In Sumter county my understanding is a previous homeowners property taxes are capped a certain amount each year. So if they owned a house for 20 years let’s say their taxes are 3000. Then they sell. The new owners who do NOT own a present property in the villages will pay for example 6000 dollars now. The house is reappraised at present value and the cap is gone. So the cap now resets for the new homeowner at the higher rate. There is a grandfather clause at least for Sumter County property taxes.

Homestead vs non homestead

they are not the same exact house they may look the same, but the model names are different. As houses were built going further south, various changes were made ( improvements ) along the way.

If you post images of two tax bills showing these kinds of amounts, you will likely get much better answers to your question. Tax bills are public record from each county’s property appraiser website.

So choose the one with the Lower tax bill ...... BUT I'd bet that the Bond is a lot higher.

That is not true. Google the tax assessor for each county and see the bills yourself. Too much of a difference.

The property taxes aren’t capped. The assessed value of the home can only increase by a maximum of 3% each year if you are homesteaded. The property taxes are essentially the millage rate times the assessed value (minus exemptions). The millage rate can also change each year.

The prior owners pay tax on a sold value of the house from years ago whereas a new sale is based upon the new sales price which can be values at a much higher price.

Gas in Miami 5 bucks

The $6700 could be because it is not the owner's primary residence. If it is his/her second home or investment property taxes are higher.

1 villa maybe homestead and the other may not. always best to check the county website for information on a specific property to make sure what it is.

Research how to obtain a land patent. If you own yor property-no mortgage (mourge), you can apply yo have your property removed from the tax records.

Most likely the lower taxes were based on what the present owner is paying, which they paid much less for the villa years ago. Have the taxes calculated at the price you are going to pay for the villa. I’ll bet they will be much closer.

Buy where you want to live. In the grand scheme of things, the taxes may stink, but unless they are so unaffordable they impact your quality of life, do what you want to do. If your retirement home is driven by the cost of living, you could have done better than Florida, so in moving here it sounds like you've already decided paying more for end-of-days quality of life was worth it. IMO, the increase in homeowner's and car insurance in Florida will dwarf your property tax difference.

One agent may have given the rate based on the full market value (sale price). The other realtor may have given the amount currently paid. If the current owner of that unit is homestead the amount may be way off, because the house is assessed much lower. If you would like the correct tax calculation, ask your agent to provide one. This is why it is important to have an experienced and knowledgeable agent representing you.