South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island occupies the southern end of Padre Island, a long, narrow barrier island of dunes and beaches along the Gulf in Cameron County, reached by causeway from Port Isabel about 25 miles northeast of Brownsville. The town is one of the best-known beach resort destinations on the Texas coast, drawing tourists, anglers, and large spring-break crowds to its wide sandy shoreline. Sea turtles nest along the surrounding beaches, and the shallow Laguna Madre separates the island from the mainland.
Property here runs through the Cameron Central Appraisal District and the county tax office — the homestead exemption, the appraisal cap, protests, and any MUD, PID, or special districts all sit at the parcel level. The Cameron County notes below cover the practical details, with the official county directory for the appraisal district and tax office.
Cameron County notes
What to know around South Padre Island
Property Tax Basics
Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Cameron County
The Cameron Appraisal District sets your home's value; the Cameron County Tax Office sends the bill and collects the money.
Homestead Exemption
How to Apply for a Homestead Exemption in Cameron County
If you own and live in your home, you can apply for a homestead exemption that lowers your taxable value through the Cameron Appraisal District in San Benito.
Appraisal Protest
How to Protest Your Property Value in Cameron County
If you think your appraised value is too high, you can protest it, but you must act quickly after your notice arrives.
Ag Valuation
Agricultural Land Gets a Lower Tax Value in Cameron County
Farm and ranch land can be taxed on what it produces, not what it would sell for, which usually means a much lower tax bill.
Windstorm Insurance
Cameron County Homes May Need Special Windstorm Insurance
Cameron County is in Texas's coastal windstorm zone, so homeowners may need separate windstorm and hail coverage.
Flood Risk
Much of Cameron County Is in a FEMA Flood Zone
Low elevation and proximity to the Gulf mean large parts of Cameron County carry significant flood risk, so check the FEMA map before you buy.
Nearby
Places near South Padre Island
Nearby counties
Local notes for nearby counties
Willacy County
4 local notes · Rio Grande Valley / Border
Kenedy County
6 local notes · Rio Grande Valley / Border
Hidalgo County
52 local notes · Rio Grande Valley / Border
Brooks County
7 local notes · Rio Grande Valley / Border
Kleberg County
5 local notes · Gulf Coast / Coastal Bend
Starr County
22 local notes · Rio Grande Valley / Border
Next steps for South Padre Island
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Model school and local rates, the homestead exemption, and the appraisal cap.
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