Q: Do you have an update on your December column, where you discussed the impact of storms Ian and Nicole on property owners’ taxes?
A: Yes. When the State of Florida Legislature met for a special session in December, they approved a tax rebate for some property owners. If your home was damaged during Ian or Nicole and that damage prohibited the occupancy of the home for at least 30 days, you can apply for an abatement of your 2022 property taxes.
Q: How do affected homeowners go about getting this?
A: You have until April 3, 2023 to apply for the abatement. Your 2022 taxes must be paid current. To apply, you must fill out a form and provide evidence, such as an insurance claim or a contract and payments to contractors for repairs, that you were out of your home for at least 30 days. You should bring the form and your evidence to our office, or you could scan and email the documents to us, and we will review your claim. We have until June 1 to either approve or deny, but we will act on it very quickly once we receive it. If we approve, then we will forward the information to the St. Johns County Tax Collector, who will rebate a pro rata share of the taxes paid while you were out of your home. If we deny your application, you can appeal to the Value Adjustment Board.
Q: Is there a maximum number of days that can be claimed?
A: If your home was damaged during Ian, you can apply for up to 95 days; if your home was damaged by Nicole, you can apply for up to 52 days.
Q: When can homeowners begin the application process?
A: Anytime between now and April 3. I’d recommend not waiting, because I have no authority to take an application after April 3. If there are any questions, homeowners can call our office and we will be happy to help.
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.
