Answers by Brent Downing

Great question, Deborah—and you're not alone in this situation. In Florida, deeding two adjoining parcels as one doesn’t automatically mean they’ll be taxed as one. The key lies in how the county property appraiser processes your parcels for the tax roll. Even if your deed reflects one combined parcel, the Property Appraiser’s Office may still treat them as separate parcels for tax purposes unless you’ve formally requested a parcel combination. This is a separate administrative process that typically requires: - A Request to Combine Parcels form - Proof that both parcels are in the same ownership and use - All taxes must be current

Nope—you do not have to pay sales tax when purchasing a home in Florida. Real estate, including land and permanent structures, is exempt from sales tax under Florida law because it’s not considered tangible personal property. You will have some closing costs, attorney and mortgage fees (depending if you get a mortgage). So while you dodge the sales tax bullet, these other costs can still add up. Want help estimating your total closing costs or comparing counties in Florida? I can break it down for you.