Access Dixie County Property Records

Dixie County property records are public documents held by the Dixie County Property Appraiser and the Clerk of Courts in Cross City. These records cover all parcels in the county and include ownership data, assessed values, deed filings, and parcel details. Whether you are buying land, researching a neighbor's parcel, or verifying tax status, Dixie County property records are available to anyone who asks.

Dixie County Property Appraiser Office

The Dixie County Property Appraiser is located at 214 NE Highway 351, Cross City, FL 32628. The office phone number is 352-498-1212. You can also reach the office through the appraiser's website at dixiecopa.com. This office is responsible for assessing all real and tangible personal property in Dixie County for tax purposes.

Dixie County is one of Florida's smaller, more rural counties. The property roll includes a mix of residential parcels, timberland, hunting tracts, agricultural land, and some commercial property along State Road 19 and other main corridors. A significant portion of the county consists of state and federal land, including parts of the Suwannee River Water Management District holdings.

Under Florida Statute Chapter 193, the Property Appraiser must assess all taxable property at just value each year as of January 1. For Dixie County, this means reviewing sales data, building permits, and periodic field inspections across the entire county. Florida law requires physical inspection of every parcel at least once every five years.

How to Search Dixie County Property Records

The Dixie County Property Appraiser's website at dixiecopa.com provides online parcel search tools. You can search by owner name, parcel ID, or address. Search results show the current owner of record, the parcel's legal description, land acreage, any structures on the property, and the current just and assessed values. Sales history showing prior transactions is available for most parcels.

Florida's Public Records Law, Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes, guarantees that all people have the right to inspect public records. There is no requirement to show why you want them or prove any legal connection to the property. Both the Property Appraiser and the Clerk of Courts must honor public record requests within a reasonable time.

The Florida Department of Revenue data portal includes Dixie County in its statewide property tax data. The portal provides downloadable tax roll data and links to local county resources. For a rural county like Dixie, statewide data comparisons can help put local values in perspective.

The Florida DOR's property data portal covers all 67 counties including Dixie County. The screenshot below is from that statewide resource.

This portal links to the Dixie County Property Appraiser's database and other local records tools for anyone researching property in north Florida.

Florida Statutes Governing Dixie County Property Records

Several Florida statutes directly shape how property records are created, maintained, and accessed in Dixie County. Florida Statute Chapter 192 provides the general framework for property taxation, including definitions of just value, assessed value, and taxable value, and the statewide timeline for certifying the assessment roll each year. Every county in Florida, including Dixie, follows this framework.

Deed records are governed by Florida Statute Chapter 28, which sets out the duties of the Clerk of Courts for recording instruments affecting real property. The Clerk must record every deed, mortgage, lien, and other qualifying document that is presented for recording. These become part of the Official Records and are accessible to anyone under the Public Records Law.

Homestead Exemption in Dixie County

Florida homeowners living in their property as a primary residence can apply for the homestead exemption to reduce their taxable value by up to $50,000. In Dixie County, applications are filed with the Property Appraiser's office at 214 NE Highway 351, Cross City. The deadline is March 1 of the tax year for which you want the exemption.

To apply, you need proof of ownership and proof that you live in the home as your primary residence as of January 1. A Florida driver's license, voter registration card, or vehicle registration showing the Dixie County address generally satisfy the residency requirement. Staff at the appraiser's office can explain exactly what documents are needed.

Homesteaded properties in Dixie County also benefit from the Save Our Homes cap, which limits how much the assessed value can increase each year to the lower of three percent or the rate of inflation. Over time, long-term residents can see their assessed value fall well below just value, resulting in a much lower tax bill than a new buyer of the same property would face.

Other exemptions are available for veterans, surviving spouses, persons with disabilities, and low-income seniors. The Florida DOR's taxpayer information page explains each exemption and the application process in detail.

Note: If you move out of your Dixie County home and stop using it as your primary residence, you must notify the Property Appraiser to remove the homestead exemption. Failure to do so can result in back taxes and penalties.

Recorded Documents in Dixie County

Deeds, mortgages, and other documents affecting real property in Dixie County are recorded with the Clerk of Courts under the authority of Florida Statute Chapter 28. Recorded documents become part of the Official Records and are open to public inspection. The Clerk's office is at the Dixie County Courthouse in Cross City.

Recording a deed is essential to protect the buyer's interest in the property. Under Florida law, an unrecorded deed can be defeated by a subsequent purchaser who pays value and has no notice of the prior transaction. When you buy land in Dixie County, your deed should be recorded promptly to protect your ownership rights.

Copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the Clerk's office in person or through the Clerk's online search portal if one is available for Dixie County. Fees are set by state law and vary by document type and page count. The Florida DOR local officials page lists contact information for the Dixie County Clerk.

Property Taxes and the Tax Collector

The Dixie County Tax Collector sends property tax notices each November. The tax amount is determined by multiplying the taxable value of each parcel by the combined millage rate of all taxing authorities that have jurisdiction over it. These taxing authorities include the county government, the school board, and any applicable special districts.

Payment is due by March 31 of the following year. Early payment earns a discount: four percent if paid in November, three percent in December, two percent in January, and one percent in February. Unpaid taxes after March 31 result in delinquency, which eventually leads to a tax certificate sale and potential loss of the property if taxes remain unpaid over time.

The Florida DOR directory lists all county officials with property tax responsibilities across the state, including the Dixie County Tax Collector. The screenshot below shows that directory.

Use this directory to find current phone numbers and addresses for the Dixie County Tax Collector and Property Appraiser offices.

Agricultural Land and Timberland in Dixie County

A large share of Dixie County land is used for agriculture, timber production, and hunting. These properties may qualify for agricultural classification under Florida law. Agricultural classification bases the assessed value on the land's income-producing capacity for agricultural use rather than its market value. For land with development potential, this can make a large difference in the tax bill.

To receive agricultural classification in Dixie County, you must apply with the Property Appraiser and demonstrate that the land is being used in good faith for agricultural purposes. The appraiser reviews applications each year. Timberland and silviculture operations are also eligible for this classification in Florida, which is relevant for much of Dixie County's rural acreage.

Cities in Dixie County

Cross City is the county seat of Dixie County. Horseshoe Beach and Old Town are other small communities in the county. None of these communities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All property records for locations throughout Dixie County are maintained by the Dixie County Property Appraiser at 214 NE Highway 351 and the Clerk of Courts in Cross City.

Nearby Counties

Dixie County borders four Florida counties. If you are researching property near a county line, the neighboring county's property appraiser may also hold relevant records.