographs and property-use maps.
- Acreage devoted to each activity.
Bradford County Tangible Personal Property Returns
Tangible personal property includes furniture, fixtures, tools, machinery, signs, equipment, supplies, leasehold improvements and other assets used in a business or to earn income.
How to Pay Bradford County Property Taxes
The Property Appraiser determines assessed values. The Bradford County Tax Collector issues and collects property-tax bills.
Bradford County payment discounts and delinquency
How Bradford County Millage Rates Work
Florida property-tax rates are expressed in mills. One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. The taxing district depends on the parcel’s city and water-management jurisdiction.
| Taxing authority | Current posted millage | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Bradford County | 10.0000 | Countywide component. |
| Public Schools | 5.3660 | Countywide school component. |
| City of Brooker | 0.2370 | Added for qualifying property inside Brooker. |
| City of Hampton | 2.0623 | Added for qualifying property inside Hampton. |
| City of Lawtey | 2.2512 | Added for qualifying property inside Lawtey. |
| City of Starke | 4.3879 | Added for qualifying property inside Starke. |
| St. Johns River WMD | 0.1793 | Applies to the applicable portion of Bradford County. |
| Suwannee River WMD | 0.2812 | Applies to most of Bradford County. |
Basic Florida tax-estimate formula
Estimated tax = taxable value ÷ 1,000 × total applicable millage.
Use the parcel’s taxable value and taxing district. School and non-school taxable values may differ because the second portion of the homestead exemption does not apply to school taxes.
View official millage pageBradford County Property-Tax Dates to Watch
How to Challenge a Bradford County Property Assessment
Florida owners normally receive a Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, commonly called a TRIM notice. The notice shows the current value, exemptions, proposed taxes, public-hearing information and the VAB filing deadline.
Evidence that can help
- Comparable arm’s-length sales near January 1.
- Dated photographs of damage or poor condition.
- Inspection reports and contractor estimates.
- Evidence of incorrect building or land data.
- Comparable assessment records.
- Documents proving exemption eligibility.
Arguments needing more support
- “My tax bill is too high” without a valuation issue.
- A mortgage balance or personal financial hardship.
- An automated estimate without comparable analysis.
- A family transfer treated as an open-market sale.
- A parcel map used as legal boundary evidence.
- Repairs completed after January 1 without prior-condition evidence.
How to Search Bradford County Deeds and Liens
The Bradford County Clerk records and indexes deeds, mortgages, liens, contracts, affidavits, subdivision plats, judgments, declarations and other Official Records.
What to Check Before and After Buying Property
Before buying
- Match the parcel ID with the deed description.
- Review just, assessed and taxable values.
- Check land and building characteristics.
- Review current and delinquent taxes.
- Do not assume the seller’s exemptions transfer.
After closing
- Confirm the deed was recorded.
- Watch for the ownership update.
- Update the mailing address.
- Apply for homestead by March 1 when eligible.
- File portability forms when moving a Florida homestead.
For agricultural property
- Do not assume the prior classification transfers.
- File a new agricultural application.
- Maintain bona fide commercial use.
- Keep leases, sales and production records.
- Report a change in use or ownership.
Common Bradford County Property Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Possible reason | Best next action |
|---|---|---|
| No owner-name result | The database uses an estate, trust, company, spouse or previous owner name. | Search one surname, remove punctuation and try the parcel address. |
| No address result | The situs address is abbreviated, rural or unavailable. | Search by owner or parcel ID and then use the GIS map. |
| New owner is not listed | The deed was recently recorded and has not completed the assessment-update process. | Verify recording with the Clerk and provide the instrument information to the Appraiser. |
| Homestead is missing | The application is pending, incomplete, denied or connected to another parcel. | Contact the exemption staff with the parcel ID and filing information. |
| Agricultural classification disappeared | Ownership changed, the required application was not filed or the land use no longer qualifies. | Read the denial notice immediately and discuss the classification with the Appraiser. |
| Building details are wrong | An addition, removal, damage, demolition or measurement change has not been reflected. | Provide photographs, permits, plans or other evidence supporting the correction. |
| Tax payment is not showing | Processor delay, wrong parcel, rejected payment or wrong tax year. | Keep the receipt and contact the Tax Collector before paying again. |
| Online tax payment is unavailable | The portal states online payments are limited to current-year bills. | Contact the Tax Collector for delinquent or prior-year payment instructions. |
| Parcel line appears incorrect | GIS approximation, deed discrepancy, parcel split or survey issue. | Compare the deed, plat and survey; do not rely on the GIS line alone. |
| VAB deadline is unclear | Valuation, exemption and classification petitions have different deadlines. | Use the deadline on the notice and call the VAB Clerk immediately. |
Bradford County Property Office Contacts
Property Appraiser
945 North Temple AvenueSuite A
Starke, FL 32091
Property Appraiser: Kenny Clark, CFA
Phone: (904) 966-6216
Fax: (904) 966-6167
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Mail:
P.O. Box 250
Starke, FL 32091
Tax Collector
945 North Temple AvenueSuite B
Starke, FL 32091-0969
Tax Collector: Teresa G. Phillips, CFC
Taxes: (904) 966-6246
Main office: (904) 966-6235
Email: tax@bradfordcountyfl.gov
Hours:
Regular office: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Driver license: 8:00 a.m.–4:15 p.m.
County Clerk and VAB Clerk
945 North Temple AvenueStarke, FL 32091
Clerk: Denny Thompson
Main phone: (904) 966-6280
Official Records: (904) 966-6283
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Mail:
P.O. Drawer B
Starke, FL 32091
Bradford County Property Checklist
For a property-record search
- Search by parcel ID, owner or property address.
- Confirm the correct assessment year.
- Match the situs and legal description.
- Review just, assessed and taxable values.
- Check land and building characteristics.
- Confirm exemptions and taxing district.
- Save a dated copy of the record.
For an exemption, payment or appeal
- Identify the exact parcel and tax year.
- Read the official deadline.
- Use the correct Florida office.
- Download a current state form.
- Attach focused supporting documents.
- Save proof of filing or payment.
- Verify the final account after processing.
Bradford County Property Appraiser FAQs
1. Does Bradford County, Florida have a Central Appraisal District?
2. Is the Bradford County property search free?
3. What is the best way to find a Bradford County parcel?
4. Who determines Bradford County property values?
5. What is the Bradford County homestead exemption deadline?
6. Does agricultural classification transfer to a new owner?
7. When is a tangible personal property return due?
8. What is the deadline to challenge a Bradford County property value?
9. When do Bradford County property taxes become delinquent?
10. Can the Bradford County GIS map be used as a survey?
Estimate Taxes, Exemptions, Escrow, Protest Savings and Next Steps
This sitewide tool helps homeowners, buyers, sellers and investors understand property tax numbers before they check the official county appraisal district or tax office. It runs in your browser, does not collect personal data and gives practical next steps after each calculation.
What are you trying to do today?
Choose your main goal. The tool will guide you to the right calculation or next step.
Use Tax, Exemption and Protest tabs to understand your appraisal notice and possible savings.
Use Buyer Budget and Monthly Escrow before relying only on a mortgage payment estimate.
Property Tax Estimate Calculator
Estimate annual tax using property value, assessment ratio, exemptions and local tax rate.
Homestead and Exemption Savings
Estimate how much a homestead, senior, disabled, veteran or local exemption may reduce annual tax.
Monthly Escrow / Ownership Cost
Estimate monthly property tax, insurance, HOA and reserve cushion. Useful for buyers and homeowners comparing affordability.
Property Tax Protest Savings
Estimate possible savings if your appraised value is reduced after a protest, evidence review or correction.
Appraised Value Growth / Cap Impact
Estimate how a value increase or appraisal cap may affect taxable value. Rules vary by state, county and exemption status.
Home Buyer Monthly Budget Estimate
Estimate a more realistic monthly ownership cost by adding mortgage, property tax, insurance and HOA.
Find Official County CAD and Tax Resources
Enter county and state to create safe search links. This avoids guessing official URLs and helps users find the correct county appraisal district, property search, tax payment and exemption pages.
Why this tool helps your site
It gives visitors an interactive reason to stay on the page, calculate their own numbers and move from general reading to practical action.
Best placement
- Below county CAD articles
- Before FAQ section on long posts
- Inside sidebar or after first major section on desktop
Estimate disclaimer
Values are educational estimates. Visitors should confirm final values, exemptions, tax rates, payment status and deadlines with official county resources.