Sumter County tax bill received today

[Tvflguy]

Held my breath opening the envelope. Exhaled as I saw tax bill was $18.00 more than last years. Phew.

We payed our bond off a couple years ago so only had the “maintenance”’ $498.

Fire Assessment $125.

Considering current inflation going on, I’m OK…

[Bill14564]

My decrease in property tax was canceled by an increase in maintenance. Then the school tax increase raised my overall payment by about $200.

[golfing eagles]

Held my breath opening the envelope. Exhaled as I saw tax bill was $18.00 more than last years. Phew.

We payed our bond off a couple years ago so only had the “maintenance”’ $498.

Fire Assessment $125.

Considering current inflation going on, I’m OK…

Pretty lucky---mine went up $260, almost all attributable to increase in school tax.

[New Englander]

Mine went up $62. :shrug:

[Gpsma]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.

[Byte1]

Mine went up only $97+ from last year. At least I saved much more than that by cutting the cable and switching my Internet service. Save more than that in one month. But, no one enjoys seeing their taxes go up and up every year. Still waiting for ribeye steaks to return to a normal price.

[golfing eagles]

Mine went up only $97+ from last year. At least I saved much more than that by cutting the cable and switching my Internet service. Save more than that in one month. But, no one enjoys seeing their taxes go up and up every year. Still waiting for ribeye steaks to return to a normal price.

It's not so much that taxes go up, it's more about what they're used for.

[Tvflguy]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.

C’mon!!!! Why must people be so crabby here???
Personally I’m so tired of posts as this.
I saw nothing whiney or worried…

[thelegges]

2 of our TV houses, both taxes went up $265, and $387.

Bonus on New build, taxes are on dirt, so win win for this year, next year :cry:

[dewilson58]

I can't do math.

[cjrjck]

What a nice situation for Sumter County and to a lesser extent Lake and Marion counties to be in. Large percentage of the real estate tax base (especially Sumter County) comprised of households that by decree cannot have school age children. Might also explain Wildwood's city limits. Don't blame them. Money is tight everywhere. Hope they spend it wisely.

[Stu from NYC]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.

If you are not interested why not scroll on by

[Randall55]

What a nice situation for Sumter County and to a lesser extent Lake and Marion counties to be in. Large percentage of the real estate tax base (especially Sumter County) comprised of households that by decree cannot have school age children. Might also explain Wildwood's city limits. Don't blame them. Money is tight everywhere. Hope they spend it wisely.
I was pondering the same. Why did school taxes go up when 70-80% of the tax base do not have children? If you take into account the Developer built three new schools at no charge, it makes less sense. Maybe, they are upgrading/remodeling the older schools? Maybe, more children have moved into the area? Quite a bit of apartments, townhomes, and subdivisions have been built.

[Chi-Town]

$127.00 increase. Just a trifle compared to the increases before moving here.

[Sabella]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.

There’s a lot I could say to you, but I will. I don’t want to get banned from the website again.

[Sabella]

There’s a lot I could say to you, but I will. I don’t want to get banned from the website again.

Correction, there is a lot I could say to you but I won’t. I don’t wanna get banned from this website again.

[Robnlaura]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.
No we don’t need halal anything that’s a fact

[Dond1959]

I was pondering the same. Why did school taxes go up when 70-80% of the tax base do not have children? If you take into account the Developer built three new schools at no charge, it makes less sense. Maybe, they are upgrading/remodeling the older schools? Maybe, more children have moved into the area? Quite a bit of apartments, townhomes, and subdivisions have been built.

I thought the same thing. But someone told me the school board actually has lease payments for charter schools in Florida. I contacted a school board member to verify. As required by Florida law school boards have to make lease payments for charter school facilities. So new facilities will have new costs even for charter schools.

Here is the response I received:

Good afternoon. I’ve been asked to respond to your inquiry about lease payments to the Villages Charter-In-The-Workplace, a unique public charter school housed in Sumter- and one of the best Charters in the nation.
School districts in Florida are funded through a combination of state revenues and local taxes. Using an equalization formula required by the state of Florida, about 90% of our operating budget comes from local property taxes.
As way of brief explanation, all districts in Florida receive roughly the same dollar amount per student. However, the source of those funds come from a combination of both state and local taxes. Statewide, as a county’s property values increase then a bigger proportionate share comes from local tax revenue, even though the overall amount stays relatively constant per student. Therefore, Florida’s equalization model for student funding is relatively identical across the state with some state determined cost of living adjustments- it is just the source of those funds can come from mostly the state or mostly local taxes. This formula is determined at the state level and is applied based on the state’s adopted funding formula in any particular year.
Florida Statute requires districts to share both operational funds and capital funds with Charter schools, each having their respective expenditure restrictions. Therefore, in addition to the per-student funds from the state, all school districts share capital funds with Charter Schools in some way. Unlike the above mentioned Required Local Effort, the school district does have some limited flexibility in determining revenue for capital expenditures.
Based on an agreement between the School Board and our Villages Charter School, those capital payments to the charter school are in the form of a lease agreement based on an agreed-to percentage reflecting overall student enrollment. The payments are used for capital needs, and in this case, they are used to pay the facility lease for the Charter.
The permissible uses of capital outlay funds by charter schools are:
• Purchase of real property
• Construction of school facilities
• Purchase, lease-purchase, or lease of permanent or relocatable school facilities
• Purchase of vehicles to transport students to and from the charter school
• Renovation, repair, and maintenance of school facilities that the charter school owns or is purchasing through a lease-purchase or long-term lease of 5 years or longer
• Purchase, lease-purchase, or lease of computer and devise hardware and operating system software necessary for gaining access to or enhancing the use of electronic and digital instructional content and resources; and enterprise resource software applications that are classified as capital assets in accordance with definitions of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, have a useful life of at least five years, and are used to support school-wide administration or state-mandated reporting requirements. Enterprise resource software may be acquired by annual license fees, maintenance fees, or lease agreement.
• Payment of the cost of premiums for property and casualty insurance for the school facilities
• Purchase, lease-purchase, or lease of driver's education vehicles, maintenance vehicles or equipment, security vehicles, or vehicles used in storing or distributing materials and equipment.
• Payment of the cost of opening day collection for the library media center of a new school
Frequently Asked Questions (https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/charter-schools/charter-school-faqs.stml)
In response to your specific inquiry about paying a lease, I would refer you to a U.S. Department of Education March 23, 2020 report on Charter School Facilities that states:
“Nationally, roughly 25% of charter schools are located in district or government facilities, 25% own their own buildings, and 50% rent space on the private market”

https://charterschoolcenter.ed.gov/sites/default/files/upload/reports/Charter-School-Facilities-Emerging-Trends.pdf
School funding in Florida is complicated and is based on function/object budgeting, including lease payments I hope this helps clarify. Thanks for your inquiry. Feel free to contact us anytime.

[rochellepfaff]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.
Why do you have to be so nasty? I didn't see any whining. He was only stating that he had a small increase. And just because he lives in The Villages doesn't mean he isn't on a tight budget.
Maybe you could try to be nice once in a while.

[GizmoWhiskers]

I can't do math.
Lol.

I eat paste.

[charlie1]

As way of brief explanation, all districts in Florida receive roughly the same dollar amount per student. However, the source of those funds come from a combination of both state and local taxes. Statewide, as a county’s property values increase then a bigger proportionate share comes from local tax revenue, even though the overall amount stays relatively constant per student. Therefore, Florida’s equalization model for student funding is relatively identical across the state with some state determined cost of living adjustments- it is just the source of those funds can come from mostly the state or mostly local taxes. This formula is determined at the state level and is applied based on the state’s adopted funding formula in any particular year.


I remember this being very controversial when it was passed many years ago in Florida. It was meant to give all students in the state the same opportunity for a quality education no matter where they lived. Prior, the "richer" districts had the most money to spend on education while the "poorer" districts struggled to meet the minimum requirements. I don't know the numbers but I would guess that based on the tax base and the population of school age children in Sumter County, the school district here gets a much smaller state payment than most school districts in the state. Unfortunately, the difference in cost per child then has to be paid by the Sumter County tax payers. That's just the way it is. I am just glad we have GREAT SCHOOLS in this area! This is not true in a lot of Florida who have the same amount to spend per student!

[GizmoWhiskers]

Why do you have to be so nasty? I didn't see any whining. He was only stating that he had a small increase. And just because he lives in The Villages doesn't mean he isn't on a tight budget.
Maybe you could try to be nice once in a while.
Agree, people on here are often quite mean. I guess they have too much time on their hands or were never taught how to play nice.

[GizmoWhiskers]

Correction, there is a lot I could say to you but I won’t. I don’t wanna get banned from this website again.
Yep... gotta tread lightly.

[ThirdOfFive]

If you are not interested why not scroll on by
Ditto.

[Altavia]

I thought the same thing. But someone told me the school board actually has lease payments for charter schools in Florida. I contacted a school board member to verify. As required by Florida law school boards have to make lease payments for charter school facilities. So new facilities will have new costs even for charter schools.

Here is the response I received:

Good afternoon. I’ve been asked to respond to your inquiry about lease payments to the Villages Charter-In-The-Workplace, a unique public charter school housed in Sumter- and one of the best Charters in the nation.
School districts in Florida are funded through a combination of state revenues and local taxes. Using an equalization formula required by the state of Florida, about 90% of our operating budget comes from local property taxes.
As way of brief explanation, all districts in Florida receive roughly the same dollar amount per student. However, the source of those funds come from a combination of both state and local taxes. Statewide, as a county’s property values increase then a bigger proportionate share comes from local tax revenue, even though the overall amount stays relatively constant per student. Therefore, Florida’s equalization model for student funding is relatively identical across the state with some state determined cost of living adjustments- it is just the source of those funds can come from mostly the state or mostly local taxes. This formula is determined at the state level and is applied based on the state’s adopted funding formula in any particular year.
Florida Statute requires districts to share both operational funds and capital funds with Charter schools, each having their respective expenditure restrictions. Therefore, in addition to the per-student funds from the state, all school districts share capital funds with Charter Schools in some way. Unlike the above mentioned Required Local Effort, the school district does have some limited flexibility in determining revenue for capital expenditures.
Based on an agreement between the School Board and our Villages Charter School, those capital payments to the charter school are in the form of a lease agreement based on an agreed-to percentage reflecting overall student enrollment. The payments are used for capital needs, and in this case, they are used to pay the facility lease for the Charter.
The permissible uses of capital outlay funds by charter schools are:
• Purchase of real property
• Construction of school facilities
• Purchase, lease-purchase, or lease of permanent or relocatable school facilities
• Purchase of vehicles to transport students to and from the charter school
• Renovation, repair, and maintenance of school facilities that the charter school owns or is purchasing through a lease-purchase or long-term lease of 5 years or longer
• Purchase, lease-purchase, or lease of computer and devise hardware and operating system software necessary for gaining access to or enhancing the use of electronic and digital instructional content and resources; and enterprise resource software applications that are classified as capital assets in accordance with definitions of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, have a useful life of at least five years, and are used to support school-wide administration or state-mandated reporting requirements. Enterprise resource software may be acquired by annual license fees, maintenance fees, or lease agreement.
• Payment of the cost of premiums for property and casualty insurance for the school facilities
• Purchase, lease-purchase, or lease of driver's education vehicles, maintenance vehicles or equipment, security vehicles, or vehicles used in storing or distributing materials and equipment.
• Payment of the cost of opening day collection for the library media center of a new school
Frequently Asked Questions (https://www.fldoe.org/schools/school-choice/charter-schools/charter-school-faqs.stml)
In response to your specific inquiry about paying a lease, I would refer you to a U.S. Department of Education March 23, 2020 report on Charter School Facilities that states:
“Nationally, roughly 25% of charter schools are located in district or government facilities, 25% own their own buildings, and 50% rent space on the private market”

https://charterschoolcenter.ed.gov/sites/default/files/upload/reports/Charter-School-Facilities-Emerging-Trends.pdf
School funding in Florida is complicated and is based on function/object budgeting, including lease payments I hope this helps clarify. Thanks for your inquiry. Feel free to contact us anytime.

Very pleased purchasing a home here and our tax dollars help make best in class education possible.

The Villages Charter-In-The-Workplace, a unique public charter school housed in Sumter- and one of the best Charters in the nation.

[ThirdOfFive]

I remember this being very controversial when it was passed many years ago in Florida. It was meant to give all students in the state the same opportunity for a quality education no matter where they lived. Prior, the "richer" districts had the most money to spend on education while the "poorer" districts struggled to meet the minimum requirements. I don't know the numbers but I would guess that based on the tax base and the population of school age children in Sumter County, the school district here gets a much smaller state payment than most school districts in the state. Unfortunately, the difference in cost per child then has to be paid by the Sumter County tax payers. That's just the way it is. I am just glad we have GREAT SCHOOLS in this area! This is not true in a lot of Florida who have the same amount to spend per student!
Agreed. And I'd add that those great schools consistently rank 95% - 96% and above when compared to both other charter schools and all other public schools nationally.

The importance of this cannot be overestimated. TV is growing (really!!) and people are needed to work in the service industries catering to us geezers. The charter schools here are available to children of people who work or own businesses here, and if parents truly care about the quality of education their children receive, then these schools are one of the best ways possible to attract and keep quality employees. I don't mind paying a little extra for that: prior to our move here (and one of the reasons FOR the move) was a $1,200 jump in my property taxes due to a school bond referendum passing for a new school that most agreed wasn't needed. But hey, it's Minnesota, so...

[Sandy and Ed]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.
THANK YOU!! My sentiments exactly.

[stargirl]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.
I don’t see anybody whiny, looks like a discussion on property taxes. I think somebody else is feeling a little whiny maybe?

[MrFlorida]

We have no control over it , so whatever......

[Bridget Staunton]

Be nice

[MandoMan]

Held my breath opening the envelope. Exhaled as I saw tax bill was $18.00 more than last years. Phew.

We payed our bond off a couple years ago so only had the “maintenance”’ $498.

Fire Assessment $125.

Considering current inflation going on, I’m OK…

Ugh! First tax bill for me since buying a different house, mortgage free and bond paid off, and paying the tax directly instead of by escrow. Including the “maintenance” fee and fire, $3,400. Ouch! But it beats having a mortgage. So, that’s almost $300 a month, plus about $270 for amenities fee, water, and sewer, plus around $100 for electricity. That’s $670 a month. Home insurance on my courtyard villa brings that up to close to $900. I’m not complaining. It’s just interesting to me to see the numbers. I think most people here pay more.

[Taltarzac725]

Check in mail.

The Village is such a wonderful place to live for the most part. No place is perfect. It could have, at least, three working movie theaters and fewer speeding golf carts and cars.

[rickaslin]

Your post is the only whiney post I see. They are just stating facts about their tax bill.

[dolphin]

Curious why you decided to pay off your bond

[Marine1974]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.

Ironic post . Always someone going through something and they take it out on good people..

[Bogie Shooter]

Your post is the only whiney post I see. They are just stating facts about their tax bill.

Your post?

[Bill14564]

Curious why you decided to pay off your bond

My thought: I determined I would be in the house long enough to pay more in annual payments than the lump sum payoff amount. No reason to send the District more than necessary so I paid the lump sum.

[Singerlady]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.
Gee, I thought they were informative.

[Cliff Fr]

If you have the homestead exemption the increase is limited to a few percent on the property tax portion. It is a bill passed years ago called "save our homes"

[Stu from NYC]

My thought: I determined I would be in the house long enough to pay more in annual payments than the lump sum payoff amount. No reason to send the District more than necessary so I paid the lump sum.

Now that we are thinking that we will not move to a larger house will probably pay it off in next year or so,

Several real estate agents have said your house will not fetch more if no bond.

[Johnsocat]

Does anyone know what the "maintenance " fee is for?

[Kenswing]

Now that we are thinking that we will not move to a larger house will probably pay it off in next year or so,

Several real estate agents have said your house will not fetch more if no bond.
Just curious why you would pay it off now? Not sure what the interest rate on your bond is but ours is, if I remember correctly 3.12%. No way I’m taking money that’s making 5.5% to pay that off.

[ThirdOfFive]

Does anyone know what the "maintenance " fee is for?
Maintenance.

[Kenswing]

Maintenance.

lol. I was gonna but decided not to. :a20:

[Bill14564]

Just curious why you would pay it off now? Not sure what the interest rate on your bond is but ours is, if I remember correctly 3.12%. No way I’m taking money that’s making 5.5% to pay that off.

When I paid mine off the interest rate I was paying was over 5% and the interest I was making was less than 1% (or negative).

Even today, the decision is not as simple as you make it out to be.
- Bond has been refinanced to an interest rate of about 3.5%
- The admin fee brings the effective interest rate to 4% this year
- Since the admin fee is fixed, the effective interest rate grows each year. (in the last few years of mine it would be 5.5%, 6.3%, and 9%)
- Do you really own those 5.5% CDs or is that just the highest rate you found in a search? The highest rate earlier this year was 4% which at best matches the effective rate of the bond.
- The market is up only about 3% YTD which is less than the interest rate on the bond

At the time I paid off my bond I was losing money on the interest I was paying. Today I might break even. I don't know what the market will do next year but I know the effective interest rate will be higher. Towards the end of my bond payment I would almost certainly be losing again.

Peace of mind has a value. I like knowing my annual bill will be $1,500 less.

Piece of mind also has a value. I was willing to accept a small potential loss to avoid paying the District $100/year admin fee to do nothing more than collect my payments.

[John Mayes]

does anyone know what the "maintenance " fee is for?

estimated revenues
appropriations
111 executive salaries
211 social security taxes
212 medicare taxes
241 worker's compensation
311 management fees
312 engineering services
313 legal services
314 tax collector fees
319 other professional svcs
322 auditing services
343 systems mgmt support
412 postage
431 electricity
434 irrigation water
451 casualty & liability insur
462 building structure maint
463 landscape maint-recurring
464 landscape maint-non recurring
468 irrigation repair
469 other maintenance
471 printing & binding
491 bank charges
493 permits & licenses
497 legal advertising
498 project wide fees
522 operating supplies

[VApeople]

Curious why you decided to pay off your bond

We paid off our bond in 2018 because it had a 7% interest rate and our savings account had about a 1% rate.

[Karmanng]

Held my breath opening the envelope. Exhaled as I saw tax bill was $18.00 more than last years. Phew.

We payed our bond off a couple years ago so only had the “maintenance”’ $498.

Fire Assessment $125.

Considering current inflation going on, I’m OK…

MINE went way UP $832.00 I dont have homestead yet and bought last year quit the STICKER SHOCK not sure on moving to TV at all now.........

[GoRedSox!]

Everything is a matter of perspective and timing....

In Connecticut, property taxes are much higher. While we have no bond on the house, many do have sewer assessment bonds. We also have property tax on on our cars. We also have state income tax. Sales tax is 6.35%. No tolls, though. And no maintenance fees.

We also do not get a 4% discount for paying a few months early. We get an interest rate of 18% and a late fee if the tax is not paid within 30 days of the due date. And there is no homestead exemption. Revaluations take place every 4-5 years, but taxable value can be added to your home in the interim if you put in a major improvement, like central a/c, a new kitchen, or a remodeled basement.

Our tax in Florida seems eminently reasonable and fair, but again, it's a matter of perspective and timing...

[justjim]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.

Spot on ! Villagers are rich and I thought everybody knew that!

[Gpsma]

I got my tax bill today. I opened it in fear and trepidation….if it was too much, id have to live on cold cans of pork and beans…becuse, im in the Villages…we all live on fixed incomes!!!

Oh, i jumped for joy…it was 10% of what i paid in the north.

Now i can afford to eat t Lopez instead of McDonalds

[justjim]

Let me clarify things! We all just lease our property from the “Government”. (It’s actually several government entities). If you fail to pay your taxes, your lease will expire. Isn’t this a great country or what!

[Stu from NYC]

Just curious why you would pay it off now? Not sure what the interest rate on your bond is but ours is, if I remember correctly 3.12%. No way I’m taking money that’s making 5.5% to pay that off.

Two reasons
1. As balance goes down administrative fee added to interest cost makes cost of bond higher as percentage.
2. We can and do not like owing money.

[morchol]

Kind of a jerk reply

[golfing eagles]

Gee, I thought they were informative.

The tag line states all we need to know

[Kenswing]

Two reasons
1. As balance goes down administrative fee added to interest cost makes cost of bond higher as percentage.
2. We can and do not like owing money.

I get it. My wife is extremely debt phobic and refused to take out a mortgage when we bought this house even though rates were sub 3%. I wasn’t about to fight that one. lol
Luckily the bond is attached to the tax bill and not a monthly payment or I’m sure I’d have to pay it off too.

[Stu from NYC]

I get it. My wife is extremely debt phobic and refused to take out a mortgage when we bought this house even though rates were sub 3%. I wasn’t about to fight that one. lol
Luckily the bond is attached to the tax bill and not a monthly payment or I’m sure I’d have to pay it off too.

Still not sure we will do it but doubt if we will pay it to maturity.

[mtdjed]

My decrease in property tax was canceled by an increase in maintenance. Then the school tax increase raised my overall payment by about $200.

Take a look at your bill while looking at your bill history. My bill for 2023 is actually $3 less than my bill was in 2011. I would bet that most people will find the same long-term trend assuming no construction enlargement.

Seems like somebody must be doing right.

[Randall55]

Ugh! First tax bill for me since buying a different house, mortgage free and bond paid off, and paying the tax directly instead of by escrow. Including the “maintenance” fee and fire, $3,400. Ouch! But it beats having a mortgage. So, that’s almost $300 a month, plus about $270 for amenities fee, water, and sewer, plus around $100 for electricity. That’s $670 a month. Home insurance on my courtyard villa brings that up to close to $900. I’m not complaining. It’s just interesting to me to see the numbers. I think most people here pay more.The monthly cost of a home is getting to a point where renting may be a better option. But, everyone must look at their finances and do what is best for them.

[ohioshooter]

We received our first tax bill today and am in total shock. Several K more than expected.

[Bill14564]

Take a look at your bill while looking at your bill history. My bill for 2023 is actually $3 less than my bill was in 2011. I would bet that most people will find the same long-term trend assuming no construction enlargement.

Seems like somebody must be doing right.

If you feel good about the bill, that's great.

....

There have been too many changes to my situation - resale, establish homestead, pay off bond, etc - for me to see a trend. And, since it was first taxed in 2015, its history doesn't go back to 2011 anyway.

[Bill14564]

We received our first tax bill today and am in total shock. Several K more than expected.

I am assuming you bought a pre-owned home and not new construction.

One of the (many?) things that isn't explained well during a sale is the adjustment in property tax that occurs on resales.

Often, the tax bill you receive in the first November is based on exemptions and limits due to the previous owner. It will be what you found on the Tax Collector's website when you were researching the home.

The next bill you receive will be based on you and your sale. You likely don't have a homestead exemption yet so you will be paying on an additional $50,000 of value. You haven't accrued any Save Our Homes benefits yet so you will be taxed on the full value of your home. And, the full value of your home will be somewhat tied to the price you paid which was likely more than the previous assessment and will also be affected by inflation in the past year. All in all you will pay more and many will be surprised by how much more.

You can go to the Tax Collector's website and see the bill from last year. You can see the Exemptions that applied to the previous owner. See if the assessed value is significantly different from yours; this would be due to the Save Our Homes benefit, adjustments due to the sale, and inflation.

[RPDaly]

///

[Laker14]

We received our first tax bill today and am in total shock. Several K more than expected.

I am assuming you bought a pre-owned home and not new construction.

One of the (many?) things that isn't explained well during a sale is the adjustment in property tax that occurs on resales.

Often, the tax bill you receive in the first November is based on exemptions and limits due to the previous owner. It will be what you found on the Tax Collector's website when you were researching the home.

The next bill you receive will be based on you and your sale. You likely don't have a homestead exemption yet so you will be paying on an additional $50,000 of value. You haven't accrued any Save Our Homes benefits yet so you will be taxed on the full value of your home. And, the full value of your home will be somewhat tied to the price you paid which was likely more than the previous assessment and will also be affected by inflation in the past year. All in all you will pay more and many will be surprised by how much more.

You can go to the Tax Collector's website and see the bill from last year. You can see the Exemptions that applied to the previous owner. See if the assessed value is significantly different from yours; this would be due to the Save Our Homes benefit, adjustments due to the sale, and inflation.

Exactly what happened in my case. My previous owner bought the place new in 2006, and had all of the homestead exemptions. Her assessed value was quiet a bit below what we paid, so the assessment recalibrated to 2021 levels. We closed in Feb. 2021.
Then when I got my first bill in November 2021 I was pleasantly surprised. It was about 1K less than anticipated. Then I remembered the whole "in arrears" thing, and realized that bill was based on my previous owner's assessment and homestead exemptions.
In November 2022 I got the full whammy. But I knew it was coming so it only hurt a little.
This year, a modest increase.

[rogerrice60]

Hard to understand why the "Old Goats" are taxed for schools we don't use.

[Bogie Shooter]

Hard to understand why the "Old Goats" are taxed for schools we don't use.

Wasn’t it that way where you came from? It was for me.

[mtdjed]

If you feel good about the bill, that's great.

If your bill is typical then last year it was in the neighborhood of $203 less than 2011 and in 2018 it was about $900 less than 2011.

There have been too many changes to my situation - resale, establish homestead, pay off bond, etc - for me to see a trend. And, since it was first taxed in 2015, its history doesn't go back to 2011 anyway.

First, I would state that I am referring to Sumter county and outside of any city taxes such as Wildwood.

Under the above assumptions, your numbers make no sense. Your example regarding my bill for the year 2018 vs 2011 of $900 less is wrong by a factor of 9. The real number is $103 less. Using 2011 as a baseline, the years since have been as much as $173 less and $112 higher. Current year is $3 less.

My situation has been constant, no resale, no bond, homestead constant, no construction. So, what you see is a rather stable situation, which is likely for all similar residences. Dollar variance from baseline would vary dependent upon assessed value.

Nothing complicated here. Sumter county taxes for the stated period have been relatively constant. Not saying that will continue. Also, not claiming that taxes are effectively used or not considering all the new tax revenue from new construction.

[Bill14564]

First, I would state that I am referring to Sumter county and outside of any city taxes such as Wildwood.

Under the above assumptions, your numbers make no sense. Your example regarding my bill for the year 2018 vs 2011 of $900 less is wrong by a factor of 9. The real number is $103 less. Using 2011 as a baseline, the years since have been as much as $173 less and $112 higher. Current year is $3 less.

My situation has been constant, no resale, no bond, homestead constant, no construction. So, what you see is a rather stable situation, which is likely for all similar residences. Dollar variance from baseline would vary dependent upon assessed value.

Nothing complicated here. Sumter county taxes for the stated period have been relatively constant. Not saying that will continue. Also, not claiming that taxes are effectively used or not considering all the new tax revenue from new construction.

I should have stopped when I said my home had too many changes to see any trend.

[Woodbear]

Hard to understand why the "Old Goats" are taxed for schools we don't use.

Given that The Villages could control every facet of Sumter County government/Schools, it is too bad we do not. Given the latest census numbers, more than 60% of Sumter County residents can be found living in The Villages.

[edtherock]

Yes renting might be cheaper, but you never see a penny of that money ever again. That’s the downside. I suppose short term thinking it makes sense living paycheck by paycheck and renting.

[Randall55]

Yes renting might be cheaper, but you never see a penny of that money ever again. That’s the downside. I suppose short term thinking it makes sense living paycheck by paycheck and renting.My Social Security check would easily cover the rent. We would still have my wife's check and pension. We could sell our home and collect interest from that tidy sum. Maintenance free living with no extra expenditures. How long are any of us going to live to worry about return of money on a home? But, everyone should look at their own finances. For some, renting may not be a good idea.

[Laker14]

Hard to understand why the "Old Goats" are taxed for schools we don't use.

Because it's a tax, not tuition.

If I were housebound, I would still have to pay my share of the taxes that go to keeping the roads in operable condition.
If I were a pacifist, who believed that war is never the correct action, I would still have to pay my share of the tax that goes towards national defense.

We don't get to choose from a menu what taxes go to service we need or feel are important.
For some reason our elected officials who make policy have decided that educating the masses is a good investment for our society. As participants in that society, whether or not we agree that it is a good investment that our young people be educated, we are obligated to help fund it.

That's taxation.
Tuition is when you pay to attend the school.

[Mrfriendly]

Ugh! First tax bill for me since buying a different house, mortgage free and bond paid off, and paying the tax directly instead of by escrow. Including the “maintenance” fee and fire, $3,400. Ouch! But it beats having a mortgage. So, that’s almost $300 a month, plus about $270 for amenities fee, water, and sewer, plus around $100 for electricity. That’s $670 a month. Home insurance on my courtyard villa brings that up to close to $900. I’m not complaining. It’s just interesting to me to see the numbers. I think most people here pay more.

Same for me but have $800 month mortgage to add. At 2.75% I’m hanging onto mortgage.

[Normal]

Just crank up the tax bill on rentals. Tourism should pay for schools.

[Lee Gilpin]

This article prompted my interest so I looked at MY bottom line over the last four years. (There are two parts on my 2005-built home.) Here’s what I was surprised to see: The total went DOWN in two consecutive years.
2020: $2,455; 2021: $2,313; 2022: $2,192; 2023: $2,262.

[Bogie Shooter]

Given that The Villages could control every facet of Sumter County government/Schools, it is too bad we do not. Given the latest census numbers, more than 60% of Sumter County residents can be found living in The Villages.

And your point is? You would eliminate the school tax?

[Gettingoutofdodge]

Held my breath opening the envelope. Exhaled as I saw tax bill was $18.00 more than last years. Phew.

We payed our bond off a couple years ago so only had the “maintenance”’ $498.

Fire Assessment $125.

Considering current inflation going on, I’m OK…

I’m considering paying off the bond. Why is there still a charge for maintenance.

[golfing eagles]

I’m considering paying off the bond. Why is there still a charge for maintenance.

Because infrastructure doesn't repair itself???? Potholes don't fill themselves. Lines on roads don't repaint themselves.

[RPDaly]

///

[Bill14564]

I’m considering paying off the bond. Why is there still a charge for maintenance.

Because infrastructure doesn't repair itself???? Potholes don't fill themselves. Lines on roads don't repaint themselves.

Plus flowers, grass mowing, irrigation system maintenance, irrigation water, drainage pipe repair/replace, sinkhole repair, etc.

[mastergolfer]

My villa up$292 over last year. Such is life

[NoMo50]

Your home's assessed value not the taxes levied on it can only increase by 3% per year (or the CPI , whichever is lower) per this law. Many people think it's the dollar amount that is capped. There was some legislative action to get it lowered to 2% earlier in the year but not sure where that is now.

What you are referring to is the Save Our Homes Act, which caps the annual increase in home assessed valuation at a max of 3%. But...in order for the SOHA to apply, the homeowner must have the Homestead Exemption in place. Further, the SOHA doesn't kick in until the second year following application of the Homestead Exemption. These taxing strategies are intended to help Florida residents. To get the benefit of the SOHA assessment cap, you must first have the Homestead Exemption. To get the Homestead, you must prove that you are a Florida resident.

While there were some minor changes in the millage rates in the ad valorem section of your Sumter County tax bill, the main culprit in any increase on your tax bill directly relates to increases in assessed valuation. For 2023, the amount of non-ad valorem items (bond, maintenance, fire assessment), remained fairly level.

The bottom line is: If you want to avoid year-to-year sticker shock at tax time, become a Florida resident. Apply for the Homestead Exemption, and the the SOHA will automatically kick in the second year. Oh...and then there is Portability, but that is a topic for another discussion.

[Bill14564]

What you are referring to is the Save Our Homes Act, which caps the annual increase in home assessed valuation at a max of 3%. But...in order for the SOHA to apply, the homeowner must have the Homestead Exemption in place. Further, the SOHA doesn't kick in until the second year following application of the Homestead Exemption. These taxing strategies are intended to help Florida residents. To get the benefit of the SOHA assessment cap, you must first have the Homestead Exemption. To get the Homestead, you must prove that you are a Florida resident.

While there were some minor changes in the millage rates in the ad valorem section of your Sumter County tax bill, the main culprit in any increase on your tax bill directly relates to increases in assessed valuation. For 2023, the amount of non-ad valorem items (bond, maintenance, fire assessment), remained fairly level.

The bottom line is: If you want to avoid year-to-year sticker shock at tax time, become a Florida resident. Apply for the Homestead Exemption, and the the SOHA will automatically kick in the second year. Oh...and then there is Portability, but that is a topic for another discussion.

Good explanation of SOHA. One of these days I need to get a better understanding of portability.... or maybe just not move.

Maintenance Fee increase 15% but that varies by District.
Sumter County Property Tax decreased slightly
The main culprit on my bill was a 17% increase in School Tax millage.

[Topspinmo]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.


I agree Sumter county in villages taxes are too low. They need to get with program. But have bunch cheap skates to deal with. I like living in Marion county they know how to tax. I love giving my money to people that loves to spend someone’s else’s money. Mather fact I think I’ll pay extra this year. They’ve earn it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I was pondering the same. Why did school taxes go up when 70-80% of the tax base do not have children? If you take into account the Developer built three new schools at no charge, it makes less sense. Maybe, they are upgrading/remodeling the older schools? Maybe, more children have moved into the area? Quite a bit of apartments, townhomes, and subdivisions have been built.

Because the ones who do have children need to educate their children. That means they still have to have schools, computer networks, teachers, paved roads, copy machines and A/V equipment, crossing guards, maintenance workers, landscapers, a principal, a school nurse, a librarian, aides, and so on and so forth.

Because one of those kids COULD end up becoming a President of the United States and it's in the interest of OUR kids and grandkids to ensure that ALL children are educated. That's what public education is for. Our taxes pay for the education of the leaders of the future. They also pay for the initial education of the business owners, property managers, health care workers, arborists, bankers, musicians.

Our tax dollars are supposed to ensure that all of our future adults get a solid educational foundation so we don't end up with a country overwhelmed with ignorant people scrambling for jobs they're unqualified to fill.

I'm okay with that.

Our tax bill was under $2000, which is still less than it was up north. Our northern home was a little smaller, on much larger property. Our northern taxes were close to double but we also had snow removal, MUCH better public schools, leaf pickup, large item "spring cleaning" pickup a couple times a year, much more accessible town government, and a host of other positives that don't apply to Central Florida because it just isn't built or laid out that way.

So I compare my taxes here with what I paid up north, for the services I get here compared to those I got up north.

I'd be okay paying more for education but only if they provided better education for the money. Currently they don't, so I'm okay paying less.

[golfing eagles]

Because the ones who do have children need to educate their children. That means they still have to have schools, computer networks, teachers, paved roads, copy machines and A/V equipment, crossing guards, maintenance workers, landscapers, a principal, a school nurse, a librarian, aides, and so on and so forth.

Because one of those kids COULD end up becoming a President of the United States and it's in the interest of OUR kids and grandkids to ensure that ALL children are educated. That's what public education is for. Our taxes pay for the education of the leaders of the future. They also pay for the initial education of the business owners, property managers, health care workers, arborists, bankers, musicians.

Our tax dollars are supposed to ensure that all of our future adults get a solid educational foundation so we don't end up with a country overwhelmed with ignorant people scrambling for jobs they're unqualified to fill.

I'm okay with that.

Our tax bill was under $2000, which is still less than it was up north. Our northern home was a little smaller, on much larger property. Our northern taxes were close to double but we also had snow removal, MUCH better public schools, leaf pickup, large item "spring cleaning" pickup a couple times a year, much more accessible town government, and a host of other positives that don't apply to Central Florida because it just isn't built or laid out that way.

So I compare my taxes here with what I paid up north, for the services I get here compared to those I got up north.

I'd be okay paying more for education but only if they provided better education for the money. Currently they don't, so I'm okay paying less.

One of your better posts :bigbow:

This year's school tax in Florida: $2153
2015 in NY $5524

So I'm not unhappy. But I'd be even happier if I was paying for education and not indoctrination.

[retiredguy123]

Someone who pays their bill on Mar 31, 2024 pays 4 percent more than someone who pays their bill on November 30, 2023. They call it a discount, but I call it a penalty. Why doesn't everyone need to pay the bill at the same time?

[Bill14564]

Someone who pays their bill on Mar 31, 2024 pays 4 percent more than someone who pays their bill on November 30, 2023. They call it a discount, but I call it a penalty. Why doesn't everyone need to pay the bill at the same time?

They do all need to pay at the same time, they need to pay by March 31, 2024. If I pay my bill on 3/25/24 then I pay exactly what the Ad Valorem and Non-Ad Valorem sections add to.

Some people will pay early and the County gives a discount to those who do. If I pay my bill on 11/24/23 then I receive a 4% discount for paying early. My choice, I can keep the money in the bank for another four months and pay the full amount.

Some people pay with a credit card and they pay a penalty/fee/charge for doing so.

[Taltarzac725]

How long does it take them to process a check? Would have done it online but they have a convenience charge of 2.5%.

[Bill14564]

How long does it take them to process a check? Would have done it online but they have a convenience charge of 2.5%.

There is no charge for an e-check (online). I paid mine that way just now.

[retiredguy123]

There is no charge for an e-check (online). I paid mine that way just now.
I don't think there is a charge for Echeck, unless Sumter County is different. I paid mine for Lake County. No charge.

[retiredguy123]

How long does it take them to process a check? Would have done it online but they have a convenience charge of 2.5%.
There is no fee for paying online. The fee is for using a credit or debit card. You can pay online with an Echeck and there is no fee.

[Byte1]

Because it's a tax, not tuition.

If I were housebound, I would still have to pay my share of the taxes that go to keeping the roads in operable condition.
If I were a pacifist, who believed that war is never the correct action, I would still have to pay my share of the tax that goes towards national defense.

We don't get to choose from a menu what taxes go to service we need or feel are important.
For some reason our elected officials who make policy have decided that educating the masses is a good investment for our society. As participants in that society, whether or not we agree that it is a good investment that our young people be educated, we are obligated to help fund it.

That's taxation.
Tuition is when you pay to attend the school.

On the other hand, the federal government has no direct constitutional responsibility for education. National Defense IS a part of the Constitution. The responsibility of public education is part of the state jurisdiction. So, is law enforcement, fire fighting, etc.
You are correct that education is funded by taxes. I don't really think anyone was disputing that.

[Taltarzac725]

There is no fee for paying online. The fee is for using a credit or debit card. You can pay online with an Echeck and there is no fee.

Thanks for clearing that up.

[Altavia]

I’m considering paying off the bond. Why is there still a charge for maintenance.

Watch this video to understand.

https://youtu.be/Ufm_ycOnbto?si=R6X8bdcS_Oj-SHBR

[Topspinmo]

Because the ones who do have children need to educate their children. That means they still have to have schools, computer networks, teachers, paved roads, copy machines and A/V equipment, crossing guards, maintenance workers, landscapers, a principal, a school nurse, a librarian, aides, and so on and so forth.

Because one of those kids COULD end up becoming a President of the United States and it's in the interest of OUR kids and grandkids to ensure that ALL children are educated. That's what public education is for. Our taxes pay for the education of the leaders of the future. They also pay for the initial education of the business owners, property managers, health care workers, arborists, bankers, musicians.

Our tax dollars are supposed to ensure that all of our future adults get a solid educational foundation so we don't end up with a country overwhelmed with ignorant people scrambling for jobs they're unqualified to fill.

I'm okay with that.

Our tax bill was under $2000, which is still less than it was up north. Our northern home was a little smaller, on much larger property. Our northern taxes were close to double but we also had snow removal, MUCH better public schools, leaf pickup, large item "spring cleaning" pickup a couple times a year, much more accessible town government, and a host of other positives that don't apply to Central Florida because it just isn't built or laid out that way.

So I compare my taxes here with what I paid up north, for the services I get here compared to those I got up north.

I'd be okay paying more for education but only if they provided better education for the money. Currently they don't, so I'm okay paying less.


And how’s that working out ?

[Topspinmo]

One of your better posts :bigbow:

This year's school tax in Florida: $2153
2015 in NY $5524

So I'm not unhappy. But I'd be even happier if I was paying for education and not indoctrination.

So why did you Leave?

[Laker14]

On the other hand, the federal government has no direct constitutional responsibility for education. National Defense IS a part of the Constitution. The responsibility of public education is part of the state jurisdiction. So, is law enforcement, fire fighting, etc.
You are correct that education is funded by taxes. I don't really think anyone was disputing that.

I don't see your point. Some taxes are levied and collected by the Feds, some by states, some by local municipalities. They are all taxes, and none of them is adjusted downward because someone does not use a particular service funded by the tax.
Nobody was disputing anything. I was explaining why "old goats" who don't go to school, or have children who attend school, still have to participate financially in paying for schools.

[golfing eagles]

So why did you Leave?

Huh???

[Bogie Shooter]

Huh???

Sometime you just wonder :shrug:

[Woodbear]

And your point is? You would eliminate the school tax?

The tax rate would be much simpler to understand. There would not be the crazy system that is currently employed in Sumter county where neighbors are assessed differently. I would also make sure to raise the rates on those outside the Villages so they are more in line with those in The Villages.

I would also make the school system show that the tax payer is receiving an appropriate rate of return on their investment of approximately $19,000 per student.

[Pixelpups]

I am assuming you bought a pre-owned home and not new construction.

One of the (many?) things that isn't explained well during a sale is the adjustment in property tax that occurs on resales.

Often, the tax bill you receive in the first November is based on exemptions and limits due to the previous owner. It will be what you found on the Tax Collector's website when you were researching the home.

The next bill you receive will be based on you and your sale. You likely don't have a homestead exemption yet so you will be paying on an additional $50,000 of value. You haven't accrued any Save Our Homes benefits yet so you will be taxed on the full value of your home. And, the full value of your home will be somewhat tied to the price you paid which was likely more than the previous assessment and will also be affected by inflation in the past year. All in all you will pay more and many will be surprised by how much more.

You can go to the Tax Collector's website and see the bill from last year. You can see the Exemptions that applied to the previous owner. See if the assessed value is significantly different from yours; this would be due to the Save Our Homes benefit, adjustments due to the sale, and inflation.

My tax went up $1350. We bought pre-owned in July 2022, so last November I was expecting a big jump. As you said, I noticed that the assessed value jumped by 30% this November. Luckily our homestead exemption transferred. I was confused by the higher assessment, because I figured the price we paid would have been in last year’s assessment already. Thanks for clearing that up.

[Randall55]

The tax rate would be much simpler to understand. There would not be the crazy system that is currently employed in Sumter county where neighbors are assessed differently. I would also make sure to raise the rates on those outside the Villages so they are more in line with those in The Villages.

I would also make the school system show that the tax payer is receiving an appropriate rate of return on their investment of approximately $19,000 per student.Everyone is charged the SAME millage rate and fees. I am failing to understand some of your points.

[Bill14564]

The tax rate would be much simpler to understand. There would not be the crazy system that is currently employed in Sumter county where neighbors are assessed differently. I would also make sure to raise the rates on those outside the Villages so they are more in line with those in The Villages.

I would also make the school system show that the tax payer is receiving an appropriate rate of return on their investment of approximately $19,000 per student.

For the 23-24 year, the school appropriations are about $11,000/student. Local taxes account for about $7,500/student.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The tax rate would be much simpler to understand. There would not be the crazy system that is currently employed in Sumter county where neighbors are assessed differently. I would also make sure to raise the rates on those outside the Villages so they are more in line with those in The Villages.

I would also make the school system show that the tax payer is receiving an appropriate rate of return on their investment of approximately $19,000 per student.

There's a single formula, same as anywhere else. The formula is applied to the assessed value of your home. If you feel the assessment is wrong, you can go to the County and discuss where/what you feel is in error.

But that formula, whatever it is, is applied the same to your house as it is to everyone else in your county.

I'm in Lake County, so my formula is probably different from the one used in your county. My assessment is different as well, since I'm in a manufactured home and you are probably not.

[Byte1]

I don't see your point. Some taxes are levied and collected by the Feds, some by states, some by local municipalities. They are all taxes, and none of them is adjusted downward because someone does not use a particular service funded by the tax.
Nobody was disputing anything. I was explaining why "old goats" who don't go to school, or have children who attend school, still have to participate financially in paying for schools.

I was answering your question....complaint. Now, do you see my "point?"

[nn0wheremann]

Held my breath opening the envelope. Exhaled as I saw tax bill was $18.00 more than last years. Phew.

We payed our bond off a couple years ago so only had the “maintenance”’ $498.

Fire Assessment $125.

Considering current inflation going on, I’m OK…
If I add to my Marion County tax bill what I pay in amenity fees th the municipal (District) government these are almost what I was paying in county taxes in the burbs of Chicago eight years ago.

[Catalina36]

Held my breath opening the envelope. Exhaled as I saw tax bill was $18.00 more than last years. Phew.

We payed our bond off a couple years ago so only had the “maintenance”’ $498.

Fire Assessment $125.

Considering current inflation going on, I’m OK…

Tax Bill ?? I live in Sumter County, Corpus Christi, 9% increase ???

[Catalina36]

Oh gee….more whiney money posts from “poor” Villagers worried about a little increase.

A 9% Real Estate Tax Increase in The Villages is TOO MUCH, Especially in a County of closely built homes?? Last Year I received a 15% increase??? Something is wrong??? Maybe Sumter County needs a new Accountant???? A 24% increase in Taxes in 2 years, REALLY????

[golfing eagles]

There's a single formula, same as anywhere else. The formula is applied to the assessed value of your home. If you feel the assessment is wrong, you can go to the County and discuss where/what you feel is in error.

But that formula, whatever it is, is applied the same to your house as it is to everyone else in your county.

I'm in Lake County, so my formula is probably different from the one used in your county. My assessment is different as well, since I'm in a manufactured home and you are probably not.

Yes, and just like income tax, this is totally FAIR, right????

After all, we all know it costs 20x as much to educate a child who lives in a $2 million house than one that lives in a $100,000 home. Right????? Just another free lunch---Oh, yeah, they get that too.

[Bogie Shooter]

Tax Bill ?? I live in Sumter County, Corpus Christi, 9% increase ???

A 9% Real Estate Tax Increase in The Villages is TOO MUCH, Especially in a County of closely built homes?? Last Year I received a 15% increase??? Something is wrong??? Maybe Sumter County needs a new Accountant???? A 24% increase in Taxes in 2 years, REALLY????

Suggest you call the county for a meeting to review your tax bills. You do want accurate information or just opinions on here?

[Bill14564]

Suggest you call the county for a meeting to review your tax bills. You do want accurate information or just opinions on here?

You might be surprised at the knowledge and experience of some of the users of this board.

But yes, any accurate analysis will require the tax bills. If the poster wants to provide an address that would be sufficient but chances are they won't choose to do that.

[NoMo50]

Good explanation of SOHA. One of these days I need to get a better understanding of portability.... or maybe just not move.

Maintenance Fee increase 15% but that varies by District.
Sumter County Property Tax decreased slightly
The main culprit on my bill was a 17% increase in School Tax millage.

Comparing our 2022 to 2023 Sumter County tax bills, I found the following changes in the millage rates:

1. Sumter County millage rate decreased 7.2%.
2. School taxes (county and local) increased 8.8%.
3. Wildwood city taxes decreased 5.7%.
4. Water Management taxes decreased 9.6%.

For the non-ad valorem items, the annual maintenance fee decreased 0.2%. The Sumter County Fire Assessment increased $1.00, from $124 to $125.

We live in District 13, so others may see differing numbers based on where you live.

[Topspinmo]

Sometime you just wonder :shrug:


I wonder lot on certain posts…:faint:

[Bill14564]

Comparing our 2022 to 2023 Sumter County tax bills, I found the following changes in the millage rates:

1. Sumter County millage rate decreased 7.2%.
2. School taxes (county and local) increased 8.8%.
3. Wildwood city taxes decreased 5.7%.
4. Water Management taxes decreased 9.6%.

For the non-ad valorem items, the annual maintenance fee decreased 0.2%. The Sumter County Fire Assessment increased $1.00, from $124 to $125.

We live in District 13, so others may see differing numbers based on where you live.

Our property tax millage and school millage changed the same amount even though we are quoting different numbers. You are comparing to your tax bill from last year while I am comparing to the rolled-back rate from the TRIM notice.

The rolled-back rate is the rate at which the county collects the same amount as the previous year. Theoretically, you will pay the same amount at this rate that you did last year since it balances an increase in assessments with a decrease in millage. In reality, the Save Our Homes Benefit and new construction affect this a little.

I compared the millage on this year's bill with the rolled-back rate from the TRIM notice. For property taxes the millage on the tax bill is 0.0074 less than the rolled-back rate or almost no change at all. For school taxes the rate is 0.716 higher than the rolled-back rate or a 16.8% increase.

The SWFWMD used the rolled-back rate. The decrease you see there (mine was 6.3%) is due to the Save Our Homes Benefit limiting your assessment and new construction adding homes to the tax rolls.

[Taltarzac725]

Check went through yesterday. Good to have that done and no debit card 2.5 % charge added on.

[Laker14]

Because it's a tax, not tuition.

If I were housebound, I would still have to pay my share of the taxes that go to keeping the roads in operable condition.
If I were a pacifist, who believed that war is never the correct action, I would still have to pay my share of the tax that goes towards national defense.

We don't get to choose from a menu what taxes go to service we need or feel are important.
For some reason our elected officials who make policy have decided that educating the masses is a good investment for our society. As participants in that society, whether or not we agree that it is a good investment that our young people be educated, we are obligated to help fund it.

That's taxation.
Tuition is when you pay to attend the school.

On the other hand, the federal government has no direct constitutional responsibility for education. National Defense IS a part of the Constitution. The responsibility of public education is part of the state jurisdiction. So, is law enforcement, fire fighting, etc.
You are correct that education is funded by taxes. I don't really think anyone was disputing that.

I was answering your question....complaint. Now, do you see my "point?"

No I don't, since my post to which you responded had neither a question nor a complaint.

[tophcfa]

If you have the homestead exemption the increase is limited to a few percent on the property tax portion. It is a bill passed years ago called "save our homes"
It would have been much more accurate if the bill was called “screw the part time residents”. Bottom line, any taxes saved by one party under the bill are being paid by the other parties the bill doesn’t give a break to.

[PugMom]

I was pondering the same. Why did school taxes go up when 70-80% of the tax base do not have children? If you take into account the Developer built three new schools at no charge, it makes less sense. Maybe, they are upgrading/remodeling the older schools? Maybe, more children have moved into the area? Quite a bit of apartments, townhomes, and subdivisions have been built.

if I see the money going to help or benefit our local kids, it's ok by me. there's a lot of good ones out there who need every opportunity available to them so they can be productive members of our society

[Bogie Shooter]

You might be surprised at the knowledge and experience of some of the users of this board.

But yes, any accurate analysis will require the tax bills. If the poster wants to provide an address that would be sufficient but chances are they won't choose to do that.

Yes, I would be surprised…………

[Byte1]

No I don't, since my post to which you responded had neither a question nor a complaint.

You are absolutely right. My mistake. I meant to answer this one.
Hard to understand why the "Old Goats" are taxed for schools we don't use.

I have no idea how I ended up replying to your post. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[kkingston57]

I was pondering the same. Why did school taxes go up when 70-80% of the tax base do not have children? If you take into account the Developer built three new schools at no charge, it makes less sense. Maybe, they are upgrading/remodeling the older schools? Maybe, more children have moved into the area? Quite a bit of apartments, townhomes, and subdivisions have been built.

Wonder if the developer built schools at no charge and if so, why.

[Laker14]

You are absolutely right. My mistake. I meant to answer this one.


I have no idea how I ended up replying to your post. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

No worries. Sometimes the program glitches that way.

[Laker14]

It would have been much more accurate if the bill was called “screw the part time residents”. Bottom line, any taxes saved by one party under the bill are being paid by the other parties the bill doesn’t give a break to.

Or, "let's give the break to someone who can vote for me, not someone who can't vote for me"...something like that.

However, there is some logic to it. Where I live in Upstate NY, families who have owned lake property for generations are being taxed out of ownership, because the more affluent people from the big cities are retiring with all of that Big City Money, and buying up properties.
Being a rural area, people who have worked hard all of their lives, but earning the kind of money you earn in small rural towns, can't keep up.

[Michael 61]

Just received my first tax bill, as a soon-to-be one year resident next month.

School Tax is high - in doing my research of 55+ communities to retire to in the US - the one advantage that Sun City and Sun City West Arizona have is that they are in no school district - so their property taxes are considerably lower than other retirement communities. I read that the reason why the neighboring school districts allowed this for Sun City/Sun City West, is that the school boards feared that all school tax initiatives would be voted down when they appeared on the ballot, since most older folks would not be in favor of increasing school taxes. But that is a two-sided coin, they also miss out on any tax revenue as well.

[asianthree]

Just received my first tax bill, as a soon-to-be one year resident next month.

School Tax is high - in doing my research of 55+ communities to retire to in the US - the one advantage that Sun City and Sun City West Arizona have is that they are in no school district - so their property taxes are considerably lower than other retirement communities. I read that the reason why the neighboring school districts allowed this for Sun City/Sun City West, is that the school boards feared that all school tax initiatives would be voted down when they appeared on the ballot, since most older folks would not be in favor of increasing school taxes. But that is a two-sided coin, they also miss out on any tax revenue as well.

Bonus this year your taxes are based on Dirt, next year the real numbers will be very different

[tophcfa]

Just ran the numbers on our tax bill. Total taxes up 13.5%. School taxes up 32.4%. School tax increase represents over 97% of total tax increase, so excluding school our taxes are basically unchanged. School tax mileage rate up 8.8%, but assessed value for school taxes up 21.6% (versus assessed value increase of 10% for other ad valorem taxes). School taxes represent over 53% of total ad valorem taxes.

Conclusions:
- As part time resident, we are getting screwed. Increased assessed values, and corresponding tax increases, are significantly greater than those with homestead status. It certainly doesn’t seem fair since part timers use less County services yet pay a greater share of taxes.
- A shell game going on with school taxes, 21.6% increase in assessed value for school versus 10% increase for county taxes. Why is our home assessed 24% higher for school taxes versus county taxes?
- Very large % tax increase on the heals of recent 25% increase. And that’s with zero increase in our district’s maintenance assessment and only $1 increase in fire (this year, stay tuned on that front).
- After the unexpected and ridiculously large school tax shock, we are finding it extremely difficult to get excited about the new charter school. Why should we?
- Since purchasing our Villages home 8 years ago, our annual Sumter County tax bill has increased by 55.9%. That rate of tax increases is unsustainable for senior citizens living on a fixed income. Over the same time period, the cost of living increases for social security add up to 25.8%. Put another way, Sumter county’s tax increases have outpaced social security’s cost of living increases by 30.1%. The county needs to learn to live with the same financial discipline as the residents paying the county taxes.

[LuvtheVillages]

Wonder if the developer built schools at no charge and if so, why.

The Developer builds terrific schools so that he can attract terrific employees. The schools are only open to children of employees, or businesses inside the Villages.

He built them with his own money. BUT the school district pays to lease the buildings. And, larger schools require more staff. Thus, the increase in the school tax.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yes, and just like income tax, this is totally FAIR, right????

After all, we all know it costs 20x as much to educate a child who lives in a $2 million house than one that lives in a $100,000 home. Right????? Just another free lunch---Oh, yeah, they get that too.

Taxes aren't about what's fair and what's not fair. What's fair, is that ALL children have the same opportunity to have the same quality education, and that all children are GIVEN (not purchased) the same opportunity to thrive and grow up to be contributing adults and participating in a civilized country.

If that means millionaire's 10% tax comes to $50,000 while a poor person's 10% tax comes to $5 then yes. It's fair.

When a millionaire buys a 12-pack of toilet paper, he's paying 7% sales tax, same as the poor person who buys it. They both pay 7% of the cost of that pack of toilet paper.

So unless you're okay with the poor person living in the millionaire's house, you'll need to just accept that the dollar amount will be different, because the poor person is paying tax on a different product - even though the percentage is the same.

[golfing eagles]

Taxes aren't about what's fair and what's not fair. What's fair, is that ALL children have the same opportunity to have the same quality education, and that all children are GIVEN (not purchased) the same opportunity to thrive and grow up to be contributing adults and participating in a civilized country.

Premise A) If that means millionaire's 10% tax comes to $50,000 while a poor person's 10% tax comes to $5 then yes. It's fair.

Premise B) When a millionaire buys a 12-pack of toilet paper, he's paying 7% sales tax, same as the poor person who buys it. They both pay 7% of the cost of that pack of toilet paper.

So unless you're okay with the poor person living in the millionaire's house, you'll need to just accept that the dollar amount will be different, because the poor person is paying tax on a different product - even though the percentage is the same.

I knew I could draw you out with my post:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

So, to continue:

Premise A----grossly unfair, especially when irresponsible people have 6 children that they can't afford but expect the rest of us to pay for them

Premise B) VERY fair---pay the same for the same product, pay the same sales tax. Charmin is sold at a set price, not at a percentage of income.

[mtdjed]

I knew I could draw you out with my post:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

So, to continue:

Premise A----grossly unfair, especially when irresponsible people have 6 children that they can't afford but expect the rest of us to pay for them



Premise- A statement seems argumentative since home taxes have been established this way for ages. Buy a more expensive house and you pay higher taxes. Make more taxable income and pay higher taxes. This is not a unique situation in The Villages.

Unless of course you enjoy bating certain people.

[golfing eagles]

Premise- A statement seems argumentative since home taxes have been established this way for ages. Buy a more expensive house and you pay higher taxes. Make more taxable income and pay higher taxes. This is not a unique situation in The Villages.

Unless of course you enjoy bating certain people.

The point is that so called progressive taxation is inherently unfair—-it is government forced Robin Hood

[RPDaly]

The point is that so called progressive taxation is inherently unfair—-it is government forced Robin Hood
////

[CoachKandSportsguy]

It's not so much that taxes go up, it's more about what they're used for.

I don't mind paying taxes as long as they are used responsibly and increase the local quality of life.

Otherwise, the local governments are just grifters. .

[Taltarzac725]

I don't mind paying taxes as long as they are used responsibly and increase the local quality of life.

Otherwise, the local governments are just grifters. .

If you love to golf, play pickleball or do any of the other myriad of activities offered by the Villages then the tax seems to be worth it.

They have shorted the movie lovers a great deal though and probably to make more money.

[Kenswing]

If you love to golf, play pickleball or do any of the other myriad of activities offered by the Villages then the tax seems to be worth it.

They have shorted the movie lovers a great deal though and probably to make more money.

County taxes have absolutely NOTHING to do with the amenities inside The Villages. And your amenity fee has absolutely NOTHING to do with the movie theaters.

[Papa_lecki]

The Developer builds terrific schools so that he can attract terrific employees. The schools are only open to children of employees, or businesses inside the Villages.

He built them with his own money. BUT the school district pays to lease the buildings. And, larger schools require more staff. Thus, the increase in the school tax.

No, the Villages School is a charter school, operated as a 501c3 not profit.

How does the school get funding? From the Fla DOE web site

“Charter schools are funded through the Florida Education Finance Program in the same way as all other public schools in the school district. The charter school receives operating funds from the Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP) based on the number of full-time (FTE) students enrolled.

Charter school funding includes gross state and local funds, discretionary lottery funds, and funds from the school district's current operating discretionary millage levy; divided by the total funded weighted full-time equivalent (FTE) students in the school district; multiplied by the weighted FTE students in the charter school. Charter schools are entitled to their proportionate share of categorical program funds, for eligible students and programs.

Charter schools may also access federal funds through a competitive grant process that awards funds to charter schools for the following purposes:

Planning and Implementation - the Florida Department of Education administers the Charter Schools Program (CSP) Planning and Implementation grant through a request for proposals (RFP) process each year. The general purpose of this grant is to provide financial assistance for the planning, program design, and initial implementation of charter schools and expand the number of high quality charter schools in Florida.
Dissemination - This competitive grant aids successful charter schools in the dissemination of best practices and other information about charter schools. Charter schools in operation for at least three years who have not previously received a dissemination grant may be eligible to apply. Additional eligibility criteria may be established by the Department and may vary with each application cycle.
Virtual charter schools are funded in accordance with s. 1002.45(7), F.S.”

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

No, the Villages School is a charter school, operated as a 501c3 not profit.

How does the school get funding? From the Fla DOE web site

...

But none of those funds cover the cost of BUILDING the school. The Holding Company of the Villages, LLC chose to build the schools. They paid for the construction, architecture, layout, grounds, landscaping, etc. etc. The funding from the state and federal government covers the cost of educating the students after the building has already been built.

[tophcfa]

But none of those funds cover the cost of BUILDING the school. The Holding Company of the Villages, LLC chose to build the schools. They paid for the construction, architecture, layout, grounds, landscaping, etc. etc. The funding from the state and federal government covers the cost of educating the students after the building has already been built.

The cost of building the school is an investment that will get paid back over time, most likely with a decent rate of return, by lease payments made on the facility’s. The money needed to make those lease payments represents the huge increase in Sumter county homeowners latest school tax assessment.

[Bill14564]

The Developer builds terrific schools so that he can attract terrific employees. The schools are only open to children of employees, or businesses inside the Villages.

He built them with his own money. BUT the school district pays to lease the buildings. And, larger schools require more staff. Thus, the increase in the school tax.

The cost of building the school is an investment that will get paid back over time, most likely with a decent rate of return, by lease payments made on the facility’s. The money needed to make those lease payments represents the huge increase in Sumter county homeowners latest school tax assessment.

According to the school board budget documents available online, they are spending about $15M more this year than last year (a 16% increase). Of that $15M the charter schools will receive about $6M.

[LuvtheVillages]

No, the Villages School is a charter school, operated as a 501c3 not profit.

How does the school get funding? From the Fla DOE web site

“
Charter school funding includes gross state and local funds, discretionary lottery funds, and funds from the school district's current operating discretionary millage levy; divided by the total funded weighted full-time equivalent (FTE) students in the school district; multiplied by the weighted FTE students in the charter school. Charter schools are entitled to their proportionate share of categorical program funds, for eligible students and programs.

Virtual charter schools are funded in accordance with s. 1002.45(7), F.S.”

You quoted it yourself: “ funds from the school district’s current operating discretionary millage levy…”

[Spartan86]

Good description of the program, eligibility and portability.

Save our homes
(https://floridarevenue.com/property/Documents/pt112.pdf)

[Papa_lecki]

You quoted it yourself: “ funds from the school district’s current operating discretionary millage levy…”

But either the child gets an education at the local public school or at the charter school - dollars follow the student.
If there are more students, then there’s more of a tax base.

OP suggested school district pays rent to Charter School. Dollars flow from school district to charter school, but it flows based on the student.

[Bill14564]

But either the child gets an education at the local public school or at the charter school - dollars follow the student.
If there are more students, then there’s more of a tax base.

OP suggested school district pays rent to Charter School. Dollars flow from school district to charter school, but it flows based on the student.

There is a line in the school board budget labeled “Rentals” with a comment that it is for Charter School Lease. Apparently the school board also believes they pay to rent the school.

[Taltarzac725]

County taxes have absolutely NOTHING to do with the amenities inside The Villages. And your amenity fee has absolutely NOTHING to do with the movie theaters.

Location, location, location. The Villages plays a huge role in Sumter County. It has an impact on the traffic on the roads, the numbers of students in the schools of all kinds, and in many other areas. Prices and values of the homes in Sumter County.

The Villages sold their lifestyle for the period from about 2005 through 2022 as having three operating movie theaters. It was on their site just a few months ago as having three movie theaters.

[Kenswing]

Location, location, location. The Villages plays a huge role in Sumter County. It has an impact on the traffic on the roads, the numbers of students in the schools of all kinds, and in many other areas. Prices and values of the homes in Sumter County.

The Villages sold their lifestyle for the period from about 2005 through 2022 as having three operating movie theaters. It was on their site just a few months ago as having three movie theaters.
I know the theaters mean a lot to you. But they have NOTHING to do with your county taxes.

[Normal]

Not everyone pays city taxes. We pay Wildwood a hefty 1,300 a year. I’m wondering if the loophole for the Villages north of 44 in Sumter County will be covered? There is a huge lapse for taxes in that area. The potential could do a lot for the county as a whole.

[LuvtheVillages]

Not everyone pays city taxes. We pay Wildwood a hefty 1,300 a year. I’m wondering if the loophole for the Villages north of 44 in Sumter County will be covered? There is a huge lapse for taxes in that area. The potential could do a lot for the county as a whole.

Some Villages north of 44 are in the City of Fruitland Park, some are in the City of Lady Lake. Some future areas will be in the City of Leesburg.

There are not and will not be any change in status for the unincorporated areas in Sumter County. To do that would require a petition from the landowners. I can't imagine anyone would volunteer to pay more taxes.

Wildwood government used to be anti- Villages. That's why the
Trailwinds and Beaumont areas were not developed into new Villages. After that proposal was turned down by Wildwood, suddenly they changed their attitude and started to welcome the Developer. I remember a newspaper article that quoted a Wildwood commissioner gleefully saying that lots of money would come into their budget and all they had to do was slit open the envelopes.

[Bill14564]

Not everyone pays city taxes. We pay Wildwood a hefty 1,300 a year. I’m wondering if the loophole for the Villages north of 44 in Sumter County will be covered? There is a huge lapse for taxes in that area. The potential could do a lot for the county as a whole.

Why do you think an additional tax on the Villagers, paid to the city of Wildwood, would do anything at all for the county?

And, as pointed out above, it is not a loophole.

[Topspinmo]

Not everyone pays city taxes. We pay Wildwood a hefty 1,300 a year. I’m wondering if the loophole for the Villages north of 44 in Sumter County will be covered? There is a huge lapse for taxes in that area. The potential could do a lot for the county as a whole.

If you think getting short changed move to Marion county. They know how to tax!