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.

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.org