Search a Lafayette County Parcel, Open the Map & Read the Assessment Record Correctly
Use the official Lafayette County Property Appraiser tools when you need a parcel record, property value, assessment details, sales history, building sketch, GIS map, aerial view, exemption information or agricultural-classification guidance. The official Property Appraiser is Wayne McCray, CFA, and the office is located at 120 West Main Street, Mayo, FL 32066.
The most useful workflow is simple: find the correct parcel, save the parcel/account identifier, confirm the physical property, review Just Value, Assessed Value and Taxable Value separately, then route tax bills, deeds, liens and appeals to the correct Lafayette County office.
Start here: find the parcel first, then choose the right office
The Lafayette County Property Appraiser values property for tax purposes and maintains assessment records. The office’s own website explains that the Property Appraiser places a fair and equitable market value on every parcel of real estate and tangible property in the county, but does not determine the final amount of tax a property owner pays.
Find the record
Use the official Record Search to look up a property by the strongest identifier you have: parcel/account information, owner name, property address or official-record book/page when available.
Open official record searchOpen the GIS map
Use the map for orientation, parcel context and nearby-property research. Do not use a GIS line as a survey, legal boundary or title-search substitute.
Open official GIS mapRead value types separately
Just Value, Assessed Value, exemptions and Taxable Value answer different questions. Do not treat any one field as the final tax bill or legal ownership proof.
Read official general informationLafayette County Property Appraiser office information
The official contact page lists the main Property Appraiser office in Mayo and provides public records contact information, staff contacts and GIS contact information.
Lafayette County Property Appraiser
Property Appraiser: Wayne McCray, CFA
Street address:
120 West Main Street
Mayo, FL 32066
Mailing address:
PO Box 6
Mayo, FL 32066
Phone: 386-294-1991
Fax: 386-294-1106
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., except holidays
Use the right contact path
Public records requests:
386-294-1991
lafcopainfo@windstream.net
Property Appraiser email:
lafcopa@windstream.net
Deputy Appraiser:
Holly Walker · lafcopainfo@windstream.net
Field Appraiser / GIS:
Dylan Clingan · lafayettegis@windstream.net
Which Lafayette County office handles your task?
Property assessment, tax collection, recorded documents and appeal administration are separate. Use this router before calling, filing or paying.
| I need to… | Correct office or system | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Search a parcel, owner display, assessment value or property characteristics | Lafayette County Property Appraiser | Use the official Record Search / GIS Map and verify the correct parcel. |
| Open a parcel map, aerial view or nearby parcel context | Property Appraiser GIS / Beacon map | Use the map for research only; do not use it as a survey or title search. |
| Understand Just Value, Assessed Value, exemptions or Taxable Value | Property Appraiser | Read the record by value type and confirm the tax year. |
| Apply for Homestead, portability, disability, veteran or senior exemptions | Property Appraiser | Use the official forms page and confirm the current filing method. |
| Apply for agricultural classification | Property Appraiser | File by the required deadline and prepare bona fide agricultural-use evidence. |
| File a Tangible Personal Property return | Property Appraiser | Use DR-405 and verify the April 1 filing deadline and extension process. |
| Pay a property-tax bill | Lafayette County Tax Collector | Use the Tax Collector’s property-tax search/payment system. |
| Find a deed, lien, mortgage, judgment or recorded instrument | Lafayette County Clerk Official Records | Use Official Records or records search, not the assessment record as title proof. |
| Challenge value, classification or exemption denial | Property Appraiser review → Value Adjustment Board | Discuss the issue if useful, but do not miss the formal VAB filing deadline. |
How to search Lafayette County property records
The official Lafayette County Property Appraiser website links to the Record Search and GIS Map system. Use it to locate a parcel and review publicly available property-record fields such as ownership display, legal/assessment information, sales history, building sketches, maps and aerials when available.
-
Open the official Record Search.
Start with the Property Appraiser’s official search link, not a copied third-party profile. -
Use the strongest identifier available.
If you have a parcel/account number, use it first. Otherwise search by property address, owner name or official-record book/page when the search form supports that route. -
Open only the matching property.
Confirm the property location, parcel identifier, owner display, legal description summary and tax year before relying on the record. -
Review the assessment fields separately.
Just Value, Classified/Ag Value, Assessed Value, exemptions and Taxable Value can all mean different things. -
Check building, land and sketch information.
If a value looks wrong, first check the factual property data. A square-footage, improvement or classification issue may need a correction request. -
Use sales history carefully.
Sale price and book/page details help with research, but not every transfer is a fair-market comparable sale. -
Save the parcel identifier.
You may need it for the Tax Collector, Clerk Official Records, VAB petition, exemption question, GIS help or office contact.
Lafayette County GIS maps: useful for parcel research, not legal boundaries
The official Property Appraiser search includes a GIS map, parcel ownership map support, aerial views and GIS metadata. The office’s online GIS disclaimer states that the GIS map image is not a survey and shall not be used in a title search or official capacity.
Assessment research
- Finding parcel location and surrounding properties.
- Comparing a parcel with nearby land or improvements.
- Viewing aerial context.
- Supporting a property-data correction question.
- Orienting yourself before visiting or contacting the office.
Legal proof
- Boundary survey.
- Title search.
- Easement determination.
- Legal description for a transaction.
- Engineering, zoning or permitting approval.
How to use the GIS map without overclaiming
How to read Lafayette County property values
Florida property records can show several value fields for the same parcel. The Property Appraiser’s role is to value property for tax purposes and certify taxable value to taxing authorities. Taxing authorities then set millage rates, and the Tax Collector handles the tax bill.
What the numbers mean
- Just Value / Market Value is Florida’s assessment-market value concept, not automatically a listing price or private appraisal.
- Assessed Value may be lower because of Save Our Homes, another assessment limitation or agricultural classification.
- Exempt Value reflects approved exemptions that apply to the parcel and tax authority.
- Taxable Value is generally the amount used with millage rates to calculate ad valorem taxes.
What the record does not prove
- It does not prove legal title.
- It does not replace a deed search.
- It does not guarantee boundary lines.
- It does not show the final tax bill by itself.
- It does not decide millage rates.
How a Florida value record moves toward a tax base
Lafayette County millage and tax-estimate basics
The official Lafayette County Property Appraiser tax-rate page explains millage as dollars per thousand dollars of taxable value. The page lists current millage by taxing district and explains that millage rates are set during public budget hearings by taxing authorities, not independently by the Property Appraiser.
| Taxing district / authority | Officially listed current millage | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Lafayette County taxing district | 15.6672 | Applies to the county district as listed by the Property Appraiser’s tax-rate page. |
| Town of Mayo taxing district | 22.6672 | Town property can include the town millage in addition to countywide components. |
| Public Schools | 5.386 | School taxable value may differ from non-school taxable value because exemptions can apply differently. |
| Suwannee River Water Management District | 0.2812 | The official page notes this is levied in most of the county. |
Homestead, Save Our Homes, portability and exemption forms
Florida Department of Revenue says exemption applications and documentation are submitted to the property appraiser in the county where the property is located, and the property appraiser determines whether a parcel is entitled to an exemption. Lafayette County’s forms page links to DR-501 for Homestead, DR-501T for transfer of Homestead assessment difference, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural and tangible personal property forms.
Due by March 1
The Lafayette County forms page lists DR-501 Homestead Exemption as due by March 1. First-time applicants should verify current requirements before filing.
Up to $25,000 + CPI-adjusted additional amount
Florida’s first Homestead exemption is up to $25,000. For 2026, the CPI-adjusted additional non-school exemption maximum shown in Florida DOR materials is $26,411.
2026 cap: 2.7%
The Save Our Homes cap generally limits qualifying Homestead Assessed Value increases, not market value and not the full tax bill.
- Open the official Lafayette County Property Appraiser forms page.
- Select the form that matches your task: DR-501, DR-501T, senior exemption, disability, veteran, agricultural classification or TPP.
- Read the deadline shown for the form and confirm whether the current year uses the same date.
- Gather deed/ownership evidence, Florida residency evidence, Social Security number information and supporting documents required by the form or office.
- Call the Property Appraiser before sending sensitive identity documents by email or mail.
- Submit through the method the Lafayette County office currently accepts.
- Save a copy of the signed form, supporting documents and delivery confirmation.
- Later check the official property record to confirm the exemption appears on the correct parcel.
Agricultural classification is not the same as zoning
Lafayette County’s agricultural classification page explains that land must be used primarily for bona fide agricultural purposes and that applications must be filed by March 1. It also states that agricultural classification is not transferable and that agricultural zoning does not automatically entitle property to agricultural classification for tax purposes.
What to prepare
- Evidence of bona fide agricultural use.
- Income/expense or production support when available.
- Leases, business records or farm-management details if relevant.
- Photos or site-use evidence.
- Current DR-482 application where required.
What not to assume
- Agricultural zoning does not automatically grant agricultural classification.
- A prior owner’s classification is not automatically transferable.
- Recreational land use is not the same as bona fide commercial agriculture.
- Missing the deadline can affect the tax year.
Tangible Personal Property: business assets are separate from real estate
Tangible Personal Property, or TPP, generally means property other than real estate that has value in itself. Lafayette County’s general information and TPP pages explain that by Florida law tangible personal property is taxable based on value at the same tax rate applied to real estate, while household goods and personal effects are exempt.
| TPP topic | What to know | Official next step |
|---|---|---|
| Who files | Businesses with assets not already included in real-property assessed value may need to file. | Review DR-405 and Lafayette County TPP guidance. |
| Deadline | The Lafayette forms page lists DR-405 Tangible Personal Property return as due by April 1. | File by the deadline or request an extension before the extension deadline where allowed. |
| Extension | The Lafayette forms page references a TPP extension form due before May 1. | Contact the Property Appraiser before relying on an extension. |
| Closed or sold business | Old assets, leased assets, loaned assets and sale/closure timing can affect reporting. | Ask the office how to report the current-year status. |
Value Adjustment Board appeals in Lafayette County
The Lafayette County Clerk of Court is the Clerk to the Value Adjustment Board. The VAB considers appeal petitions relating to property assessments, classifications and exemptions. The Clerk’s VAB page states that the VAB does not control taxes or tax rates and cannot change an appraised value for reasons such as inability to pay.
Talk to the Property Appraiser if useful
The Clerk encourages taxpayers to contact the Property Appraiser’s Office to discuss the issue before filing, but informal discussion does not create a safe reason to miss the filing deadline.
Original signature required
The Clerk says VAB petitions appealing Property Appraiser determinations must have the petitioner’s original signature. Copies or faxed petitions are not accepted.
$15 standard filing fee
The Clerk lists a $15 filing fee, with exceptions for certain timely-filed Homestead exemption or Homestead tax deferral denials. Contiguous-parcel petitions can add fees.
Strong vs weak appeal evidence
| Issue | Stronger evidence | Weaker argument |
|---|---|---|
| Market / Just Value | Comparable sales adjusted for location, size, date, land type, building condition and property use. | One online estimate or a neighbor’s tax bill. |
| Condition | Photos, repair estimates, inspection findings and contractor documentation. | “The property needs work.” |
| Property characteristics | Sketch corrections, measurements, permits, survey, building records or field-review evidence. | Unsupported square-footage claim. |
| Ag classification or exemption denial | Application copy, denial notice, use documentation, residency evidence or required supporting forms. | Assuming a prior owner’s classification or exemption should automatically continue. |
- Read the TRIM notice or denial notice and identify the exact issue.
- Contact the Property Appraiser if you need to confirm a factual error or ask for informal review.
- Do not let informal review consume the official VAB deadline.
- Use the correct Florida Department of Revenue VAB petition form.
- Include the original signature and the required filing fee if applicable.
- For multiple contiguous parcels, handle DR-486MU approval with the Property Appraiser before filing.
- File with the Clerk/VAB, not by returning the petition to the Property Appraiser.
- Save proof of filing and payment.
Property-tax bills and payments go to the Tax Collector
The Lafayette County Tax Collector is responsible for tax collection. The official Tax Collector website states that the Tax Collector is responsible for collection of ad valorem taxes and other local and state-imposed taxes. Use this office for tax bills, payments, balances, tax certificates and delinquency questions.
Office details
Tax Collector: Chuck Hewett
Address:
120 West Main Street
Mayo, FL 32066
Mailing address:
PO Box 96
Mayo, FL 32066
Phone: 386-294-1961
Fax: 386-294-2462
Email: LafayetteTC@gmail.com
Main office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., except holidays
Before you pay
- Open the official Tax Collector property-tax search.
- Search by owner name, address or account number.
- Verify the correct property and tax year.
- Check balance, discounts, delinquency and payment options.
- Review any card/e-check processing fees.
- Save the confirmation or receipt.
Deeds, liens, mortgages, tax deeds and Official Records
Assessment records are not title records. For recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, official-record book/page searches, tax deeds and certified document needs, use the Lafayette County Clerk of Court & Comptroller or the linked MyFloridaCounty Official Records search.
Official Records office
Phone: 386-294-1600
Courthouse address:
120 West Main Street
Mayo, FL 32066
Mailing address:
PO Box 88
Mayo, FL 32066
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. EST
How to research a deed
- Find the parcel in the Property Appraiser record and save the parcel/account details.
- Open Clerk Official Records.
- Search by party name, legal description, document type, date range, instrument number or book/page.
- Open the matching record and compare names, date and legal description.
- Request certified copies only from the official source when needed.
Lafayette County tax estimate calculator and task router
This calculator is educational. It does not replace the official Lafayette County Tax Estimator, Tax Collector bill, certified tax roll, exemptions review, non-ad-valorem assessments or final millage adopted by taxing authorities.
Estimate one millage calculation
Problem router
Select the issue. This does not file anything; it routes you to the likely starting point.
Common Lafayette County parcel search issues
Address search does not show the expected parcel
Try the parcel/account identifier if you have it. Otherwise simplify the address, remove uncertain suffixes or unit details, search by owner name carefully, or use book/page if you are working from a recorded deed reference.
Owner search shows several possible properties
Do not rely on owner name alone. Compare parcel identifier, physical property location, legal description summary, map location and sales history before using the record for tax, exemption or deed research.
The GIS map line looks wrong
Use GIS as a research aid. The official GIS disclaimer says the map image is not a survey and should not be used in a title search or official capacity. For boundaries, use recorded plats, a surveyor, title professional or attorney.
The sale price does not match the value
A sale may not be a clean market comparable. Check sale type, date, financing, family/estate context, condition and whether the record is showing working values, certified values or a prior tax year.
Homestead or agricultural classification is missing
Verify that the application was filed for the correct year, by the correct deadline, with the correct owner and parcel. A prior owner’s benefit does not automatically continue for a buyer.
The seller’s taxes are much lower than my estimate
The seller may have Homestead, Save Our Homes protection, portability history or agricultural classification. A buyer should estimate with current ownership assumptions instead of copying the seller’s current bill.
The property tax bill is the issue, not the value
Use the Tax Collector for payment balance, delinquency, receipt or bill questions. Use the Property Appraiser for value, exemption, classification and property-record questions.
Official sources and useful links
Use these sources for live records, current forms, maps, tax bills, recorded documents and appeal instructions. Recheck fast-changing deadlines, fees, forms, values and payment rules before filing or paying.
Last reviewed: September 1, 2026. Office structure and assessment concepts are relatively stable, but portals, forms, fees, working values, certified tax rolls, millage rates, filing methods and deadlines can change. Verify through the linked official source before filing, paying or making a legal, tax or financial decision.
Lafayette County FL Property Appraiser FAQs
1. What is the official Lafayette County FL Property Appraiser website?
The official website is lafayettepa.com. Use it for the official Record Search / GIS Map, forms, exemptions, tax rates, general information, GIS support and office contact details.
2. How do I search Lafayette County property records?
Open the official Record Search linked from the Lafayette County Property Appraiser website. Search by parcel or account identifier when available; otherwise use property address, owner name or official-record book/page when supported by the search form.
3. What does the Lafayette County Property Appraiser do?
The Property Appraiser values real estate and tangible personal property for tax purposes, maintains assessment records and parcel ownership maps, and administers exemptions and classifications such as Homestead and agricultural classification.
4. Does the Lafayette County Property Appraiser collect taxes?
No. The Property Appraiser values property and administers exemptions. The Lafayette County Tax Collector handles tax bills, payments, receipts, delinquency and tax-collection questions.
5. Is the Lafayette County GIS map a legal survey?
No. The official GIS disclaimer says the GIS map image is not a survey and should not be used in a title search or official capacity. Use a surveyor, title professional, attorney or recorded documents when legal boundaries matter.
6. What is the difference between Just Value, Assessed Value and Taxable Value?
Just Value is Florida’s assessment-market value concept. Assessed Value can reflect Save Our Homes, classifications or other assessment limits. Taxable Value is generally assessed value after exemptions that apply to a taxing authority.
7. What is the 2026 Save Our Homes cap in Florida?
Florida Department of Revenue’s 2026 Save Our Homes publication lists the 2026 cap as 2.7%. The cap generally applies to qualifying Homestead Assessed Value, not market value and not the full property-tax bill.
8. Where do I apply for Homestead in Lafayette County?
Use the Lafayette County Property Appraiser. The official forms page links to DR-501 Homestead Exemption and lists it as due by March 1. Contact the office before sending sensitive identity or residency documents.
9. Where do I find Lafayette County deeds, liens or mortgages?
Use Lafayette County Clerk Official Records or the MyFloridaCounty Official Records search. A Property Appraiser record is not a title search, deed search, lien search or legal ownership guarantee.
10. How do I appeal a Lafayette County property value or exemption denial?
You may discuss the issue with the Property Appraiser and may file a petition with the Lafayette County Value Adjustment Board when appropriate. The Clerk’s VAB page lists petition rules, original-signature requirements and a $15 standard filing fee with certain exceptions.