Monroe County Property Appraiser 2026: Search, GIS, Exemptions & Tax Records

Monroe County Property Search, GIS Map, Homestead & 2026 Tax Record Help

Monroe County, Florida · Updated 2026
Property Appraiser: Scott P. Russell, CFA, RES, AAS, PPS, CCF Main Office: Key West Phone: 305-292-3420
Reviewed Against Current Monroe County & Florida Government Sources

The Monroe County Property Appraiser is the official source for Florida Keys parcel records, ownership shown on the tax roll, property values, exemptions, land and building details, appraisal mapping and related assessment information.

Use the Property Appraiser for Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, Islamorada, Tavernier, Big Pine Key and other Monroe County property searches. Use the Tax Collector for tax bills and payments, and the Monroe County Clerk for recorded deeds, mortgages, liens and Value Adjustment Board filings.

This 2026 guide focuses on the tasks users actually need to complete: finding a parcel, verifying Florida Keys property details, checking GIS context, understanding exemptions, estimating future taxes and routing an appeal or recorded-document search correctly.

Independent publication: Property-Appraisers.org is not the Monroe County Property Appraiser, Monroe County Tax Collector, Clerk of Court, Value Adjustment Board or another government agency. Official agencies control assessments, exemptions, tax bills, recorded documents and filing decisions.
Property Search Owner · Address · Parcel
2026 SOH Cap 2.7%
2026 Senior Income $38,686
2027 Homestead Applications Open
01 · Start With the Task

Which Monroe County Office Should You Use?

One of the easiest mistakes in Florida property research is asking the correct question at the wrong office. Monroe County separates appraisal, tax collection and recorded legal documents.

Your Task Correct Office Best Route
Search owner, address or parcel Monroe County Property Appraiser Official Property Search
Review GIS or parcel location Property Appraiser Official GIS / Maps
Apply for homestead Property Appraiser Online Homestead Filing
Pay property taxes Monroe County Tax Collector Property Tax Services
Search deeds, liens or mortgages Monroe County Clerk Official Records Search
Appeal value or classification Value Adjustment Board VAB Guidance
Simple rule: Property Appraiser = parcel, value, GIS and exemptions. Tax Collector = tax bill and payment. Clerk = recorded documents. VAB = formal assessment, classification or exemption dispute.

02 · Official Resources

Official Monroe County Property Appraiser Links

Property Search

Search Monroe County real property records by parcel information, address or ownership details.

Open Official Property Search
After opening this link
  1. Use a parcel or account identifier when available.
  2. Otherwise try the street address or owner name.
  3. Open the matching record.
  4. Verify the property location before using its values.

GIS / Maps

Use appraisal GIS for location context, nearby parcels and Florida Keys geographic research.

Open Official GIS
After opening this link
  1. Identify the parcel first.
  2. Open the matching location on the map.
  3. Review only the layers relevant to your question.
  4. Use a survey or recorded document for legal boundary issues.

Homestead Filing

Monroe County is currently accepting qualifying applications for the 2027 tax year.

Start Official Homestead Filing
After opening this link
  1. Create or access the required filing account.
  2. Confirm the parcel and ownership information.
  3. Complete the residency questions.
  4. Upload or provide requested supporting documents.
  5. Keep your submission confirmation.

Tax Estimator

Use the official estimator to model possible property tax using appraiser data and assumptions.

Open Tax Estimator
After opening this link
  1. Confirm the correct parcel or taxing area.
  2. Enter the requested value information.
  3. Apply only exemptions you reasonably expect to qualify for.
  4. Use the result for planning rather than as a final bill.

VAB Appeals

Review petition forms, the 25-day valuation deadline and filing-fee rules.

Open VAB Guidance
After opening this link
  1. Identify what you are appealing.
  2. Check the deadline shown on the current TRIM notice.
  3. Download the correct petition form.
  4. Review whether a filing fee applies.

Property Tax Payment

Use the Tax Collector for actual bills, receipts, balances and payment options.

Pay / Search Property Taxes
After opening this link
  1. Open the tax-account search.
  2. Locate the correct parcel or bill.
  3. Review payment status and discounts.
  4. Use the official payment method when ready.


04 · GIS & Florida Keys Context

How to Use Monroe County GIS for Florida Keys Property Research

A Florida Keys property record often makes more sense after you see the parcel in geographic context. GIS can help with island location, nearby parcels, roads, waterfront context and other available map layers.

GIS Is Useful For

  • General parcel location
  • Nearby parcel comparison
  • Island and community context
  • Road and access context
  • Vacant and waterfront parcel research
  • Available appraisal map layers

GIS Is Not Final Proof Of

  • Exact surveyed boundaries
  • Legal access rights
  • Setback approval
  • Buildability
  • Clear title
  • Flood or permit approval
Florida Keys research tip: waterfront location, canal frontage, condominium status, mobile-home status, irregular lots and island-specific access can make two nearby parcels very different. Do not rely only on map proximity when comparing properties.

05 · Read the Assessment

Just Value, Assessed Value and Taxable Value Are Different

Just / Market Value

The Property Appraiser’s estimate of value before applicable assessment limitations and exemptions.

Assessed Value

The value after applicable caps, classifications or assessment limitations such as Save Our Homes.

Taxable Value

The assessed value remaining after exemptions applicable to the taxing authority are deducted.

Buyer warning: a seller’s current tax bill can reflect homestead and accumulated Save Our Homes benefits that may disappear after the sale. Use the official tax estimator instead of assuming the old bill will become your bill.

What to verify on a Florida Keys parcel

  • Owner and mailing address
  • Physical site address
  • Parcel and legal description
  • Land area and property use
  • Building characteristics
  • Sales and transfer history
  • Just or market value
  • Assessed value
  • Taxable value
  • Homestead and other exemptions

06 · Homestead & Portability

Monroe County Homestead Exemption, 2026 Amounts & Save Our Homes

The Monroe County Property Appraiser is currently accepting applications for the 2027 tax year. Homestead applicants must satisfy Florida ownership and permanent-residence requirements.

2026 SOH Cap 2.7%
First Homestead Amount $25,000
2026 Additional Amount Up to $26,411
Portability Up to $500,000

Documents Monroe County may use to establish eligibility

  • Recorded deed information
  • Florida driver license or identification showing the property address
  • Vehicle registration reflecting the property address
  • Social Security information where legally required
  • Proof that another residency-based exemption is not being claimed
  • Trust documentation when title is held in trust
  • Mobile-home titles or registrations when applicable
Review Official Exemption Guidance
After opening this link
  1. Review Homestead Exemption requirements.
  2. Check the current filing year.
  3. Prepare residency and ownership documentation.
  4. Use the online application when eligible.
  5. Save proof of your submission.

2026 Save Our Homes cap: 2.7%

Florida’s Save Our Homes rule limits annual reassessment increases on qualifying homestead property to the lower of 3% or the applicable CPI change. The statewide CPI adjustment applicable to the 2026 assessment year is 2.7%.

A qualifying ownership change, new homestead or removal of homestead can reset assessed value to just value for the following year. New construction can also be added at current value before later becoming subject to the assessment limitation.

Portability

Qualifying Florida homeowners may transfer up to $500,000 of Save Our Homes assessment difference from a prior Florida homestead to a new qualifying homestead, subject to the statutory timing and filing rules.

Review Monroe County Portability
After opening this link
  1. Review the prior-homestead timing rules.
  2. Determine whether the former property had an assessment difference.
  3. Apply for homestead on the new property.
  4. File the portability request by the applicable March 1 deadline.

07 · Senior & Special Benefits

2026 Monroe County Senior Exemption & Other Benefits

Monroe County provides an additional homestead exemption for qualifying homeowners age 65 or older when the applicable household-income requirements are met.

Minimum Age 65 by January 1
2026 Income Limit $38,686
Additional Benefit Up to $50,000
Application Deadline March 1

Applicants must already qualify for homestead and provide the required age and household-income documentation. The exemption applies only to taxes levied by participating local governments and does not apply to school-board taxes.

Long-term resident benefit: qualifying low-income seniors who have lived in the home for at least 25 years may also want to review Monroe County’s long-term resident senior exemption rules. The official guidance includes additional age, income, residency and market-value requirements.
Check Senior Exemption Rules
After opening this link
  1. Confirm age and homestead eligibility.
  2. Check the current year’s income threshold.
  3. Prepare proof of age.
  4. Prepare the requested household-income documents.
  5. File the required DR-501 and DR-501SC documents.

08 · Tax Bills & Payments

Monroe County Property Tax Payments, Discounts & Installment Options

The Monroe County Property Appraiser does not collect property taxes. The Monroe County Tax Collector handles tax notices, balances, online payments, receipts, delinquent accounts and alternative payment plans.

Payment Timing Regular Discount / Status
November 4% discount
December 3% discount
January 2% discount
February 1% discount
March Gross amount due; no discount
April 1 Unpaid taxes become delinquent

Online E-Check

The Tax Collector currently lists electronic check payment as a no-fee online payment option.

Card Payments

The Tax Collector currently lists third-party service charges for credit and debit card payments. Review the current fee before submitting payment.

2026 installment plan

For the 2026 installment plan, applications were due by April 30, 2026. The normal plan divides taxes into four payments due in June, September, December and March, with discounts applied to the earlier installments under the statutory schedule.

Open Monroe Property Tax Services
After opening this link
  1. Choose tax-account lookup or payment.
  2. Verify the correct parcel and owner.
  3. Review the bill, balance and discount status.
  4. Choose the official payment method.
  5. Save the receipt or payment confirmation.

09 · TRIM & Appeals

Monroe County TRIM Notice & Value Adjustment Board Appeal

Monroe County’s appraisal calendar states that TRIM notices are mailed in August. The notice shows the property’s proposed assessment, exemptions, proposed taxes and the deadline for filing a formal challenge.

Do not assume last year’s VAB date applies in 2026. Monroe County’s valuation-petition rule is based on the mailing date of the current TRIM notice. A valuation petition must generally be filed no later than the 25th day after mailing. Use the deadline printed on the current notice.
Valuation Rule 25 Days After TRIM
Standard Fee $50 Per Parcel
VAB Contact 305-292-3550
Petition Office Monroe County Clerk

Before filing

1

Check the appraisal record

Review land, building, ownership, sale, property-use and exemption details for factual problems.

2

Contact MCPA about the issue

The Property Appraiser encourages owners to discuss valuation questions before filing because some issues can be resolved informally.

3

Gather evidence related to the dispute

Comparable sales, photographs, factual corrections, appraisal material and exemption documentation can be useful depending on the issue.

4

File with the Clerk, not MCPA

Formal VAB petitions are returned to the Clerk, Value Adjustment Board rather than filed with the Property Appraiser’s office.

Fee exception: Monroe County’s current guidance states that no filing fee is required for petitions appealing the denial of an ad valorem tax exemption, including denial of homestead exemption. Other applicable petitions generally require the $50-per-parcel fee.
Open Monroe County Clerk VAB Resources
After opening this link
  1. Locate the Value Adjustment Board petition resource.
  2. Check your current TRIM notice deadline.
  3. Complete the correct petition.
  4. Include the applicable filing fee.
  5. Make sure the Clerk physically receives the filing by the deadline.

10 · Deeds & Official Records

Where to Search Monroe County Deeds, Mortgages & Liens

A Property Appraiser record is useful for tax-roll ownership and assessment research, but recorded deeds and title-related documents are maintained by the Monroe County Clerk.

Property Appraiser Record

  • Tax-roll owner
  • Parcel identifier
  • Assessment values
  • Exemptions
  • Land and building data

Clerk Official Records

  • Deeds
  • Mortgages
  • Liens
  • Recorded releases
  • Other recorded property documents

The Clerk’s current Official Records system supports searches by document, book and page, party name, legal information and Clerk File Number. The system notes that Monroe County records begin in 1954, with document images generally beginning later.

Search Monroe Official Records
After opening this link
  1. Select the search method that matches the information you have.
  2. Search the party name, book/page, document or Clerk File Number.
  3. Verify document type and recording date.
  4. Contact the Clerk when an official or certified record is required.

11 · Business Property

Monroe County Tangible Personal Property Filing

Businesses and other owners of taxable tangible assets may need to report furniture, fixtures, machinery, tools, equipment, leasehold improvements and other property used in a business or to earn income.

Assessment Date January 1
TPP Filing Deadline April 1
Standard Florida Exemption Up to $25,000
Final Authority Property Appraiser
Missing the return does not remove the filing responsibility. Monroe County explains that when a required return is not filed by April 1, the Property Appraiser may place an estimated assessment on the property.
Review Monroe TPP Guidance
After opening this link
  1. Determine whether your assets are taxable tangible personal property.
  2. Review the current DR-405 instructions.
  3. Prepare asset descriptions, cost and acquisition-year information.
  4. File by the applicable April 1 deadline.

12 · Florida Keys Research

Monroe County Property Research Is Different Across the Florida Keys

Key West

Historic structures, condominium units, small lots and densely developed parcels make exact parcel and unit verification especially important.

Key Largo & Tavernier

Waterfront, canal-front and island properties often need GIS context in addition to the appraisal record.

Islamorada

Confirm municipality, parcel details and property use before comparing assessments or taxes with nearby unincorporated property.

Marathon

Condo, mobile-home, waterfront and multi-parcel situations can require extra attention to parcel description and ownership structure.

Big Pine Key

Land and location research may need to move beyond the appraisal map when environmental, regulatory or development issues matter.

Buyer Research

Do not rely solely on a listing or the seller’s tax bill. Compare the appraiser record, GIS, current exemptions, tax estimate and recorded documents.


13 · Offices & Contact

Monroe County Property Appraiser Offices, Phone Numbers & Map

Office Address Phone
Key West Main Office 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040 305-292-3420
Marathon Office 2798 Overseas Hwy, Suite 310, Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-2550
Plantation Key Office 88700 Overseas Hwy, Plantation Key, FL 33036 305-853-7353
2026 Key West office note: effective April 20, 2026, the Real Estate and Exemptions Department was temporarily relocated from the first floor to the second floor of the Old Courthouse rear building while first-floor renovations are completed. Follow current office signage when visiting.
Published office hours: the Monroe County Property Appraiser lists Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Confirm current hours before a special trip.
Confirm Current Offices & Contacts
After opening this link
  1. Choose the Key West, Marathon or Plantation Key office.
  2. Confirm the current phone number.
  3. Check any temporary office notices.
  4. Call first if your issue requires a specialized department.

Map: Key West Main Office

Monroe County Property Appraiser
500 Whitehead Street
Key West, FL 33040



15 · Frequently Asked Questions

Monroe County Property Appraiser FAQs

1. How do I search Monroe County property records?

Use the official Monroe County Property Appraiser property-search system linked from mcpafl.org. Search with a parcel or account identifier when available, or use an address or owner name and verify the final parcel carefully.

2. Who is the Monroe County Property Appraiser?

Scott P. Russell, CFA, RES, AAS, PPS, CCF is the Monroe County Property Appraiser.

3. Can I search Monroe County property on a GIS map?

Yes. The Monroe County Property Appraiser links to an official GIS and mapping system. Use it for general parcel location and map context, but not as a substitute for a certified survey or legal title research.

4. What is the 2026 Save Our Homes cap?

The statewide Save Our Homes assessment cap for 2026 is 2.7% for qualifying homestead property, subject to Florida law and applicable exceptions.

5. Is Monroe County accepting 2027 homestead applications?

Yes. The Monroe County Property Appraiser currently states that it is accepting applications for homestead and other exemptions for the 2027 tax year.

6. What is the 2026 senior exemption income limit?

The Florida Department of Revenue’s 2026 adjusted household-income limitation for the additional senior homestead exemption is $38,686. Other eligibility requirements also apply.

7. Where do I pay Monroe County property taxes?

Use the Monroe County Tax Collector for property-tax bills and payments. The Property Appraiser determines values and administers exemptions but does not collect the final tax bill.

8. How long do I have to appeal a Monroe County property value?

Valuation petitions generally must be filed no later than the 25th day after the Property Appraiser mails the TRIM notice. Use the specific deadline printed on the current TRIM notice rather than relying on a prior year’s date.

9. Where can I find Monroe County deeds and liens?

Use the Monroe County Clerk’s Official Records search for recorded deeds, mortgages, liens and other recorded documents. A Property Appraiser record is not a complete title search.

10. Where is the Monroe County Property Appraiser office?

The main office is at 500 Whitehead Street, Key West, FL 33040. Monroe County also lists offices in Marathon and Plantation Key. The main office phone number is 305-292-3420.


16 · Sources & Editorial Review

Official Sources Checked for This 2026 Monroe County Update

Last factual review: September 11, 2026. Property values, tax rates, filing deadlines, exemption amounts, income limits, office locations, fees and government web systems can change. Confirm property-specific information through the responsible official agency before acting.

Editorial notice: Property-Appraisers.org is an independent informational publication. It cannot change appraisal records, approve exemptions, collect taxes, prepare deeds or submit VAB petitions on behalf of property owners.

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Florida Property Appraiser Help Tool

Use this free helper to understand which county office you need, how to search property records, what to prepare for homestead exemption, and how to review property value or TRIM notice questions.

Independent guidance, not a government office
Helps you use official county resources
Best for Florida property owner questions

Find the Right County Office

Many Florida property questions go to different offices. Choose what you want to do and this tool will guide you to the correct office.

Helpful reminder: The Property Appraiser usually handles property value, ownership records, parcel data, and exemptions. The Tax Collector usually handles tax bills and payments. The Clerk/Recorder usually handles deeds and recorded documents.

Property Search Helper

Enter the county and any property detail you know. The tool creates quick search links to help you find the official county property appraiser, tax collector, GIS map, or clerk record page.

Tip: County websites may use different labels such as parcel ID, folio number, STRAP number, account number, property ID, or Alt Key.

Homestead Exemption Readiness Checklist

This checklist helps you prepare before opening your county Property Appraiser exemption page. It does not decide eligibility.

Important: This tool is only a preparation checklist. Final exemption approval, documents, and deadlines are handled by the official county Property Appraiser.

TRIM Notice & Appeal Preparation Helper

Use this before calling the Property Appraiser or preparing a Value Adjustment Board question.

Recommended preparation checklist

Not legal or tax advice: Appeal rules and deadlines are strict. Contact the Property Appraiser first and verify VAB filing details with the official county process.

Market Value, Assessed Value & Taxable Value Explainer

Enter values from your property record or TRIM notice to understand how the terms usually relate to each other.

Term Simple meaning
Market value The Property Appraiser’s estimate of what the property may be worth as of the assessment date.
Assessed value The value after assessment limits or caps are applied, if applicable.
Exemptions Reductions such as homestead or other approved exemptions.
Taxable value The value used by taxing authorities after exemptions are applied.

Property Appraiser Office Call Script Generator

Fill in basic details and generate a polite call or email script before contacting the county office.