[cybermuda]

We bought our house this year and have just received our property tax assessment for $3,553.39 based on a property assessment of $221,769

Per Zillow, the house's recent tax history is:

Year Taxes paid % Change Tax assessment % Change
2009 $2,685 1.7% $187,390 0.1%
2008 $2,641 -2.8% $187,203 0.9%
2007 $2,716 -5.4% $185,447 2.5%
2006 $2,872 -5.4% $180,924 3.0%
2005 $3,036 -1.3% $175,655 7.7%

There has been no major change to the property since 2009 so any ideas why the assessment (and taxes) have risen so much?

Is it too late to query the bill?

Thank you

[BogeyBoy]

You may find these interesting and informative:

http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/propert...mitations.html


http://www.realtycafeonline.com/Home...e_1887771.html

[cybermuda]

Thank you for those links, BogeyBoy

Just noticed that it is the exemptions that have made most difference

The previous owners had the following exemptions:

First Homestead - $25,000
Additional Homestead - $25,000
Save Our Homes Benefit - $58,679

whereas we have none

What are these things, and how can we get them?

Or, being non-American, are we out of luck?

[jtdraig]

Not sure what County you are in but you need to call the Tax Collector's Office and ask about the Homestead Exemption. The "rules" are governed by your residency here in Florida.

[EdV]

Originally Posted by cybermuda

What are these things, and how can we get them?

Or, being non-American, are we out of luck?

Under Florida law, the homestead exemption is only available to US citizens, permanent resident aliens, or others who are legally able to form the intent to remain permanently under immigration laws.

[cybermuda]

Thank you, all

I guess we'll have to pay up and just carry on enjoying life in TV :-)