In Florida, property taxes and real estate taxes are also known as ad valorem taxes. Ad valorem means, "based on value".

Escambia County property taxes provide the funds so local governments can provide needed services--like educating our children and protecting us from crime. Without property taxes many of the services provided by local government would not be available.

The Property Appraiser is not the person who determines the amount of taxes levied. Those who are responsible are known as the taxing authorities. Examples being the county commission, school board, citys, fire department and water management district. The Property Appraiser's responsibility is to determine market value of your property and to maintain equity within the tax roll. The assessed value of your property is only one part of the equation.