Lake County is completely unique compared to the rest of Florida. Instead of flat, sandy scrubland, it is famous for the rolling hills of Clermont, the historic, oak-canopied streets of Mount Dora, and the massive Harris Chain of Lakes.
With major retirement communities like The Villages expanding rapidly into the county and new families moving in for the top-rated schools, local property values are constantly shifting.
There has also been a massive shift in local government. As of 2025, Mark Jordan took over as the newly elected Lake County Property Appraiser. Interestingly, his brother, David Jordan, serves as the Lake County Tax Collector!
I write these guides to help everyday buyers and homeowners bypass confusing government red tape. Below is exactly how to use the official county tools to find property details, view interactive maps, and legally lower your tax bill.
Lake County Property Appraiser Property Search
Whether you are putting an offer on a lakefront home in Tavares or checking the tax history of a house you already own in Eustis, the public property search is your starting point.
What to Do: You need to search the official Lake County database. You can find properties using the physical street address, the owner’s name, or the Alternate Key.
How to Do It (Step-by-Step):
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Open the Portal: Go directly to the official Lake County Property Appraiser Website. Click on the “Property Search” tab at the top of the page.
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Choose Your Search Method: Select the option to search by “Address,” “Name,” or “Alternate Key.”
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Type the Address Simply: When you type a street address, do not use full words like “Street,” “Avenue,” or “Boulevard.” Use short abbreviations like “ST,” “AVE,” or “BLVD” so the strict system does not give you an error.
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Search by Owner Name: Always type the owner’s Last Name first, leave a space, and then type the First Name (Example: Smith John).
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Open the Property Card: Click on the correct property in the list. This opens the full public file showing the Assessed Value, the exact square footage under air, and the full history of past sales.
Expert Local Insight: In Lake County, every property has a long Parcel ID, but it also has a much shorter Alternate Key (usually a 6 or 7-digit number). Always use this short Alternate Key when searching the database, filing out exemption forms, or talking to the clerk on the phone. It is much faster and prevents typing mistakes. You can find your Alternate Key at the top of your property card or on your yearly tax bill.
Lake County FL GIS Map Search
Reading text records will not tell you if a vacant lot is actually an unbuildable wetland sitting right next to Lake Harris. To see exact property boundary lines, environmental protections, and nearby water data, you must use the visual map tool.
What to Do: You will use the county’s Geographic Information System (GIS) tool, called the “Map It” system. This places colorful data layers directly over real aerial satellite photos of your neighborhood.
How to Do It (Step-by-Step):
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Open the Map Tool: Click the “Map Search” link on the Property Appraiser’s homepage to launch the interactive viewer.
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Find the Property: Use the search bar in the top corner to type the property address or the Alternate Key.
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Open the Layer Menu: Click the “Layers” icon (it looks like a stack of papers) on the side of your screen.
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Turn on Flood Zones: Check the box for “FEMA Flood Zones.” The map will change color to show if your mortgage bank will legally force you to buy expensive flood insurance.
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Check the Zoning & Wetlands: Because Lake County has hundreds of lakes, you must turn on the “Wetlands” layer. What looks like a perfect, cheap plot of land to build a house might actually be strictly protected conservation land where you are legally forbidden to pour a concrete foundation.
Lake County Homestead Exemption Filing
If you own a home in Lake County and live there as your permanent, primary, full-time residence, you are throwing money away if you do not file for a Homestead Exemption. This simple filing drops your property’s taxable value by up to $50,000 and puts a strict legal limit (the Save Our Homes cap) on how much your taxes can go up each year.
What to Do: You must file your application with the Property Appraiser before the absolute legal deadline of March 1st. Once approved, it renews automatically every year as long as you do not move.
How to Do It (Step-by-Step):
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Update Your Florida IDs: Before applying, your Florida Driver’s License and Florida Vehicle Registration must clearly show your new Lake County address.
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Go to the E-File Page: Visit the Property Appraiser’s portal and click on the “Exemptions” tab to file online.
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Start the Application: You will need your Social Security Number and your Alternate Key to begin.
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Upload Your Proof: The system will ask you to attach clear photos of your updated driver’s license and vehicle registration.
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Save Your Confirmation: Always write down your tracking receipt number or save the confirmation email before you close the webpage.
Expert Local Insight: Are you moving from another home in Florida to a new house in Clermont or Leesburg? You must ask for “Portability” during your online application. Portability lets you pack up your old accumulated tax savings and move them to your new property. If you forget to check the Portability box on the form, you will lose those savings forever.
Lake County Property Tax Bill Search
Property Appraiser Mark Jordan decides how much your house is worth, but his office does not touch your money. His brother, the Lake County Tax Collector (David Jordan), is the elected official who actually collects your tax payment.
What to Do: You need to use the official Tax Collector website to view your actual tax bill, check for late fees, or pay online securely.
How to Do It (Step-by-Step):
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Go to the Tax Collector: Open the secure Lake County Tax Collector Site.
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Select Pay Property Taxes: Click the “Pay Taxes” button on the home page.
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Search Your Account: Type in your property address, owner name, or Alternate Key.
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View the Bill: The system will show your exact tax amount owed.
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Pay Online: You can print a PDF copy of your bill or pay it instantly using a credit card or an eCheck (eChecks are highly recommended because they usually avoid expensive credit card convenience fees).
Expert Local Insight: Property tax bills are mailed out every year on November 1st. If you pay your bill in November, you get a 4% discount. The discount drops by 1% every month. If you wait until the final deadline of March 31st, you get zero discount. Always pay early in November to keep more cash in your pocket.
Lake County Local Offices & Contact Details
If the online system is giving you an error, or if your name is spelled wrong on the public record, it is always faster to call or visit a real person. Here are the exact local offices you need.
1. Lake County Property Appraiser (Main Office)
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What they do: Go here to fix record errors, ask deep valuation questions, or file your exemptions in person.
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Physical Address: 320 W. Main St., Suite A, Tavares, FL 32778
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Working Phone Number: 352-253-2150
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Website Link: lakecopropappr.com
2. Lake County Tax Collector (Main Office)
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What they do: Call this office only when you are ready to pay your tax bill or if you have questions about a late payment penalty.
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Physical Address: 320 W. Main St., Tavares, FL 32778 (Located in the same governmental complex as the Appraiser)
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Working Phone Number: 352-343-9602
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Website Link: laketax.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an Alternate Key in Lake County?
Yes, an Alternate Key is a short, unique string of digits assigned to every single piece of property in Lake County. It is the fastest and most accurate way to search for your tax records on the official portal. You can find it on your annual TRIM notice or the top of your property card.
How do I apply for a Homestead Exemption in Clermont or Mount Dora?
You can easily apply online using the lakecopropappr.com website. You must submit your application before March 1st. Make sure your Florida Driver’s License and vehicle registration match your new home address before you start the digital form.
When are property taxes due in Lake County?
Property tax bills are mailed out every year on November 1st. You receive a 4% discount if you pay your bill in November. The final, absolute deadline to pay your taxes without getting hit with heavy late penalties is March 31st of the following year.
Does Lake County offer a free property fraud alert system?
Yes! The Lake County Clerk of the Court offers a completely free service that alerts you if someone tries to illegally record a deed or mortgage in your name. You can sign up on the Property Appraiser’s homepage to monitor up to five different names per email address.