Are Property Taxes High in Brevard County, Florida?

If you’re considering buying a home in Brevard County, Florida, one of the most common questions is: Are property taxes high in Brevard County? Whether you’re relocating to the Space Coast, investing in waterfront property, or purchasing your first home in Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Viera, or Satellite Beach, understanding Brevard County property tax rates is essential for smart financial planning.

Brevard County Property Tax Rates: How Do They Compare?

Brevard County has a median effective property tax rate of 0.95%, which is lower than the Florida state average of 1.10% and below the U.S. average of 1.02%. On average, homeowners here pay around $2,198 annually in property taxes, roughly $200 less than the national median.

Here’s what that means for buyers:

• A $300,000 home in Brevard County = approx. $4,681 in annual property taxes before exemptions.
• Local variation matters. In Barefoot Bay, property taxes can reach 1.56%, while in Malabar, they may be as low as 0.73%.
• Popular areas like Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Melbourne Beach, and Viera fall in the middle range.

For those relocating to the Space Coast, this balance of affordable housing costs plus moderate property taxes is a major draw compared to high-tax coastal regions in South Florida.

Why Property Taxes in Brevard Can Feel “High” for New Buyers

Even though Brevard County has competitive tax rates, new homeowners often experience “sticker shock.” Here’s why:

1. Save Our Homes (SOH) Cap – Homestead properties have a 3% annual cap on increases, keeping long-term owners’ bills stable.
2. Reset at Sale – When a property sells, the taxable value resets to the purchase price. This means new buyers often pay much more than the previous owner.
3. Portability – Existing Florida homeowners can transfer (or “port”) their SOH savings, but newcomers moving from out of state can’t.

With property values in Brevard County rising 7.19% between 2024–2025, this reset has an even bigger impact on buyers in hot markets like Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island waterfront homes, and Viera new construction communities.

Challenges Homeowners and Investors Face

• New buyer sticker shock: Taxes often double after a purchase.
• Millage rate confusion: Each city and district sets its own tax rate.
• Retiree stress: Seniors on fixed incomes struggle despite exemptions.
• Investor uncertainty: Rental yields can shrink if property taxes reset higher.

On forums like Reddit, new buyers in Palm Bay and Titusville often vent frustration: “The previous owners paid $1,800; after buying, my taxes jumped to $3,200.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Managing Brevard Property Taxes

If you’re planning to buy a home in Brevard County, here’s how to take control of your tax bill:

1. Research your neighborhood’s tax rates

• Use the Brevard County Property Appraiser’s calculator.
• Compare rates in Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Melbourne, Viera, Rockledge, Palm Bay, and Indialantic.

1. Estimate post-sale taxes

• Remember: your taxes reset at the purchase price.
• Example: $350,000 Cocoa Beach home at 0.95% = $3,325 per year (before exemptions).

1. Apply for exemptions

• File for the Florida Homestead Exemption.
• Explore senior, veteran, disability, and widow(er) exemptions.

1. Pay smart

• Property taxes in Brevard are due March 31.
• Save money by paying early (up to 4% discount) or choose quarterly installment plans.

1. Appeal your TRIM notice

• Each August, review your TRIM notice.
• You can appeal if you think your assessed value is too high.

1. Consider investor and business abatements

• Certain businesses and new construction projects may qualify for property tax abatements.

Are Property Taxes in Brevard County Really “High”?

The truth: Brevard County property taxes are lower than most of Florida and the national average. Compared to high-tax areas like Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward, Brevard is significantly more affordable.

However, if you’re a new buyer relocating to Cocoa Beach or Merritt Island, your taxes will likely be higher than the seller’s due to the assessment reset. Long-term residents benefit from Florida’s Save Our Homes cap, which keeps increases modest.

For buyers moving to the Space Coast, this means budgeting carefully for your first tax bill while enjoying one of Florida’s best blends of affordable property taxes, strong schools, waterfront living, and a family-friendly coastal lifestyle.

SEO Takeaways for Buyers and Relocators

• Brevard County property taxes are competitive statewide.
• Are property taxes high in Brevard County? Not compared to South Florida.
• Homestead Exemption Florida is the #1 way to save money.
• Save Our Homes Brevard County caps increases but resets for new buyers.
• Brevard property tax calculator 2025 is essential for accurate estimates.
• Popular search areas: Cocoa Beach Homes For Sale, Merritt Island waterfront homes, Viera new construction, Melbourne Beach real estate.

Final Word

For anyone buying, selling, or investing in Brevard County real estate, property taxes are a critical piece of the puzzle. The good news? Compared to much of Florida and the U.S., Brevard County property taxes are affordable. With the right exemptions, planning, and knowledge, you can enjoy the benefits of Space Coast living—whether it’s a luxury Cocoa Beach condo, a Merritt Island waterfront estate, or a family home in Viera—without being overwhelmed by property taxes.

👉 Ready to learn more about homes for sale in Brevard County, Florida and how property taxes will affect your move? Contact me, Carrie Liotta, Space Coast Realtor, your local guide to Brevard waterfront homes, luxury properties, and relocation planning.

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