Duval County (Jacksonville proper) has higher property tax millage than St. Johns County. The total effective rate in Duval runs approximately 18–21 mills compared to St. Johns County's 12–15 mills. On a $500,000 primary residence after the $50,000 homestead exemption (taxable value $450,000), Duval County generates approximately $9,000–$10,500/year in property tax. The same home in St. Johns County generates approximately $6,500–$8,000/year — plus CDD fees if in Nocatee. The practical net comparison favors Duval County by a narrower margin than the millage difference suggests, once CDD fees are added to St. Johns County communities in Nocatee. The homestead exemption in Duval works the same as St. Johns — file the DR-501 with the Duval County Property Appraiser by March 1 after purchase. The Save Our Homes cap also applies in Duval — your assessed value growth is capped at 3%/year starting year two, providing the same long-term protection as any Florida county. Duval County also offers a Senior Homestead Exemption for residents 65+ with household income below a qualifying threshold ($35,100 in 2025–2026) — an additional exemption on top of the standard $50,000 homestead. Most 55+ community buyers exceed the income threshold and do not qualify, but verify your specific situation. Del Webb eTown and Del Webb Sweetwater buyers: file your homestead exemption immediately after closing. The March 1 deadline is strict — missing it costs you the exemption for the full first year.
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