[actor]

Anyone know if it is true that your taxes are not increased if you enclose your lanai with glass without adding heat and ac? Thanks in advance.

[downeaster]

Originally Posted by actor

Anyone know if it is true that your taxes are not increased if you enclose your lanai with glass without adding heat and ac? Thanks in advance.

I think. emphasis on think, it is OK in Marion County but not Sumter at this time.

Call any installer and they should know,or better yet, call the county.

[784caroline]

You may save on taxes but with glass enclosure, the room will be "tigher" and the heat and "HUMIDITY" would be unbearable in the summer and you could be creating other problems for yourself.

You should sit down with the county tax people and they can estimate what the increase in taxes would be for a glass enclosed lanai. Considering you are already paying taxes on the screened in lanai (45% of value), the additional yearly amount should not break the budget for the comfort you can expect.

[actor]

Originally Posted by 784caroline

You may save on taxes but with glass enclosure, the room will be "tigher" and the heat and "HUMIDITY" would be unbearable in the summer and you could be creating other problems for yourself.

You should sit down with the county tax people and they can estimate what the increase in taxes would be for a glass enclosed lanai. Considering you are already paying taxes on the screened in lanai (45% of value), the additional yearly amount should not break the budget for the comfort you can expect.

I know someone who did same, and said the ac from their house and the fans on the lanai make the lanai comfortable.

[BogeyBoy]

I enclosed the lanai with double pane glass - no heat or ac. At the same time I built a large bird cage. The Sumter County property appraiser came to look at the job and specifically told me there would be no change in taxes based on the glass enclosed lanai BUT there would be for the bird cage. Only change to our tax records after his visit -"Vill-Screened Cage (SEN4)". He had to walk right thought the glass enclosed lanai to get to the bird cage and had the building permits for both.

We have had no issues with "heat and humidity" other than it gets hot in the middle of summer and cold in the winter. We either don't use it or hook up our portable heater/ac during those times. The room is on the shady side of the house which helps.

One last thing - the contractor has to word the permit properly to classify the room so it is not considered an addition. I can look through my old records and review the permit for the wording if you'd like - PM me.

[dp000]

We were told that if you have to step down into the lanai, it is considered a "porch"...with or without glass windows, and there is no add'l taxes added. If you make the floor level, then it becomes a "room" and adds taxes.

[CarGuy]

Originally Posted by dp000

We were told that if you have to step down into the lanai, it is considered a "porch"...with or without glass windows, and there is no add'l taxes added. If you make the floor level, then it becomes a "room" and adds taxes.

I have heard that too; but have also heard that if you condition the space your taxes rise. So the best suggestion is to ask both the potential contractors and the tax assessor. The former to understand if they understand the issues (do not go with a contractor who does not know local rules and regs) and the latter to truly get it from the horse's mouth (or any other convenient opening)

[784caroline]

The permit should use wording that reads "Covered Porch". If you look at the Sumter county tax records they use abbreviations such as SP Sreened Porch; OP Open Porch (typically this is the front door entrance way); or CP Covered Porch.

Fairly certain the "step down" feature has no bearing on taxes...If you have permanent heat and AC even with a step down feature...........it will be taxed 100% where SPs and CPs are taxed at 45%.