If you’ve ever looked at a home online and wondered why the property taxes seemed surprisingly low, you’re not alone. Beginning in 2027, Florida is taking steps to make those tax estimates much more accurate, giving buyers a clearer picture of what homeownership will actually cost.

This is a welcome change, especially in competitive markets like Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, and throughout Broward County, where property values have changed dramatically over the past several years.

Why the Current System Can Be Misleading

Many real estate websites currently display the property taxes paid by the current owner. While that information is technically accurate, it often doesn’t reflect what a new buyer will pay after purchasing the home.

In Florida, a property’s assessed value is typically reset after a sale. That means the new owner’s tax bill can increase significantly, particularly if the seller owned the home for many years and benefited from Save Our Homes assessment limits or homestead exemptions.

For example:

• A homeowner who purchased a property 20 years ago may be paying taxes based on a much lower assessed value.
• A buyer purchasing that same home at today’s market price could owe substantially more in annual property taxes.

Unfortunately, many buyers don’t realize this until after they’re under contract or even after closing.

What’s Changing?

A new Florida law will require online residential real estate listing platforms that choose to display estimated property taxes to calculate those estimates using a standardized method based on:

• The home’s listing price
• Information provided by the Florida Department of Revenue

The law takes effect on February 1, 2027.

If a listing website chooses not to display an estimated property tax amount, it will no longer be allowed to simply show the seller’s current tax bill. Instead, it must direct consumers to the county property appraiser’s tax estimator or website.

Why This Matters for Buyers

Buying a home is about more than the purchase price.

Monthly ownership costs include:

• Property taxes
• Homeowners insurance
• HOA or condo fees
• Maintenance
• Utilities

Having a more realistic estimate of future property taxes helps buyers:

• Build a more accurate monthly budget.
• Avoid unpleasant surprises after closing.
• Compare homes more fairly.
• Make more informed purchasing decisions.

That’s especially important in South Florida, where two homes with similar asking prices can have very different tax histories.

What I Tell My Clients

Even with this new law, I encourage every buyer to verify future property taxes before making an offer.

When I’m working with buyers in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, or anywhere in Broward County, we discuss:

• Whether the property currently has a Homestead Exemption
• How long the seller has owned the property
• How the sale price may affect the future assessed value
• Estimated annual taxes after closing

Those conversations help eliminate surprises and give buyers confidence throughout the transaction.

The Bottom Line

Florida’s new law is a positive step toward greater transparency in real estate. Buyers deserve realistic information when making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

While standardized tax estimates won’t replace personalized advice, they should make online listings much more helpful and reduce confusion for future homeowners.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, or the surrounding area, I’d be happy to help you understand not just the purchase price, but the full cost of homeownership before you make an offer.

Source: WFTV Channel 9 Eyewitness News, “Florida law change will standardize property tax estimates in online listings.”