Q: It’s the new year … what is happening at the Property Appraiser’s office?
A: Yes, it’s 2020 and property taxation is kicking off another year. We are now in the assessment process and will be until June.
Q: What do you recommend property owners do at this time?
A: We currently have “working values” for properties on our website. I recommend that homeowners review their numbers and if they have any issues they can contact our office now to discuss. The same thing goes for exemptions — they can review them online and make sure the proper exemptions are applied.
Finally, especially if a homeowner is considering selling, they should check their portability on the website for accuracy. The courts have ruled that once a home is sold, you have no standing to appeal the portability amount.
Q: Can you give us some more information about portability?
A: If your property is homesteaded, the most its value can increase is the lower of 3 percent or the increase in the state’s cost of living. The state of Florida just released its CPI (Consumer Price Index) and it is 2.3 percent, so this will be the cap for this year (since it is lower than 3 percent).
Q: Is it also time to consider homestead and other exemptions?
A: If you have existing exemptions on your property, they will be automatically renewed for this year unless you notify us. If you are applying for new exemptions in 2020, such as homestead, veteran, senior, or widow/widower, you must do it before the deadline date of March 1, 2020. Homeowners can go online to apply or call our office with questions. The required documentation for each exemption is also available online.
One other note on exemptions: the senior exemption is a low income exemption. The state of Florida just released the required maximum income to qualify; for this year it is $30,721 adjusted gross income.
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.
