How To Search for Hollywood Property Records
Hollywood's blend of coastal living and residential growth makes it an appealing entry point into Florida's Gold Coast. However, it's important to do your due diligence by reviewing property records before buying or investing in real estate in the city. These records provide valuable insights into ownership histories, appraised values, tax obligations, zoning classifications, liens, foreclosures, and other crucial details that you can use to make informed decisions. Hollywood property records are public, meaning anyone can view them or request copies. You just need to know where to look. Below is a list of useful resources that you can use to locate different types of Hollywood property records.
Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division
The Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division (RTT) is the central repository for deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other official documents that establish property ownership and transfers in the City of Hollywood. The division provides an Official Records Search tool that you can use to access these records online. Searches may be done by name, date range, document type, parcel ID, subdivision, and several other criteria. For records that are not available online, you can contact the RTT's Search & Copy Section at the Government Center, Room 114, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. You can also call (954) 831-4000 or email records@broward.org for inquiries and general assistance.
Broward County Property Appraiser
The Broward County Property Appraiser (BCPA) is responsible for identifying and determining the taxable value of all real property in Hollywood. The appraiser's office is a valuable resource for property information, including market and assessed values, ownership details, parcel characteristics, sales history, and much more. The office provides a Property Search tool that you can use to look up this information online by name, address, property ID, subdivision, and other criteria. You can also visit the office at the Broward County Governmental Center, Room 111, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, for in-person services, or call (954) 357-6830 for general inquiries and assistance.
Broward County Tax Collector
The Broward County Tax Collector is responsible for billing, collecting, and distributing taxes for the City of Hollywood. The office provides a Property Tax Search tool that you can use to look up tax-related property information online, including current and prior tax bills, payment histories, and delinquency status. Searches can be performed by name, address, or account number. You can also visit the office at Room A100, 115 S Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, for in-person services, or call them at (954) 357-4829 for general information and assistance.
Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida
The 17th Judicial Circuit of Florida serves the City of Hollywood and is a valuable resource for foreclosure filings, boundary disputes, civil judgments affecting title and real estate, and other legal records tied to property matters in the city. You can search most of these records online by name or case number using the Broward County Clerk of the Courts' Case Search tool. Records can also be searched and requested in person at the following courthouse locations:
-
Central Courthouse:
Room 03170, 201 S.E. 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: (954) 831-5622
-
South Regional Courthouse:
Room 100, 3550 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: (954) 831-0353
Hollywood Property Taxes
Hollywood property taxes are a vital source of funding for essential local services, such as police and fire protection, emergency response, public schools, libraries, health programs, road maintenance, parks and recreation, and more. The Broward County Property Appraiser determines the fair market value of properties in the city, while the Broward County Tax Collector manages tax billing, collection, and distribution. Property values are established using mass appraisal techniques and adjusted by assessment caps and applicable exemptions to determine the assessed value for each property. Local millage rates are then applied to that assessed value to calculate the final tax bill.
Property tax bills are mailed each year on November 1st, with payments due by March 31st. Discounts are available for early payment: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. The county also offers partial and installment payment options to eligible taxpayers. Taxes become delinquent on April 1st, after which late payment penalties and interest will be applied. Continued delinquency may result in tax certificate or tax deed sales to recover the owed taxes. You can pay your Hollywood property taxes through several options, including online, by mail, or in person at the tax collector's office. You may also call (954) 357-4829 or email revenue@browardtax.org for more information and general assistance.
Assessments
The Broward County Property Appraiser assesses all real property in Hollywood every year to establish each property's fair market value (the price it would likely sell for in an open and competitive market). Values are determined using a Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system, which incorporates sales comparison (analyzing recent sales of comparable properties), cost approach (estimating land value plus the replacement cost of improvements, minus depreciation), and income approach (evaluating value based on income-producing potential).
Once a property's fair market value (also called its "just value") has been established, its assessed value is calculated by applying state-mandated assessment limitations. For example, the Save Our Homes Assessment Limitation restricts annual increases in assessed value for homestead properties to the lesser of 3% or the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This limitation resets when property ownership changes. After the assessed value is determined, applicable exemptions are subtracted to arrive at the taxable value, which is then used to calculate the property's tax bill.
Property owners are usually mailed assessment notices, officially referred to as TRIM (Truth in Millage) Notices, in August, outlining their property's fair market and assessed values, applicable exemptions, and proposed tax rates. If you believe that your valuation is incorrect, you may request an informal review with the property appraiser's office. If the matter cannot be resolved informally, you can proceed with filing a formal petition with the Broward County Value Adjustment Board (VAB). Petitions must be filed within 25 days of the TRIM notice mailing date. You can call the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office at (954) 357-6830 for additional information and assistance. Questions may also be directed to the VAB at (954) 357-7205, (954) 357-5367, or by emailing VAB@broward.org.
Appraisals
Hollywood assessments work similarly to appraisals. They both determine the fair value of property by comparing similar properties with others in the local area that have sold recently. In cases of odd structures or new construction, the county may call upon an appraiser to help determine the value. Estate planners, courts, and lenders also use appraisals to value real property.
Tax Rates
Hollywood, Florida, has a median effective property tax rate of 1.53%, higher than both the national median of 1.02% and the Florida state median of 1.14%. The city's average annual tax bill is $5,056, also higher than the national average of $2,400.
Here's a look at how Hollywood's tax rate compares to other counties in Florida:
- Alachua County 1.47%
- Calhoun County 0.84%
- Dixie County 1.35%
- Gulf County 1.05%
- Hillsborough County 1.27%
- Lee County 1.23%
- Manatee County 0.92%
- Miami-Dade County 1.41%
- Palm Beach County 1.34%
- Pasco County 1.24%
- Pinellas County 1.08%
- Santa Rosa County 0.80%
- Sarasota County 1.09%
- Walton County 0.80%
Exemptions
Property taxes in Hollywood are higher than both the state and national averages, and some homeowners may find it challenging to keep up with annual payments. Fortunately, there are several tax exemptions available to help qualifying residents reduce their overall tax burden. Common exemptions include:
-
Homestead Exemption: Offers up to $50,000 in exemptions for residents who use their property as their primary residence.
-
Senior Citizen Exemption: Available to qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older who meet specific income requirements.
-
Veteran and Active-Duty Military Exemptions: Available to qualifying disabled veterans, their surviving spouses, and certain active-duty service members.
-
Disability Exemptions: Available to homeowners who are totally and permanently disabled.
-
Widow/Widower Exemption: Available to qualifying widows or widowers who have not remarried.
-
Granny Flat Exemption: Officially known as the Assessment Reduction for New Construction for Parent(s) or Grandparent(s) Living Quarters. This exemption is available to homeowners who add living quarters for an elderly parent or grandparent (age 62 or older) on their property and can reduce up to 20% of the property's total assessed value.
You can contact the Broward County Property Appraiser's Office at (954) 357-6830 for more information and guidance on available tax exemptions, including eligibility requirements and application procedures.
Hollywood Building Permits/Inspections
You need a permit to construct, alter, repair, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure in Hollywood. Exceptions may be made for certain minor work and repairs, such as painting, installing cabinets, or replacing fixtures, as long as it does not affect the building's structural elements or systems. The Hollywood Building Division issues these permits. You can submit permit applications, pay necessary fees, and schedule inspections using the city's Accela Online Portal. Note that account registration is required for first-time users. You can also visit the division's development services hub at 2600 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, FL 33020 for in-person services or call (954) 921-3335 for general inquiries and assistance.
Common types of permits issued in Hollywood include:
-
Building/Construction Permits: For constructing new buildings and remodeling, renovating, or adding to existing structures.
-
Demolition Permits: For tearing down or removing a building, structure, or part of a structure.
-
Electrical Permits: For installing, altering, or repairing electrical systems, including wiring, outlets, panels, lighting, and service upgrades.
-
Gas Permits: For installing or altering natural gas or propane piping, appliances (stoves, water heaters, etc.), and related systems.
-
Mechanical Permits: For installing or modifying heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units, ductwork, and exhaust systems.
-
Plumbing Permits: For installing or modifying water supply, drainage, sewer connections, fixtures (sinks, toilets, etc.), and other plumbing systems.
When applying for any of these permits, you must submit the proper documentation (building plans, blueprints, contractor licenses, materials lists, etc.). You must also pay the appropriate fee.
Building inspections are part of the permit process, and they ensure that the work complies with local building and safety codes. You can schedule an inspection through the online portal or in person at the office during regular business hours.
Real Estate in the City of Hollywood
Strategically located on the South Florida coast, between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood combines the charm of coastal living with a high quality of life and steady residential growth, offering a balance of beachside lifestyle and expanding housing options. The city is known for its expansive, palm-lined Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a 2.5-mile oceanfront pedestrian promenade, and serves as both a residential and tourist destination, effortlessly blending a relaxed beach atmosphere with a vibrant downtown arts and entertainment district. Several major companies also call Hollywood home, including the Invicta Watch Group, HEICO Corporation, and Memorial Healthcare System, the third-largest public healthcare system in the nation.
Hollywood, Florida, has a population of 153,067 residents, with 69,850 housing units, of which 83% are occupied and 62% owner-occupied. There is a diverse mix of housing options that include single-family homes, townhomes, villas, beach condominiums, high-rises, rental apartments, and luxury estates. Common housing styles include Mid-Century Modern, Mediterranean Revival, Ranch, Coastal Contemporary, Art Deco, and Spanish Colonial. The average home price in Hollywood, FL, is $436,135, representing a 5.7% decrease from previous years. Keep in mind that actual values may vary significantly across neighborhoods. Here are some examples:
- Emerald Hills $483,805
- Lake of Emerald Hills $741,917
- Liberia $419,880
- North Central $350,185
- Park East $501,801
- Royal Poinciana $325,800
The Hollywood, Florida, real estate market is a cooling yet relatively balanced market. Prices have softened and sales are slower, but the city remains attractive to buyers seeking affordability on Florida's Gold Coast. On average, homes go under contract in about 80 days, with roughly 7% of properties selling above the listing price.
Searching across multiple government offices and databases to piece together a complete property profile can be time-consuming, but PropertyChecker simplifies the process by pulling key ownership details, tax records, transaction histories, and more into a single, easy-to-use platform. Whether you are buying, investing, or simply doing your due diligence, visit PropertyChecker.com to get the property information you need in minutes.