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Frequently Asked Questions (F A Q)
Select a category, or scroll down to read the entire FAQ:
Assessment
Exemptions
Tangible Personal Property
General Questions
Q: |
I've heard the term "property appraiser". What kinds of
appraisals are done in your office?
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A: |
We appraise all property in the county as of January 1st.
This includes real estate (land and buildings) and tangible
personal property (machinery, equipment and supplies).
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.
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Q: |
How do you determine the value of my property? |
A: |
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.
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Q: |
How will I know what value you have placed on my property? |
A: |
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.
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Q: |
What if I don't agree with my assessed value? |
A: |
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.
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Q: |
What if I agree with my value, but my taxes are too high? |
A: |
All we control is your value. The tax rates are set by various
taxing authorities.
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Q: |
When do I have to pay my taxes? |
A: |
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 904-966-6246.
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Q: |
If I add something to my property, will it affect my taxes? |
A: |
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.
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Q: |
I've purchased a new home. When do I need to file for my Homestead Exemption? |
A: |
The period for filing applications for all types of exemptions
is January 1st through March 1st.
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Q: |
What information will I need to bring when I file for my Homestead Exemption? |
A: |
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)
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Q: |
Can I get a Homestead exemption if I rent a home or lot? |
A: |
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.
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Q: |
Are forms available on this web site? |
A: |
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.
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Q: |
Do I have to file every year? |
A: |
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.
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Q: |
What is the "greenbelt" or "ag exemption"? |
A: |
"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.
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Q: |
My property already has agricultural zoning. Do I still have
to apply in the property appraiser's office? |
A: |
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.
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Q: |
What is Tangible Personal Property? |
A: |
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. |
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Q: |
Who must file? |
A: |
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. |
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Q: |
Why must I file a return? |
A: |
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. |
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Q: |
What if I don't return the form? |
A: |
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. |
Q: |
What kinds of information are available at the Property Appraiser's office? |
A: |
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. |
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Q: |
Can you help me to buy or sell property? |
A: |
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. |
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