St Petersburg City property tax records are public files that show who owns a property, how much it is worth, and what taxes it owes. These records help owners check their tax bills, buyers research a home before closing, and real estate agents confirm past sale prices.
Every parcel in St Petersburg sits inside Pinellas County. The Pinellas County Property Appraiser keeps the value data. The Pinellas County Tax Collector sends the bills and collects the money. Both offices make their records free to view online through separate public search tools.
What St Petersburg Property Tax Records Contain
Each record holds key facts about a piece of land, a building, or a condo unit. Owners, buyers, and researchers can pull up this data for free through county websites. The records cover the current tax year and past years back to at least 2010. Older records may be on file at the Clearwater office for in-person requests.
Ownership and Parcel Data
The first part of any record shows the parcel number, the owner’s name, and the mailing address the county has on file. The parcel number is a unique code the county uses to track the property through every tax cycle. The legal description lists the lot size, subdivision, and lot number. This data helps link tax bills to the right person and the right piece of real estate.
Assessed Value and Taxable Value
The Property Appraiser sets three key numbers each year. The just value is the market price as of January 1. The assessed value is the value used to calculate the tax bill after deductions like the homestead exemption. The taxable value is the final number the Tax Collector multiplies by the combined millage rate to produce a tax bill. Each number appears clearly on the online record.
Building and Land Details
Records show the year the home was built, the square footage of living space, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the type of construction. Land records show the lot size in square feet, any water frontage, and the zoning code. For condos, records cover the unit number, floor level, and the percentage share of common areas tied to that unit.
Sales History
Each record lists past sales with the sale date, sale price, and the type of sale. Arms-length sales reflect fair market value. Non-arms-length sales, like transfers between family members or foreclosure deeds, often show a $100 or $0 price. The sales history helps owners check the value used by the Property Appraiser and supports any appeal filing.
Exemptions and Tax Bill History
The record shows each exemption on the parcel, like homestead, senior, or veteran status. It also lists the tax bill for each year since the last change of ownership. Owners can see how the bill changed over time. They can also see which year had a homestead cap applied or a value adjustment granted through an appeal.
Pinellas County Property Appraiser Office
The Property Appraiser’s office values every parcel in the county each year. The main office sits at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. The phone number is (727) 464-3207. The fax line is (727) 464-3798. The office opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, except for state and federal holidays.
Office Role and Duties
The Property Appraiser works under Florida law to set the just value of all real property each year. The office uses mass appraisal methods approved by the Florida Department of Revenue. Staff check sales, building permits, and property data to set values across the county. The office also handles exemption applications, portability transfers, and corrections to property data on file.
Online Search Tools
The Property Appraiser runs a free public search at pcpao.gov. The search accepts three types of input: a street address, an owner name, or a parcel number. Results show a summary page with the current values, exemptions, and tax district. A detail page shows the full record, including building specs, land data, and sales history. Users can download a tax record card as a PDF without creating an account.
Mailing and Contact
Mail for the Property Appraiser goes to 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Email contact is available through the website contact form. The office answers phone calls on weekdays during business hours. Walk-in service is open at the Clearwater office. Branch service centers in St Petersburg, Largo, and other cities offer limited in-person help for exemptions and data corrections.
Pinellas County Tax Collector Office
The Tax Collector sends tax bills, collects payments, and runs the tax certificate sale each year. The mailing address is P.O. Box 6288, Clearwater, FL 33758. The phone number is (727) 464-7777. The fax line is (727) 453-3784. Office hours run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Tax Bill Mailing Schedule
Bills mail out on November 1 each year. The bill covers the full tax year from January 1 to December 31. A discount applies for early payment. A 4% discount runs through the end of November. A 3% discount runs through December. A 2% discount runs through January. A 1% discount runs through February. Bills paid in March pay full price. After March 31, the bill becomes delinquent and starts to draw penalties.
Installment Payment Plan
Owners can pay in four equal installments instead of one lump sum. The plan runs from June through March of the next year. Owners must enroll before May 1. The plan has a small setup fee added to the first installment. A late installment causes the whole plan to cancel. The bill then goes back to the full November amount with the standard discount schedule.
Payment Methods
Owners can pay online with an e-check or credit card through the Tax Collector website. A convenience fee applies to credit card payments. Payments by mail go to P.O. Box 6288, Clearwater, FL 33758. In-person payments are accepted at branch offices across the county, including St Petersburg locations. Cash, check, money order, and credit cards work at branch offices.
How to Search Records Online
The fastest way to access St Petersburg property tax records is through the Pinellas County Property Appraiser website. The site does not require a login or account. Search results show up within seconds. Records cover all of Pinellas County, not just St Petersburg, so the same tool works for neighboring cities.
Search by Address
Type the full street address into the search box. Include the house number, street name, and zip code for the best results. A list of matching properties appears. Click the right parcel to open the record. The record page shows the owner, value, exemptions, and full tax history. Users can print or save the page as a PDF for future reference.
Search by Owner Name
Type the last name first, then the first name. Use quotes around the full name for an exact match. The search returns a list of all properties under that owner name. The list works for both current and past owners. Click any parcel in the list to open the full record and see the full chain of ownership.
Search by Parcel Number
Type the full parcel ID number for the most exact result. The number has a pattern like 19-31-16-12345-001-0010. The first set shows the township, range, and section. The next set is the parcel number. The last set is the unit or lot number. This search works well for condo units and vacant lots where multiple parcels may share the same street address.
Reading the Record Card
The record card page has several sections. The top section shows the parcel ID, owner, and situs address. The next section shows the values, including just, assessed, and taxable. The exemption section lists each exemption and the dollar amount. The building section shows the year built, square footage, and construction type. The land section shows the lot size and zoning. The sales section shows past sales with dates and prices. The tax section shows the bill for each year.
Property Tax Rates in St Petersburg
St Petersburg property owners pay tax to four main groups. The Pinellas County government, the Pinellas County School Board, the City of St Petersburg, and special districts. Each group sets its own millage rate. A millage rate of 1.0 means $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. The combined rate for most St Petersburg parcels sits around 17 to 19 mills.
| Taxing Authority | 2024 Millage | 2025 Millage |
|---|---|---|
| Pinellas County Operating | 5.2291 | 5.1216 |
| Pinellas County Schools | 3.8490 | 3.7010 |
| City of St Petersburg | 7.4350 | 7.2400 |
| Special Districts | 1.5000 | 1.4500 |
| Combined Total | 18.0131 | 17.5126 |
County Millage Rate
Pinellas County sets the county millage rate each year. The rate funds county services like roads, libraries, and emergency services. The county commission votes on the rate after public hearings in September. The 2024 county operating millage rate was 5.2291 mills. The 2025 rate was set at 5.1216 mills. These rates apply to all property in the county, including St Petersburg.
School Board Millage Rate
The Pinellas County School Board sets the school millage rate. The rate funds K-12 public schools across the county. The 2024 school required local effort rate was 3.1010 mills. The discretionary rate was 0.7480 mills. The total school millage for operating purposes was 3.8490 mills. The 2025 rates were posted on the school board’s website after the July 1 budget approval.
City of St Petersburg Millage Rate
The City of St Petersburg sets a city millage rate. The rate funds city services like police, fire, parks, and street maintenance. The 2024 city operating millage rate was 6.8615 mills. The city also levies a voted debt millage for bond projects. The total 2024 city millage was 7.4350 mills. The 2025 rate was set by the city council in September after public hearings.
Special District Millage Rates
Special districts add extra millage for specific services. These include the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and various municipal service taxing units. Most St Petersburg properties fall inside one or more of these districts. The combined special district millage for 2024 was about 1.5000 mills. The 2025 total sits around 1.4500 mills.
TRIM Notice and Public Hearings
Each August, the Property Appraiser mails a TRIM notice to every property owner. TRIM stands for Truth in Millage. The notice shows the proposed millage rate from each taxing authority. The notice also shows the proposed tax bill based on those proposed rates. The notice opens a 25-day window for property owners to appeal the value.
Reading the TRIM Notice
The TRIM notice has a main page and a back page. The main page shows the parcel ID, owner name, and assessed value. It also shows the proposed millage rate from each taxing authority. The proposed tax bill shows the total amount the owner would pay if the proposed rates pass. The back page lists public hearing dates and contact information for each taxing authority that affects the parcel.
Public Hearing Schedule
Each taxing authority holds public hearings in September. The Pinellas County Commission meets first. The School Board meets next. The City of St Petersburg holds two city hearings. Special districts hold their own hearings. The schedule lists dates, times, and locations. Owners can speak at any hearing about the proposed rate and ask questions of the elected officials setting the budget.
Property Tax Exemptions
Florida law allows several exemptions that lower the tax bill. Each exemption has its own rules and deadlines. Most owners can apply for at least one exemption. Exemptions lower the assessed value, which lowers the tax bill. Some exemptions are dollar amounts. Some are full exemptions that remove the property from tax for one or more authorities.
Homestead Exemption
Homestead is the most common exemption. It removes up to $50,000 from the assessed value of a primary home. The first $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities. The second $25,000 applies to non-school taxes. The owner must live at the property on January 1 of the tax year. The owner must be a Florida resident with a Florida driver’s license or state ID. Apply by March 1 with the Property Appraiser.
Save Our Homes Cap
The homestead exemption also triggers the Save Our Homes cap. The cap limits yearly growth in the assessed value to 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. The cap applies each year as long as the owner keeps the homestead. The cap ends when the owner sells, transfers, or gives up the homestead. New buyers see a reset to full market value in their first tax year.
Portability
Portability lets owners move their Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida home. The owner must sell the old home and buy a new one within two years. The amount of benefit carried over equals the difference between the old home’s just value and its assessed value. The owner must apply for homestead on the new home and request portability at the same time.
Senior Exemption
Property owners age 65 and older can apply for an extra exemption. The exemption is $50,000 for owners with a total household income below $36,000. The exemption applies to non-school taxes. Owners must renew the exemption each year. Income proof, like a tax return or Social Security statement, is required at the time of application.
Veteran and Disability Exemptions
Florida offers several exemptions for veterans with service-connected disabilities. Disabled veterans with a 100% rating get a full exemption on the home. Veterans with a partial rating get a smaller dollar exemption. Surviving spouses of veterans who died in combat get a full exemption. Total disability exemptions are open to any resident with a total and permanent disability, with income limits that apply.
Appealing Your Tax Assessment
Owners who think the Property Appraiser set the value too high can file an appeal. The appeal goes to the Pinellas County Value Adjustment Board, also called the VAB. The VAB is a state-mandated board. The board holds hearings each year from September through February. A successful appeal lowers the assessed value and reduces the tax bill for that year.
Filing a VAB Petition
Owners must file a petition with the VAB clerk within 25 days of the TRIM notice mailing date. The petition form is on the Pinellas County Clerk’s website. The filing fee is $15 for residential property and $25 for commercial property. The petition form asks for the parcel ID, the owner’s name, and the reason for the appeal. Owners who file late lose the right to appeal that year.
How VAB Hearings Work
VAB hearings are held before a special magistrate. The magistrate is a neutral party trained in property valuation. The Property Appraiser presents evidence of the value set. The owner presents evidence of a lower value. Comparable sales in the same neighborhood during the same time period are the most common form of evidence. Photos of property defects also help. The magistrate writes a recommendation. The VAB votes on the recommendation.
Paying Taxes During Appeal
Owners must pay the non-disputed portion of the tax bill on time. The bill is based on the Property Appraiser’s value. The owner can pay the full amount and request a refund if the appeal wins. Paying late causes penalties and interest. Late tax bills can also lead to a tax certificate sale, even if the appeal is still pending.
After the VAB Decision
If the VAB decision is in the owner’s favor, the Property Appraiser lowers the value. The Tax Collector refunds the overpaid amount, plus interest. If the VAB decision goes against the owner, the owner can file a challenge in circuit court. Court cases must be filed within 30 days of the VAB written decision. Court cases involve a formal hearing before a judge and cost more in legal fees.
Tax Certificate Sales
Taxes that stay unpaid after March 31 become delinquent. The Tax Collector publishes a list of delinquent parcels in May. The list goes up for auction as tax certificates in June. Tax certificate sales let investors buy the unpaid tax bill and earn interest. The owner still has the right to pay back the tax, interest, and fees and keep the property.
How the Sale Works
Each delinquent parcel gets a starting bid equal to the unpaid tax, interest, and fees. Investors bid the lowest interest rate they will accept. The winning bidder pays the tax. The winning bidder earns that interest rate on the money until the owner pays back the tax. Interest rates can be as low as 0% for low-risk parcels and as high as 18% for higher-risk ones.
Redemption Period
The owner has two years from the certificate sale date to pay back the tax, interest, and fees. Payment goes through the Tax Collector. After two years, the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed. The tax deed gives the holder the right to foreclose on the property and take ownership through a public auction.
How Tax Deed Sales Work
The certificate holder files an application for a tax deed with the Tax Collector. The Tax Collector schedules a public auction for the property. The highest bidder at the auction pays the certificate amount plus costs. The former owner has the right to redeem until the auction starts. After the auction closes, the former owner loses the right to redeem and the new owner takes title.
Official Office Contact Details
The three main offices that handle St Petersburg property tax records are the Property Appraiser, the Tax Collector, and the Florida Department of Revenue. Each office has its own website, phone number, and address. All three offices are open on weekdays during normal business hours. Owners can call, email, or visit in person for help.
Pinellas County Property Appraiser
315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
Phone: (727) 464-3207
Fax: (727) 464-3798
Website: pcpao.gov
Pinellas County Tax Collector
P.O. Box 6288, Clearwater, FL 33758
Phone: (727) 464-7777
Fax: (727) 453-3784
Website: pinellascounty.org/taxcollector
Florida Department of Revenue
5050 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 488-6800
Website: floridarevenue.com/property
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about St Petersburg property tax records. These cover searches, payments, exemptions, and appeals. The answers pull from current Florida law, Pinellas County rules, and the public websites of each office. Property owners can use these answers as a starting point for their own research.
How to Search for a Property Owner in St Petersburg
The owner of a St Petersburg property is listed in the public record at the Pinellas County Property Appraiser. Go to pcpao.gov and search by address. The owner name shows up on the record page right below the parcel number. Mailing addresses may differ from the property address. The record updates within a few weeks of any ownership change recorded at the county clerk’s office.
Are St Petersburg Property Tax Records Free?
Yes, the Property Appraiser’s records are free to search and view. The Tax Collector’s records are also free. Certified copies of records cost $1 per page at the Clearwater office. Bulk data downloads are free from the Florida Department of Revenue’s data portal. Some third-party websites charge fees but offer no extra data beyond the free county sites.
What Happens When Property Taxes Go Unpaid?
Unpaid property taxes in St Petersburg become delinquent on April 1. The Tax Collector adds a 3% delinquency fee right away. Interest also starts to draw at 1.5% per month. The property goes on the delinquent list. A tax certificate auction runs in June. The certificate holder earns interest on the unpaid amount. After two years, the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed and foreclose on the property.
Can I See Tax Records From Past Years?
Yes, the Property Appraiser’s website shows tax records back to at least 2010. Older records may be on file at the Clearwater office. The office can print a record card for any year on request. The record shows the value, exemption, and tax bill for each year. Past records help owners check value trends before an appeal or before buying a home.
How Often Does the Property Appraiser Update Values?
The Property Appraiser updates values once a year. The new value takes effect on January 1. The Property Appraiser finishes the annual assessment roll by July 1. TRIM notices mail in August. Bills mail in November. Value changes from appeals are added to the next year’s tax bill. Mid-year sales, permits, and exemption changes are reflected in the next annual roll.
Is My Property Tax Data Public in Florida?
Yes, Florida law makes property tax records public. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes opens the records to anyone. You do not need to live in Florida. You do not need to explain your reason for asking. The Property Appraiser and Tax Collector must give access to anyone who asks. Social Security numbers, bank account data, and certain medical data are the only protected fields.
How Do I Get a Copy of My Tax Bill?
Tax bills are mailed each November to the mailing address on file. Owners who do not get a bill can request a copy from the Tax Collector. The Tax Collector’s website has a search tool. Enter the parcel ID to view and print the current bill. Past bills are also available through the website. Certified copies cost a small fee per page at the Clearwater office.