Property Value Changes

This is likely the result of the Recapture Rule. The assessed value of homesteaded properties is limited to 3% increases. In many instances, this causes a difference in the market and assessed values. Where these differences are present, Florida law requires that the assessed value be increased by 3% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower.

For 2010 the re-assessment was 2.7%. As market values have increased over the years, the assessments of homesteaded properties were locked in to this maximum increase of 3%, creating significant tax savings for homesteaded properties. In the current real estate market, most property values have declined.

Real Property

All properties are required by State law to be valued at market value, sometimes referred to as "just value."

• For properties without a Homestead Exemption, the assessed value is the same as the market value.
• For properties with a Homestead Exemption that is two years or older, the assessed value increase is limited to 3% a year.
• If you add a new owner to your property and the new owner files for Homestead Exemption on your property, the new law now requires the Property Appraiser to remove the assessment limitation even if the original owner still qualifies for the original Homestead Exemption.
  • What this means to a homeowner is often substantially higher taxes. There are, however, exceptions to this rule, such as addition of a spouse.
  • Before you make changes to the ownership of your property, we recommend getting advice from your lawyer.

Tangible Personal Property

An increase in the assessment is typically due to acquisitions made during the prior year. January 1st is our assessment date each year. Since last year's assessment was as of January 1st, if there were acquisitions during the previous year, they would now be assessed as of January 1st of the current year and may result in an increase. The assessment also may increase due to an audit or an inspection by one of our field evaluators.

If your property is a residential property, the differences among the assessments of similar properties may be significant depending on if and when owners received the homestead exemption.

There are a number of reasons that could result in your assessed value being higher than your neighbor's. For example:

• Your neighbor's Homestead Exemption is older than yours and the values are locked in at lower amounts
• Additions, renovations or extra features are on your home but not your neighbors
• Your property does not have a Homestead Exemption but your neighbor's does

Real Property: Demolitions, hurricane damage and value reductions may be the cause for the reduction of your assessed value.

Tangible Personal Property: Typically, if you have approximately the same assets as last year, the assessment would drop due to depreciation.