Please select a category or scroll to read the entire FAQ:

Assessment

Exemptions

Tangible Personal Property

General Questions

We only do appraisals for assessment purposes. So, if you need an appraisal done for a loan or some other purpose, you should contact a local fee appraiser.

How do you determine the value of my property?
The law requires that we assess property based on its market value. We track all property sales in the county and use those sales to establish our values. Your property value is based on market sales of properties similar to yours.

How will I know what value you have placed on my property?
In mid-August you will receive a Notice of Proposed Taxes. This notice will show you the assessed value, any exemptions, and the tax amount proposed by each taxing authority. You should review this notice each year and call us if you have questions.

What if I don't agree with my assessed value?
Call us or come in to discuss your concerns. The information we have on record concerning your property is available for you to review. We welcome the opportunity to explain to you the components of your assessment. After talking with us, if you still feel the value is too high, you may file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board.

What if I agree with my value, but my taxes are too high?
All we control is your value. The tax rates are set by various taxing authorities.

When do I have to pay my taxes?
The Tax Collector's office mails tax bills to you November 1st. You can pay the full amount any time prior to the following March 31st without penalty. Payments made in November through February receive a discount. For details, you should contact the Tax Collector's office at 386-294-1991.

If I add something to my property, will it affect my taxes?
Probably, yes. Most improvements to property make the property more valuable. Keep in mind that as your value increases, your taxes will probably increase, too.

I've purchased a new home. When do I need to file for my Homestead Exemption?
The period for filing applications for all types of exemptions is January 1st through March 1st.

What information will I need to bring when I file for my Homestead Exemption?
   1)  A recorded deed or contract for deed.
   2)  A driver's license showing your current mailing address.
   3)  Social security numbers for each applicant.
   4)  If you live in a mobile home, the mobile home registration(s).

Can I get a Homestead exemption if I rent a home or lot?
No. You must own the property on which you apply. If you own a mobile home, but not the land where it sits, the mobile home will not be assessed on the tax roll. You are required to purchase an annual mobile home (MH) decal from the Tax Collector's office.
If you own both land and mobile home, you should bring your current mobile home registration to our office and apply for a real property (RP) decal. This is a permanent sticker that should be affixed to the window of your mobile home. In this case, your mobile home will be assessed on the tax roll and if it is your legal residence, you may apply for Homestead Exemption.

Are forms available on this web site?
Yes. Many of them are. But we do not accept any applications by electronic transfer. You will need to download the form and file it by mail or, for exemptions, file in person. Exemption applications and other forms are available in our office.

Do I have to file every year?
No. We now automatically renew your exemption each year. This means that once you have the exemption, we will mail a card to you in January of each year stating that we have renewed your exemption. If you do not receive a card by January 15th, you should contact us. If you are no longer eligible, or if your mailing address should change, it is your responsibility to notify us.

What is the "greenbelt" and "ag exemption"?
Greenbelt is the term commonly used for the agricultural classification of property. Technically, this classification is not an exemption, but it does yield a lower assessed value.
Agricultural classification is for land that is used for good faith, commercial agriculture. Applications must be filed between January 1st and March 1st.

My property already has agricultural zoning. Do I still have to apply in the property appraiser's office?
Yes. Agricultural zoning and agrigultural classification are not the same. The fact that your property has an agricultural zoning does not automatically entitle you to the agricultural classification for tax purposes.

What is Tangible Personal Property?
Everything other than real estate that has value in and of itself. It includes items such as machinery and equipment, signs, supplies and leasehold improvements. Some types of tangible personal property are exempt, such as household goods and personal effects.

Who must file?
Anyone in possession of taxable assets on January 1st must file a Tangible Personal Property return (DR-405). Property owners who lease, lend or rent property or equipment must also file a return

Why must I file a return?
Section 193.052, Florida Statutes, requires that all tangible personal property be reported each year to our office. If you receive a return, it is because we have determined that you may have property to report and we send the form to assist you. If you do not have property to report, sign and date the return and mail it to us with an explanation that you have no property to report.

What if I don't return the form?
In that event, the law requires that our office place a value on your property using the best information available, together with a 25% penalty.

What kinds of information are available at the Property Appraiser's office?
We keep a record of all sales that occur in the county. In addition, we have information about the size of all parcels and about the structures located on the property. We have ownership maps and aerial photos of the entire county. These are in digital form and can be printed if you need copies.

Can you help me to buy or sell property?
No. Even though we do have information that may be useful to you if you plan to buy or sell property, we don't have any listings of property for sale, nor will we be able to assist you in selling your property.