33898 Property Tax Rate

Property owners in ZIP code 33898 (Lake Wales, Florida) pay a median of $1,238/year in property taxes on homes valued at $161,500. This translates to an effective tax rate of 0.77%, which is near the Florida state average of 0.76%.

The monthly property tax burden for a median-valued home in 33898 is approximately $103, which factors into escrow payments on mortgages. This ZIP code is located within Polk County. This is $1,407 less than the Florida average of $2,645/year.

Compared to similar ZIP codes in Florida, 33898 has higher property taxes. ZIP codes with similar effective rates include 33435 (0.77%) and 33916 (0.77%).

In Lake Wales, property taxes represent approximately 2.3% of the median household income of $54,778, providing context for the relative tax burden on homeowners in this area.

Under Florida's Save Our Homes Act, your homestead property's assessed value is capped at 3% annually, but resets to market value upon sale—expect your tax bill to jump to reflect the new purchase price. Polk County offers a $25,000 homestead exemption plus an additional $25,000 exemption for non-school taxes; file your application with the Polk County Property Appraiser immediately after purchase. Contact the Polk County Property Appraiser at (863) 534-6500 or visit polkcountyfl.gov to confirm your homestead exemption has been applied.