Mission Statement
We are committed to providing the citizens of Suwannee County
and the local and state agencies for which we collect taxes
with courteous, professional, accurate and efficient service,
while providing and 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 Suwannee 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 Suwannee 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, 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 distributing taxes,
from information provided on the annual tax roll, which is provided by
the Property Appraiser's Office. The Ad Valorem tax roll consists of
real estate taxes and tangible personal property taxes. The Non- Ad
valorem tax roll is prepared and provided to the Board of County
Commissioners by the Tax Collector's Office. Non-Ad Valorem assessments
are primarily assessments for fire services and solid waste collection and
disposal. 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. These taxes are collected, beginning
November 1st each year, and become delinquent April 1st. Discounts are
given for early payment.
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. You may download
the application, or stop by the Main Office and pick them
up. For more information please call the Main Office, 386-364-3440.
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 Suwannee 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.
PRIVILEGE TAX COLLECTIONS
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 around 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.
Driver License
As an agent for The
Department of Highway Safety, Driver License Division,
we are a full service drivers license office. All Driver License
services are provided, except m/c skill test. Road test can
be made by appointment M-F by calling 386-362-5550. An additional
service fee of $5.25 is charged for this service.
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 disbursement of this tax, along with a
1% surtax, imposed on Suwannee County residents. The surtax
is 1% 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
386-362-2816 (Tags) and 386-364-3440 (Taxes) or you may e-mail
us at agency3101@dmv.hsmv.state.fl.us.
Office Locations, Phone Numbers, and Hours
Suwannee County Tax Collector
215 Pine Ave. SW, Suite A
Live Oak, Fl 32064-2314
Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
1st and 3rd Tuesday each month
Branford Town Hall
1:00pm - 4:30 pm
386-935-1146
Phone
Numbers
E-MAIL ADDRESSES
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