Destin property tax: where it goes
A Destin house pays 1.179% of its taxable value in property tax. For a house at $490,300 of market value with the homestead exemption, that's about $5,316 a year.
Tax is levied on assessed value set by the Okaloosa County Property Appraiser, less exemptions; after a home's first homestead year its assessment cannot rise more than 3% or the change in CPI, whichever is less (Save Our Homes).
The Okaloosa County Property Appraiser and Tax Collector 2026 millage tables could not be read (the appraiser's site blocks scripted access), and the School District's site could not be read. The school rate (5.3270 mills) is the one the City of Destin's adopted FY 2027 budget lists among 2026 proposed rates (Sept. 1, 2026); a final rate cannot be higher than the proposed one. The City (1.6150), County (3.8308), Destin Fire Control District (1.0000) and NWFWMD (0.0201) rates are from their adopted FY 2026-27 budgets.
Who taxes this house
| Taxing agency | Rate | On $490,300 |
|---|---|---|
| City of Destin (FY 2026-27) | 0.1615% | $709 |
| Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (countywide) | 0.3831% | $1,681 |
| Okaloosa County School District (required local effort, discretionary operating and capital outlay) (schools) | 0.5327% | $2,479 |
| Destin Fire Control District (firefighters, lifeguards, EMS) | 0.1% | $439 |
| Northwest Florida Water Management District | 0.002% | $9 |
| Total | 1.179% | $5,316 |
2026 tax year (FY 2026-27): City of Destin, Okaloosa County, Destin Fire Control District and NWFWMD adopted rates; School District rate as listed in the City's FY 2027 budget. Exemptions applied: Homestead exemption (first $25,000) ($25,000); Additional homestead exemption (up to $26,411, on value between $50,000 and $75,000) ($26,411).
Ways to pay less
- Low income: no garbage fee. Destin residents whose gross household income for the prior year is 150% or less of the federal poverty guideline may qualify for an exemption from paying for garbage service at their principal residence. How: Submit the City's notarized income exemption application with proof of income. Renewal is not automatic: reapply between January 1 and March 15 each year.
- Pay your tax bill in November. The Okaloosa County Tax Collector gives 4% off for paying in November, 3% in December, 2% in January and 1% in February; the gross amount is due by March 31. How: Pay in November for the largest discount.
- Quarterly installment plan. Taxpayers whose estimated taxes are over $100 and not paid through escrow can pay in four installments; the first installment is discounted 6% if postmarked by June 30. How: Return the Installment Plan application to the Okaloosa County Tax Collector before May 1.
- Totally and permanently disabled, blind, widows and widowers: $5,000 exemption. Florida exempts $5,000 of property value for every widow, widower, blind person, or totally and permanently disabled person who is a Florida resident; quadriplegics, and some wheelchair users and legally blind owners under the income limit, pay no property tax on their homestead. How: Apply with the county property appraiser.
- Veterans with a service-connected disability: exemptions. Honorably discharged Florida veterans disabled 10% or more may get a $5,000 reduction in assessed value; those with a service-connected total and permanent disability may be exempt from all property taxes on their homestead. How: File the required forms and applications with the county property appraiser.
Dates
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Nov 1 (in 10 days) | Property tax statements are mailed on or before November 1; paying in November takes 4% off (3% in December, 2% in January, 1% in February). |
| Jan 1 – Mar 15 | Window each year to renew Destin's low-income exemption from garbage collection fees. |
| Mar 1 | Deadline to submit the homestead exemption application (Form DR-501) to the county property appraiser for that tax year. |
| Mar 31 | The gross property tax amount is due. |
| Apr 1 | Real estate taxes become delinquent on April 1 of each year. |
| Before May 1 | Installment Plan application forms are due to the Tax Collector's office prior to May 1 (in the office or online). |
Pay or manage it
Sources
- City of Destin FY 2027 adopted budget (millage rates)
- City of Destin: income exemption from solid waste collection fees
- Okaloosa County Tax Collector: Real Estate Taxes
- Florida Department of Revenue PT-113: homestead exemption
- Florida Department of Revenue PT-111: other property tax benefits
- Pinellas County Property Appraiser: homestead exemption (2026 amount)
Checked October 21, 2026. Every number here comes from the public sources listed, matched by our checker.
Rates change every year; this page shows when it was last checked. Nothing here is legal, tax or insurance advice.