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It is the
constitutional duty of the Property Appraiser to appraise for ad valorem tax
purposes all property in Okeechobee
County, including real
and personal property.
Unlike many states
where the Tax Assessor and Taxing Authorities work together, Florida's Constitution
provides a clear separation between the appraisal of property and the
Authorities responsible for setting a Millage Rate to raise revenue.
It is the duty of
the Property Appraiser to administer all exemptions. Ad Valorem Tax
exemptions allowed under statute includes governmental, religious,
charitable, educational, scientific, and literary. There is a homestead
exemption up to $50,000. for every Florida
resident who has legal or equitable title to real property in the State of Florida and who
resides thereon and in good faith makes it his or her permanent home. The
first $25,000 applies to all property taxes. The additional $25,000 applies
to any assessed value over $50,000 and only to non-school taxes. First time
applicants are required to furnish their social security number, and should
have available evidence of ownership i.e., deed, contract, etc. If title is
held by the husband alone, a wife may file for him, with his consent, and
vice versa. If filing for the first time, be prepared to answer these and
other questions:
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1.
In whose name or names was the title to the dwelling recorded as of January
1st?
2. What is the street address of the property?
3. Are you a legal resident of the State of Florida? (A Certificate of Domicile or
voter's Registration will be proof if dated prior to January 1st.)
4. Do you have a Florida
license plate on your car and a Florida
driver's license?
5. Were you living in the dwelling, which is being claimed for homestead
exemption on January 1st?
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There is
additionally a $500 exemption for widows, widowers, the disabled and the
blind. Any honorably discharged veteran with a service connected total and
permanent disability, surviving spouses of qualifying veterans and spouses of
the United States Armed Forces are entitled to exemption on real estate used
and owned as a homestead less any portion thereof used for commercial
purposes.
Click here for more information on exemptions
The application for
all exemptions must be made by March 1 of the tax year applying for. Initial
application should be made in person at the Property Appraiser's office.
Subsequent yearly renewal of exemption status is made by mail. Failure to
make application by March 1 of the tax year shall constitute a waiver of the
exemption privilege for that year.
Lands used for
bona-fide agricultural purposes may be classified as agricultural on the tax
roll, which results in a significant reduction from nonagricultural appraised
values. Agricultural classification must be applied for and determined
annually as required by Florida Statutes. In addition, we keep deed transfers
current, maintain maps outlining these boundaries, measure all construction
and components of improved parcels and grant exemptions where appropriate. We
also maintain GIS (Geographic
Information Systems) base maps.
The Property
Appraiser is supervised by the Florida Department of Revenue, with the
Property Appraiser being elected every four years by the citizens of Okeechobee County.
Your appraiser does not determine the amount of taxes
you pay. The rate is determined by your taxing authorities. These include your County Commission,
School Board, South Florida Water Management District, St Johns Water
Management District, Children's Services Council and the City of Okeechobee.
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