Tax Comparison · Ocala Market · 2026

Marion vs Lake vs Citrus County — Property Tax Comparison

The Ocala 55+ market spans three counties. Marion County covers most of the main corridor. Lake County covers Leesburg, Plantation at Leesburg, Royal Highlands, and Arlington Ridge. Citrus County covers Terra Vista, Villages of Citrus Hills, Meadowcrest, and Hernando. The tax rates differ — here is how much.

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Why County Matters for Your Tax Bill

The Ocala 55+ market is commonly discussed as if it is all one tax jurisdiction. It is not. Marion County (Ocala, Summerfield, Dunnellon) has different millage rates than Lake County (Leesburg, Lady Lake) and Citrus County (Hernando, Crystal River, Inverness). Buyers comparing Stonecrest in Marion County to Plantation at Leesburg in Lake County to Terra Vista in Citrus County are comparing three different tax structures — even before any CDD or special district considerations.

The Three County Tax Structures

CountyEst. Combined Effective RateKey CommunitiesProperty Appraiser
Marion County~0.85–0.95%OTTOW, Stone Creek, Oak Run, SummerGlen, Ocala Preserve, Stonecrest, Spruce Creek CCmarioncountypa.net
Lake County~0.90–1.05%Plantation at Leesburg, Royal Highlands, Highland Lakes, Legacy of Leesburg, Arlington Ridge, Harbor Hills CC, Cresswind at Hammock Oakslakecofl.gov
Citrus County~0.85–1.00%Terra Vista, Villages of Citrus Hills, Meadowcrest, Arbor Lakes, Brentwood of Citrus Hills, Parkside Village, Windermerecitruspa.org
Sumter County~0.80–1.05%The Villages (Sumter sections), Lakeside Landingssumterpa.com
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The Dollar Difference on a $300,000 Home

Annual property tax — $300,000 home, Homestead exemption applied, 2025–2026 estimates

Marion County (est. 0.90% effective after exemption)~$2,070/yr
Lake County (est. 0.97% effective after exemption)~$2,230/yr
Citrus County (est. 0.93% effective after exemption)~$2,140/yr
Annual advantage — Marion vs Lake~$160/yr
20-year cumulative advantage (Marion vs Lake, growing)~$3,800–$5,000
The county rate difference is real but not the primary decision driverThe ~$160/yr Marion County advantage over Lake County at $300K matters, but it is smaller than the HOA fee differences between communities, the CDD bond differences, and the home price differences. Do not let county tax rate alone drive a community decision — look at total all-in cost.

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