Tax Collector Responsibilities

The Office of Tax Collector is authorized by Florida's Constitution, as a separate entity from other County Departments or Agencies. The Tax Collector is elected, by the Citizens of Gadsden County, and is privileged to serve four year terms.

The Tax Collector is an agent for various state and local government agencies, for the collection of revenue and public funding. It is the responsibility of the Tax Collector to invest these revenues and funds, pending their timely distribution, to various state, local agencies, and taxing authorities.

A wide range of services, are provided by The Tax Collector, to the citizens of Gadsden County, which include, collection of ad valorem taxes, non-ad valorem assessments, motor vehicle and vessel titling and registration, collection of sales tax, driver license services, and issuance of hunting and fishing licenses.

The Tax Collector operates as a "fee office", which means a fee or commission is earned for the services rendered. These fees and commissions are outlined in the Florida Statutes, and established by the Florida Legislature. The annual budget must be approved by the Florida Department of Revenue, and includes any amendments made during each fiscal year. Excess fees are remitted to each government agency, in the same proportion as they were paid, at the end of each fiscal year.

The Tax Collector is responsible for collecting and dispersing taxes, from information provided on the annual tax roll, which is provided by the Property Appraiser's Office. The tax roll consists of real estate taxes, tangible taxes, and non-ad valorem taxes. (Non-Ad Valorem assessments are primarily assessments for fire services, solid waste and trash collection). The collection of taxes, as well as the assessment, is in accordance with the rules and regulations of The Florida Department of Revenue, and Florida Statutes. These taxes are collected, beginning November 1st each year, and become delinquent April 1st. Discounts are given for early payment.

On or before June 1st each year, the Tax Collector holds a tax certificate sale, on properties with unpaid real estate taxes. The purpose of the sale is to collect unpaid taxes on behalf of the numerous taxing authorities. A tax certificate represents a lien on the property. When a tax certificate is redeemed, the Tax Collector is responsible for remitting the funds to the certificate holder. Funds for a County held certificate are dispersed to the different taxing authorities.