Q: How have storms Ian and Nicole impacted the work of your office?
A: Late in the season, we have had two reasonably severe storms. Many property owners have unfortunately had damage to their homes. After Ian, our office reached out to affected homeowners to see what we could do to help, assessment-wise and then did the same thing after Nicole.
Q: Will property owners see a decrease in their property taxes this year if their homes sustained damage?
A: There is no relief available for the payments due for this year, but depending on the severity of the damage and whether repairs are made by Jan. 1, 2023, there may be some relief for next year. I’d ask that homeowners who have received communication from our office please respond, and if you haven’t heard from us and have sustained damage, please contact us so we can assess the property as early as possible next year. Of course, also don’t hesitate to contact our office with any questions.
Q: Can you explain Gov. DeSantis’ executive order as it pertains to tax payment due dates for homeowners impacted by the storms?
A: After Hurricane Ian, the governor issued an executive order delaying payment of property taxes for those properties either destroyed or uninhabitable. This only affects properties in counties named by FEMA, of which St. Johns County is one.
Note that this just delays payment by extending the deadline to pay to June 1, 2023; it does not eliminate or reduce the taxes due for 2022. The discounts for early payment are extended as well. While the governor has not said if this will also include properties destroyed or severely damaged by Nicole, our expectation is that the executive order will be amended to include Nicole. Be sure to stay tuned.
The governor has gone on to say he plans to call a special session of the legislature in December to address property taxes as a result of these late season storms.
Q: What is the best way for our readers to contact you?
A: Our office is located at 4030 Lewis Speedway Ste. 203, (904) 827-5500. It is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Also, readers can email me at Eddie@sjcpa.us or call me at (904) 827-5500.
