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How do state property tax
changes affect Sarasota County?
In January, 2008 the voters of
Florida passed "Amendment One" which includes four significant changes
to the way property taxes are calculated:
1) Homestead properties receive an
additional $25,000 exemption, for all districts except the School Board.
2) Allows "portability" which enables homestead owners to take all or
part of their Save Our Homes benefits with them to their new property.
3) Provides a $25,000 exemption to tangible personal property (benefits
primarily business owners).
4) Caps non-homestead assessed value growth at 10% per year, beginning
in 2009.
These changes in property tax laws, and the downturn in the housing
market, have led to a much lower taxable value for Sarasota County (15%
lower than in 2007). This lower value, combined with a commitment to
keep tax rates flat by the Board of County Commissioners, has resulted
in $30.2 million less in property taxes for the county's general
operating, mosquito control and debt property tax revenues.
How do I contact
my state representatives?
Click here for your representative
What’s
the TRIM notice of proposed property taxes?
The Florida Legislature passed the
"Truth-in-Millage" (TRIM) act in 1980 to inform property owners about the
amount of taxes each government entity plans to levy. This notification,
called the TRIM notice, is mailed in August by the Property Appraiser’s
office to Sarasota County property owners. This is an informational notice,
not a bill.
The TRIM notice lets taxpayers compare the prior year assessed value and
taxes with the current year assessed value and proposed taxes. It also lets
taxpayers compare the amount of taxes if there’s no budget change for the
upcoming year
The TRIM notice lists the date, time and location of public budget hearings
in September. At these hearings, the taxing authorities establish the
millage for the property on the TRIM notice.
The notice also gives the deadline to file a petition to protest the
assessment. The Value Adjustment Board reviews challenges by taxpayers who
want to contest the property value used to calculate their taxes.
How do I get more information or contact the
Property Appraiser’s office?
Information is available on the Property Appraiser Web site:
www.sarasotaproperty.net |
