Property taxes in Temple Terrace FL are higher than in unincorporated Hillsborough County because Temple Terrace is an incorporated city and charges its own city millage on top of county and school levies. The combined total runs approximately 25-27 mills, adding roughly $1,500-$2,000/year to your tax bill compared to an equivalent home in unincorporated Hillsborough County. Here is the complete breakdown and what to budget before buying in Temple Terrace.
What Makes Temple Terrace Taxes Different from Surrounding Areas?
The critical distinction: Temple Terrace is one of Hillsborough County's incorporated cities, alongside Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace itself. Incorporated city residents pay both county millage and city millage. Unincorporated Hillsborough County areas like Brandon, Valrico, Town 'n' Country, and Riverview pay only the county millage.
Temple Terrace City Millage
The City of Temple Terrace levies its own millage rate, which has historically run approximately 5.87 mills. This city millage funds Temple Terrace's own police department, parks, public works, and city administration. It is separate from and in addition to the Hillsborough County general fund millage. Temple Terrace residents benefit from a dedicated city police department (distinct from the Hillsborough County Sheriff), well-maintained city parks, and direct city services as a return on this additional tax.
Full Millage Stack for Temple Terrace
| Millage Component | Approximate Rate (mills) |
|---|---|
| City of Temple Terrace | ~5.87 |
| Hillsborough County General Fund | ~5.25 |
| Hillsborough County School Board | ~6.50 |
| Hillsborough County Schools Local Discretionary | ~0.748 |
| Children's Board of Hillsborough County | ~0.50 |
| Southwest Florida Water Management District | ~0.28 |
| Other County Levies (Mosquito, Port, Hospital) | ~0.50-1.00 |
| Total Approximate | ~25-27 mills |
Actual millage rates are set each September when taxing authorities certify their final rates. The figures above are approximations based on recent years. For the exact current millage, check HCPAFL.gov or request a tax estimate from the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.
What Do Property Taxes Cost in Temple Terrace at Different Home Values?
| Home Value | Taxable Value (after $50K exemption) | Estimated Annual Tax | Monthly Escrow |
|---|---|---|---|
| $275,000 | $225,000 | $5,625-$6,075 | $469-$506 |
| $350,000 | $300,000 | $7,500-$8,100 | $625-$675 |
| $450,000 | $400,000 | $10,000-$10,800 | $833-$900 |
| $550,000 | $500,000 | $12,500-$13,500 | $1,042-$1,125 |
Temple Terrace vs Nearby Areas: Tax Rate Comparison
| Area | Incorporated? | Approx Millage | Annual Tax on $350K Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple Terrace | Yes (city) | ~25-27 mills | ~$7,500-$8,100 |
| City of Tampa | Yes (city) | ~24-26 mills | ~$7,200-$7,800 |
| Brandon (unincorporated) | No | ~19-21 mills | ~$5,700-$6,300 |
| Seffner (unincorporated) | No | ~19-21 mills | ~$5,700-$6,300 |
| Town 'n' Country (unincorporated) | No | ~19-21 mills | ~$5,700-$6,300 |
The tax premium for Temple Terrace over unincorporated Hillsborough County runs approximately $1,800-$2,000 per year on a $350,000 home. Whether this premium is worth paying depends on the services you receive: Temple Terrace has its own police department, city parks including the Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club area, and direct city services that unincorporated areas receive through county departments.
How Does the Homestead Exemption Work in Temple Terrace?
Temple Terrace homestead exemption works the same as all of Hillsborough County: file by March 1 through HCPAFL.gov. The exemption provides $25,000 off assessed value for all levies and an additional $25,000 off for non-school levies. The combined benefit saves approximately $1,000-$1,400/year in Temple Terrace depending on the specific millage rate combination.
Save Our Homes Cap in Temple Terrace
The Florida Save Our Homes (SOH) cap limits annual increases in your homesteaded property's assessed value to 3% or the CPI, whichever is lower. In Temple Terrace, where home values have appreciated significantly since 2019, long-term residents are paying taxes on assessed values well below current market value. New buyers pay taxes on the full purchase price from day one. If you're comparing taxes on a home a longtime resident is selling versus what your taxes will be after closing, remember that their tax bill reflects years of SOH protection, not your future bill.
Are There CDD Fees in Temple Terrace?
Temple Terrace was developed primarily from the 1920s through the 1980s. Community Development Districts (CDDs) were not used in Florida during those eras. There are no CDD communities in Temple Terrace, which is a financial advantage over newer master-planned communities in Riverview, Wimauma, and Wesley Chapel where CDD fees run $1,500-$4,000/year above base taxes. Temple Terrace's older neighborhood character means no CDD fees, even with the city millage included.
What Does Temple Terrace Residents Get for the City Tax?
Temple Terrace's city millage funds services that make the city distinct from unincorporated Hillsborough County:
