Quick Answer
Dade City falls in Pasco County with a combined millage of ~16.69 mills. Homestead exemption ($50K) reduces taxable value. A $354K purchase (homestead) generates approximately $2,800-$3,200/yr in property taxes. Apply for homestead exemption by March 1 at the Pasco County Property Appraiser, (352) 521-4420. Call Barrett at (813) 733-7907 for property-specific estimates.
Dade City FL Property Taxes: Pasco County Millage Rates, Exemptions, and What to Budget
One of the first questions I get from buyers considering Dade City is: what will my property tax bill look like? The answer depends on your purchase price, whether you homestead the property, and how long the prior owner had their Save Our Homes cap locked in. Here is the full breakdown.
What Is the Pasco County Property Tax Millage Rate?
Millage Rate Breakdown for Dade City (2026)
| Taxing Authority | Millage Rate (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pasco County (general fund) | ~5.00 mills | County services, roads, administration |
| Pasco County (library/MSTU) | ~1.50-2.50 mills | Library system, municipal service taxing unit |
| Pasco County School Board | ~5.43 mills | Public school funding |
| Southwest Florida Water Mgmt District | ~0.26 mills | SWFWMD regional water management |
| Fire/EMS MSBU | ~1.50-2.00 mills | Local fire/EMS service areas (varies by location) |
| City of Dade City (if in city limits) | ~1.80-2.20 mills | City services (applies only within city limits) |
| Total (in city limits) | ~15.49-18.89 mills | Verify exact rate at pascopa.com |
According to property tax data for Dade City, the combined effective millage is approximately 16.69 mills for most city-limit properties. Properties outside city limits but within Pasco County omit the city millage and pay a slightly lower rate. Always verify the exact millage for a specific property at pascopa.com.
How Does the Florida Homestead Exemption Work?
Two-Tier Homestead Exemption
Florida's homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence in two tiers:
| Tier | Amount | Applies To | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| First $25,000 | $25,000 off assessed value | All taxing authorities (county, school, city, SWFWMD, fire) | Reduces taxable value by $25,000 |
| Second $25,000 | $25,000 off assessed value | All taxing authorities EXCEPT school board | Further reduces non-school taxable value by $25,000 |
| Total homestead benefit | Up to $50,000 total | Mixed application | Saves approximately $750-$900/yr at 16.69 mills |
How to Apply for Homestead Exemption
You must apply at the Pasco County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the year following your purchase to receive the exemption for that tax year. The office is at:
Pasco County Property Appraiser
14236 Sixth Street, Suite 201, Dade City FL 33523
Phone: (352) 521-4420
Website: pascopa.com
You can also apply online through the Property Appraiser website. You will need proof of Florida residency (FL driver license or ID), Social Security number, and the property's legal description. If you miss the March 1 deadline, you wait until the following year.
What Is the Save Our Homes Cap and Why Does It Matter for Buyers?
Save Our Homes Explained
Save Our Homes (SOH) is a Florida constitutional amendment that limits increases in the assessed value of a homesteaded property to the lesser of 3% or the CPI change per year. Over time, a long-term homeowner's assessed value can be far below market value, creating a significant tax advantage that does NOT transfer to the buyer.
Save Our Homes Reset Warning
When you buy a home, the assessed value resets to market value in the year following your purchase. The prior owner's SOH savings disappear. A home the seller bought in 2005 for $150,000 and whose assessed value has been capped at $180,000 while the market pushed it to $310,000 will now be assessed at $310,000 (minus your homestead exemption) starting the year after your close. Budget based on your purchase price, not the seller's current tax bill.
