Escambia County has collected all but about $986,000 in property taxes, county tax collector Tim Pettis said Tuesday.

In October, the county mailed property tax notices for $16.59 million, and Pettis said that $15.6 million had been collected as of Friday, Jan 12.

“This amount is almost identical to last year,” he said.

This time last month, more than $11 million remained outstanding, but residents had until Dec. 31 to pay without penalty.

Those who did not pay by the Dec. 31 deadline faced a 3 percent penalty as well as other fees beginning this month. Penalty fees increase each month until the April tax sale.

Payments may be made in person at the Escambia County Courthouse and made by credit/debit card by calling 251.867.0299 or at the counter in the courthouse. There is a 2.5 percent fee added when paying with a credit/debit card.