ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — St. Lucie County residents pay the highest overall property-tax rate in Florida, and many are asking why. At recent commission meetings, frustrated homeowners said rising bills are outpacing wages. “It’s hard for working-class people to have their property tax jump up so much,” resident Maureen Kennedy told commissioners. “Where are we supposed to get this money? Our salary’s not being increased by that.” Another resident, Kurt Ferguson, called the taxes “ridiculous” and “totally ridiculous.”

Florida’s latest tax data shows St. Lucie’s combined millage rate sits near 22 mills — higher than Palm Beach, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, and well above the statewide average. Millage refers to the amount paid per $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, and St. Lucie’s higher rate means a larger bill before factoring in rising values.

Real-estate agents say the tax burden is starting to shape the housing market. Treasure Coast Realtor Natalia Rhinehart says some buyers immediately look elsewhere. “I have a lot of buyers who start here in St. Lucie County but end up in Indian River,” she said. “We already have a reputation — people say, ‘We heard you’re the most expensive for taxes.’ And it’s true, so they don’t even bother.”

County leaders point to rapid population growth, aging tax structures, and low property values relative to neighboring counties. “St. Lucie County is sort of a victim of its popularity — its natural beauty, its geographical location,” said County Commission Chair Jamie Fowler. “They came with more disposable income and created this buying frenzy.” She noted that retirees, Northeast transplants, and families from South Florida have driven up demand for housing and services.

County Administrator George Landry says it’s important to understand how the tax bill breaks down. “St. Lucie County, the Board of County Commissioners, is only responsible for about 32 percent of the overall millage rate,” he said. The rest comes from city governments, the school district, the fire district, and other taxing authorities. Landry also emphasized that home values play a major role: “What’s not taken into consideration is that St. Lucie County is below the state average on property value. Our millage rate might be higher, but the actual taxes collected are lower than our neighboring counties.”

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Because property values are lower than in Palm Beach and Martin, St. Lucie must levy a higher rate to fund services — from law enforcement to roads, parks, and libraries. Meanwhile, state law allows taxable values on homesteaded properties to rise up to 3% per year. Over five years, that can amount to roughly 15% more in property taxes. When combined with rising insurance premiums and higher mortgage rates, homeowners say it’s creating a financial squeeze.

County officials say they are working to relieve pressure by attracting more commercial investment, which would help share the tax load. Leaders also point to the county’s choice to keep 27 miles of coastline public and undeveloped — a decision residents strongly supported, but one that limits high-value tourism development and the revenue that comes with it. “We love being here. It’s not like Fort Lauderdale — we can actually get to the beaches,” Fowler said. “And so that’s a trade-off.”

BOTTOM LINE

St. Lucie County has the highest property-tax rate in Florida, not because it wastes money — but because lower property values, rapid growth, and limited commercial tax revenue put more of the burden on homeowners. And despite the frustration over taxes, a county survey shows 75% of residents are satisfied with the services they receive.

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