Nonrecurring Intangible Tax

Chapter 199, Florida Statutes (F.S.), imposes nonrecurring intangible tax on obligations to pay money to the extent the obligation is secured by a mortgage or lien on Florida real property. The tax is due even if the mortgage or lien is not recorded or filed in Florida. In no event will the tax be calculated on an amount greater than the fair market value of the collateralized Florida real property.

The tax is due only to the extent the obligation is secured by Florida real property. Thus, if Florida real property and other properties secure an indebtedness, with neither property required to be looked to first for collection, the tax may be prorated.

The lender is the taxpayer for the nonrecurring intangible tax. The nonrecurring intangible tax is paid at the time the mortgage is filed or recorded in Florida. If the mortgage is not recorded within 30 days of the date the obligation is secured by the mortgage, the tax payment is to be made directly to the Florida Department of Revenue. Any tax payment made directly to the Department is delinquent after the 30th day following the date the obligation is secured by the Florida real property.

Generally, only unconditional obligations to pay money are subject to the tax. However, pursuant to section 199.143(3), F.S., a line of credit obligation is also subject to the nonrecurring intangible tax to the extent secured by a mortgage on Florida real property. Once the tax has been paid on the full amount of the line of credit, no additional tax is due.

Tax Rate

The nonrecurring intangible tax rate is 2 mills. The tax is calculated by multiplying the amount of the obligation secured by Florida real property by 0.002.

Examples of tax calculation:

  • The amount of an obligation solely secured by a mortgage on Florida real property is $151,250. The value of the property is $200,000. $151,250 x 0.002 = $302.50 tax due.
  • The amount of an obligation solely secured by a mortgage on Florida real property is $151,250. The value of the property is $150,000. $150,000 x 0.002 = $300 tax due.
  • The amount of an obligation secured by a mortgage on Florida real property and property located outside Florida is $151,250. The value of the Florida property is $100,000 and the value of the property located outside Florida is $100,000. Neither property is to be looked to first for collection. The portion of the obligation secured by Florida real property is subject to tax. Since neither property securing the obligation is to be looked to first for collection, then the tax may be prorated between the properties. Thus, the amount of the obligation secured by the Florida real property is equal to the amount secured by the property located outside Florida. The tax base is one-half of $151, 250 or $75,625, since the value of the Florida real property and the value of all other property are equal.

    $100,000 divided by $200,000 = 0.50
    0.50 x $151,250 = $75,625
    $75,625 x 0.002 = $151.25 tax due

File and Pay Tax

The nonrecurring intangible tax is generally paid to the county at the time the note or mortgage is recorded.

If the tax is not paid to the county, it should be paid directly to the Florida Department of Revenue with a statement that includes the name of the parties, date, and amount of note.

Reference: 12C-2.011, Florida Administrative Code