History

Tax Collectors are independent constitutional officers duly elected from their counties of residence by their fellow citizens and taxpayers. It is this independence coupled with the fact that Tax Collectors deal with a variety of duties and responsibilities and provide a myriad of important public services, that allow them to exercise valuable leadership roles in Florida's government.

The elected county office of Tax Collector in Florida was established in the 1885 State Constitution based on the idea that local taxes could best be collected at the local level. By being an elected office the Tax Collector would be more responsible to the needs of the community from which he was elected.

Along with their involvement in their own personnel and financial management matters, Tax Collectors participate in the management of the executive branches of state government which include the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Department of Revenue.

The Tax Collector sees all of these departments as a whole and, consequently, is able to coordinate and analyze the impact they have collectively. Staff members from various departments of state along with state legislators should and do draw heavily on the broad base of knowledge accumulated by the Tax Collectors in drafting tax legislation and establishing rules and regulations for carrying out the laws regarding the collection of taxes.

Mission Statement

The Tax Collector is a value-driven organization dedicated to responsive, respectful and courteous customer service. Alachua County will be viewed as an innovative and progressive leader in the provision of effective and efficient County Services, recognizing the needs of its diverse community.

Duties and 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 Alachua 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.

The Tax Collector operates as a "fee officer", 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 following is a more detailed description of Tax Collector Responsibilities

Ad Valorem and non-Ad Valorem Taxes

The Tax Collector is responsible for collecting and distributing taxes, from information provided on the annual tax roll, which is provided by the Property Appraiser's Office. The Ad Valorem tax roll consists of real estate taxes and tangible personal property taxes. The Non- Ad valorem tax roll is prepared and provided to the Board of County Commissioners by the Tax Collector's Office. Non-Ad Valorem assessments are primarily assessments for fire services and solid waste collection and disposal. 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.

Note: Real Estate Taxes and Tangible Personal Property Taxes may be paid in installments. You may download the application, or stop by the Main Office and pick them up. For more information please call the Main Office, 352-374-5236

Tangible Personal Property Taxes

This is a tax levied against equipment, furniture, and supplies of a business, or attachments to a mobile home located in a mobile home park. The assessed value is determined by the Property Appraiser, and the tangible roll is then certified to the tax Collector for collection. The statements are mailed at the same time as real estate bills, and receive the same discounts.

Note: Real Estate Taxes and Tangible Personal Property Taxes may be paid in installments. You may download the application, or stop by the Main Office and pick them up. For more information please call the Main Office, 352-374-5236.

Local Business Tax

A Local Business Tax is a miscellaneous tax imposed by local government, in accordance with county ordinance, which also charges the Tax Collector with the responsibility of collection and disbursement of fees. The Receipt grants the privilege of engaging in or managing a business, the fee for these Receipts is $ 52.50-$ 525.00 per year. The receipt expires September 30th each year and is renewable on or before October 1st.

Tourist Development Tax

Florida Legislature amended the "Local Option Tourist Development Act", to allow for collection and administration of the tourist tax at the local level. The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance, which provides for collection, and administration of the tourist tax, and charged the Tax Collector with the duty of collection and distribution.

PRIVILEGE TAX COLLECTIONS

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

As an agent for The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Tax Collector is responsible for the sale of hunting and fishing permits. There are agencies, such as retail outlets, fishing tackle retailers, and others located around the County to assist in the sale of these permits.

Tag/License Plates

As an agent for The Department of Highway Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, the Tax Collector is responsible for issuance of automobile license plates/decals, mobile home decals, disabled persons parking permits, vessel decals, and title applications where applicable. The Tax Collector is responsible for maintenance of records, reporting sales, accounting for inventory, and dispersing monies collected in a timely manner to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The issuance of registrations and title applications is done in accordance with rules and regulations of the Department of Highway Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, and Florida Statutes.

Duties and 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 Alachua 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.

The Tax Collector operates as a "fee officer", 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 following is a more detailed description of Tax Collector Responsibilities

Ad Valorem and non-Ad Valorem Taxes

The Tax Collector is responsible for collecting and distributing taxes, from information provided on the annual tax roll, which is provided by the Property Appraiser's Office. The Ad Valorem tax roll consists of real estate taxes and tangible personal property taxes. The Non- Ad valorem tax roll is prepared and provided to the Board of County Commissioners by the Tax Collector's Office. Non-Ad Valorem assessments are primarily assessments for fire services and solid waste collection and disposal. 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.

Note: Real Estate Taxes and Tangible Personal Property Taxes may be paid in installments. You may download the application, or stop by the Main Office and pick them up. For more information please call the Main Office, 352-374-5236

Tangible Personal Property Taxes

This is a tax levied against equipment, furniture, and supplies of a business, or attachments to a mobile home located in a mobile home park. The assessed value is determined by the Property Appraiser, and the tangible roll is then certified to the tax Collector for collection. The statements are mailed at the same time as real estate bills, and receive the same discounts.

Note: Real Estate Taxes and Tangible Personal Property Taxes may be paid in installments. You may download the application, or stop by the Main Office and pick them up. For more information please call the Main Office, 352-374-5236.

Local Business Tax

A Local Business Tax is a miscellaneous tax imposed by local government, in accordance with county ordinance, which also charges the Tax Collector with the responsibility of collection and disbursement of fees. The Receipt grants the privilege of engaging in or managing a business, the fee for these Receipts is $ 52.50-$ 525.00 per year. The receipt expires September 30th each year and is renewable on or before October 1st.

Tourist Development Tax

Florida Legislature amended the "Local Option Tourist Development Act", to allow for collection and administration of the tourist tax at the local level. The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance, which provides for collection, and administration of the tourist tax, and charged the Tax Collector with the duty of collection and distribution.

PRIVILEGE TAX COLLECTIONS

Hunting and Fishing Licenses

As an agent for The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Tax Collector is responsible for the sale of hunting and fishing permits. There are agencies, such as retail outlets, fishing tackle retailers, and others located around the County to assist in the sale of these permits.

Tag/License Plates

As an agent for The Department of Highway Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, the Tax Collector is responsible for issuance of automobile license plates/decals, mobile home decals, disabled persons parking permits, vessel decals, and title applications where applicable. The Tax Collector is responsible for maintenance of records, reporting sales, accounting for inventory, and dispersing monies collected in a timely manner to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The issuance of registrations and title applications is done in accordance with rules and regulations of the Department of Highway Safety, Division of Motor Vehicles, and Florida Statutes.

Sales Tax

Sales tax is required, by Florida Statute, at 6% of the purchase price, less trade-in, on vehicle, vessel or mobile home purchases.  As an agent for The Florida Department of Revenue, the Tax Collector is responsible for collection, and disbursement of this state sales tax.

More detailed information on each of these services is provided throughout this web site. You may also, call our office at 352-374-5236 or e-mail us at actc@actcfl.org

Sales Tax

Sales tax is required, by Florida Statute, at 6% of the purchase price, less trade-in, on vehicle, vessel or mobile home purchases.  As an agent for The Florida Department of Revenue, the Tax Collector is responsible for collection, and disbursement of this state sales tax.

More detailed information on each of these services is provided throughout this web site. You may also, call our office at 352-374-5236 or e-mail us at actc@actcfl.org

Office Hours and Locations 

Downtown Branch (Main Office) Alachua County Tax Collector 12 SE 1st Street Gainesville, FL 32601 Tax Collector email: actc@actcfl.org	Hours:  Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Telephone (352) 374-5236 Information (352) 374-5281 Fax
Northwest Branch 5801 NW 34th Street Gainesville, FL 32653	(352) 374-5236 Information (352) 374-5200 Fax
Southwest Branch 3207 SW 35th Blvd (Butler Plaza) Gainesville, FL 32608	(352) 374-5236 Information (352) 337-6201 Fax
City of High Springs Tag & Title Only 110 NW 1st Avenue High Springs, FL 32643	Hours:  Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (386) 454-1416 (386) 454-2126 Fax

 

Office Hours and Locations 

Downtown Branch (Main Office) Alachua County Tax Collector 12 SE 1st Street Gainesville, FL 32601 Tax Collector email: actc@actcfl.org	Hours:  Monday - Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Telephone (352) 374-5236 Information (352) 374-5281 Fax
Northwest Branch 5801 NW 34th Street Gainesville, FL 32653	(352) 374-5236 Information (352) 374-5200 Fax
Southwest Branch 3207 SW 35th Blvd (Butler Plaza) Gainesville, FL 32608	(352) 374-5236 Information (352) 337-6201 Fax
City of High Springs Tag & Title Only 110 NW 1st Avenue High Springs, FL 32643	Hours:  Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (386) 454-1416 (386) 454-2126 Fax

 

 

Calendar of Events

YOUR BIRTHDAY
Renewal of motor vehicle license plates, which expire at midnight of the owners birthday. Renewals are accepted 90 days prior to your birth month. This applies to passenger cars, recreational vehicles, light trucks under 5,000 lbs., small trailers and Motorcycles. Private vessel/boat registrations also expire at this time.

 JANUARY
Receive a 2% discount on payments of real estate, and tangible personal property taxes.

 FEBRUARY
Receive a 1% discount on payment of real estate, and tangible personal property taxes.

 MARCH
Full amount due on property taxes by March 31st.

Final (fourth) installment payments due by March 31st. Tax payers currently enrolled in the installment plan do not need to reapply to continue in the plan.

 APRIL
All unpaid real estate property taxes become delinquent April 1st. At this time a 3% interest charge is added to the gross amount. Delinquent real estate property taxes will be advertised in a local newspaper and the cost of advertising will be added to the delinquent bill.

All unpaid tangible personal property taxes become delinquent April 1st. At this time a 1.5% per month interest charge is added to the gross amount. Within 45 days delinquent tangible personal property taxes will be advertised in a local newspaper and the cost of advertising will be added to the delinquent bill.

Applications for next year's property tax installment payment plan due by April 30th.

 MAY
List of delinquent personal property taxes advertised in a local newspaper one time.

List of delinquent real estate taxes advertised once per week for three consecutive weeks, prior to tax certificate sale, in a local newspaper.

Tax certificate sale for delinquent real estate taxes occurs on or before June 1st.

 JUNE
Tax Warrant processing begins on delinquent tangible personal property taxes June 1st.

First Installment payments due June 30th.

 JULY
First installment must be received by July 30th, discount not applicable and 5% penalty is added. If payment is not received participation in the program is terminated.

 AUGUST

 SEPTEMBER
Second installment payments are due by September 30th.

 OCTOBER
  Business Tax Receipt fees are due October 1st.

 NOVEMBER
Collection of real estate property taxes and tangible personal property taxes begins. Receive a 4% discount on payments made by November 30th.

 DECEMBER
Receive a 3% discount on payment of real estate and tangible personal property taxes.

Third installment payments due by December 31st.

Registration and renewal of trucks over 5,000 pounds, truck-trailers, semi-trailers, nine-passenger and over vehicles for hire, due by December 31st. Mobile home decals also expire December 31st.

Holiday Schedule
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY			Monday, January 16, 2012
PRESIDENTS DAY			Monday, February 20, 2012
MEMORIAL DAY			Monday, May 28, 2012
INDEPENDENCE DAY (Observed)			Wednesday, July 4, 2012
LABOR DAY			Monday, September 3, 2012
VETERANS DAY (Observed)			Monday, November 12, 2012
THANKSGIVING			Thursday, November 22, 2012
			Friday, November 23, 2012
CHRISTMAS			Monday, December 24, 2012
			Tuesday, December 25, 2012
NEW YEAR'S DAY			Tuesday, January 1, 2013

 

Calendar of Events

YOUR BIRTHDAY
Renewal of motor vehicle license plates, which expire at midnight of the owners birthday. Renewals are accepted 90 days prior to your birth month. This applies to passenger cars, recreational vehicles, light trucks under 5,000 lbs., small trailers and Motorcycles. Private vessel/boat registrations also expire at this time.

 JANUARY
Receive a 2% discount on payments of real estate, and tangible personal property taxes.

 FEBRUARY
Receive a 1% discount on payment of real estate, and tangible personal property taxes.

 MARCH
Full amount due on property taxes by March 31st.

Final (fourth) installment payments due by March 31st. Tax payers currently enrolled in the installment plan do not need to reapply to continue in the plan.

 APRIL
All unpaid real estate property taxes become delinquent April 1st. At this time a 3% interest charge is added to the gross amount. Delinquent real estate property taxes will be advertised in a local newspaper and the cost of advertising will be added to the delinquent bill.

All unpaid tangible personal property taxes become delinquent April 1st. At this time a 1.5% per month interest charge is added to the gross amount. Within 45 days delinquent tangible personal property taxes will be advertised in a local newspaper and the cost of advertising will be added to the delinquent bill.

Applications for next year's property tax installment payment plan due by April 30th.

 MAY
List of delinquent personal property taxes advertised in a local newspaper one time.

List of delinquent real estate taxes advertised once per week for three consecutive weeks, prior to tax certificate sale, in a local newspaper.

Tax certificate sale for delinquent real estate taxes occurs on or before June 1st.

 JUNE
Tax Warrant processing begins on delinquent tangible personal property taxes June 1st.

First Installment payments due June 30th.

 JULY
First installment must be received by July 30th, discount not applicable and 5% penalty is added. If payment is not received participation in the program is terminated.

 AUGUST

 SEPTEMBER
Second installment payments are due by September 30th.

 OCTOBER
  Business Tax Receipt fees are due October 1st.

 NOVEMBER
Collection of real estate property taxes and tangible personal property taxes begins. Receive a 4% discount on payments made by November 30th.

 DECEMBER
Receive a 3% discount on payment of real estate and tangible personal property taxes.

Third installment payments due by December 31st.

Registration and renewal of trucks over 5,000 pounds, truck-trailers, semi-trailers, nine-passenger and over vehicles for hire, due by December 31st. Mobile home decals also expire December 31st.

Holiday Schedule
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY			Monday, January 16, 2012
PRESIDENTS DAY			Monday, February 20, 2012
MEMORIAL DAY			Monday, May 28, 2012
INDEPENDENCE DAY (Observed)			Wednesday, July 4, 2012
LABOR DAY			Monday, September 3, 2012
VETERANS DAY (Observed)			Monday, November 12, 2012
THANKSGIVING			Thursday, November 22, 2012
			Friday, November 23, 2012
CHRISTMAS			Monday, December 24, 2012
			Tuesday, December 25, 2012
NEW YEAR'S DAY			Tuesday, January 1, 2013

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