2013 TRIM Notices scheduled to be mailed August 19th It’s that time of year again! By now those of you who subscribe to my Furst Facts e-newsletter have checked out the 2013 property values published on our website in mid-July. If you’re not already receiving these “breaking news” updates subscribe now on our website, www.SC-PA.com. Over the past four years, making new property values available prior to the TRIM mailing enables property owners and the Property Appraiser’s office to resolve many concerns and questions well ahead of the 25 day window for filing formal challenges with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). As you can see from the mock-up of this year’s TRIM Notice, the format and information provided hasn’t changed. The only modification is the look of the property identification numbers: No more hyphens. Our new database software doesn’t allow hyphens in its number format. For example, what used to be Property ID 0001-02-0003 is now Account Number 0001020003. Do you have questions about value or exemptions? The State of Florida provides three ways in which a property owner can challenge the values reported by the Property Appraiser or the disapproval of an exemption. You can use one, two or all three of these options.  As I mentioned earlier, property owners may always meet with one of our appraisers or exemption specialists. The sharing of information goes a long way to resolving most issues. Call 941.861.8200 or visit either of our offices. Directions and contact information are available on our website at www.SC-PA.com.  From the date theTRIM Notices are mailed there is a 25 day window in which a property owner may file a formal petition with the VAB to contest the Property Appraiser’s value or exemption decision. The filing deadline is printed at the bottom right corner of the TRIM Notice. The Clerk of the Circuit Court oversees the petition process. Information on how to file (in person or online), and applicable fees, is available on the Clerk’s website, www.sarasotaclerk.com.  A third option to challenge values or exemption eligibility is to file suit in Circuit Court within 60 days after the Tax Roll is certified for the collection of taxes. If you choose to file a petition with the VAB and you do not agree with the VAB decision you may file suit in Circuit Court within 60 days after the VAB renders a decision in your case. If you choose this route you may wish to consult with a legal professional. Preliminary Taxable Values for Sarasota County and Municipalities Reported to the Florida Department of Revenue on July 1, 2013. (2012 values are final values) 2012 Sarasota County: $39.07 billion 2013 Sarasota County: $40.79 billion +4.40% 2012 City of Sarasota: $6.85 billion 2013 City of Sarasota: $7.20 billion +5.19% 2012 City of Venice: $2.69 billion 2013 City of Venice: $2.80 billion +4.09% 2012 Longboat Key: $3.30 billion 2013 Longboat Key: $3.40 billion +2.99% 2012 North Port: $2.26 billion 2013 North Port: $2.41 billion +6.58% Save Our Homes Assessed Value Increase for 2013 Every year, as provided by §193.155, Florida Statues, the assessed value of homestead property increases no more than 3% or the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. For 2013 the CPI is 1.7% As an example, for 2013 a $100,000 assessed value in 2012 will increase to $101,700. For more information please contact the Property appraiser’s office at [email protected] or 941.861.8200.