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Photo of Sharhonda Roberts Assistant Property Appraiser

Meet Sharhonda Roberts, Our Assistant Property Appraiser


Meet Sharhonda Roberts, our Assistant Property Appraiser.  Born and raised in Bartow, Florida; Sharhonda has more than 18 years' experience working in the Polk County Property Appraiser’s office.  She began her career in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) department and has steadily moved up in rank; first as GIS/Mapping Director in 2006, then as Information Technology (IT) and GIS Director in 2007.  In 2008, she and her team began working with state and local officials on tax roll completion and submission.  Sharhonda is uniquely qualified to serve as Assistant Property Appraiser as demonstrated by the following accomplishments:  read more
March 2018

Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM)


The Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, also called the 'Truth in Millage' (TRIM) Notice is mailed annually in mid-August. The TRIM Notice is also available on our website.  

The TRIM notice is not a bill.  It is an estimate of proposed property taxes based on the proposed tax rates, property value, and exemptions. The TRIM Notice includes the date and time of budgetary public hearings for each taxing authority and certain non-ad valorem assessment information.

read more

Aug. 2019

Florida Public Records Statute (FS 119.071) Amended


The Florida Public Records Exemptions Statute, FS 119.071, has been amended to expand exemptions from public records requirements. As a result, exempt (aka confidential) accounts and parcels have been completely redacted from our website and all FTP data files. In addition, the Polk County Property Appraiser mapping site has been modified to accommodate the statutory change.

See Senate Bill 248, which takes effect on July 1, 2019, for additional information.

To request an exemption from public records click the links below:

Polk County Property Appraiser Request to Block Information from Public Records
This form MUST BE submitted with a current photo ID by the person who is qualified for the confidentiality.
NOTE: The Property Appraiser Form also applies to the Tax bill provided by the Tax Collector’s office.

Polk County Clerk of Court Request for Confidentiality
NOTE: The Clerk of Court is an independent office that offers separate confidentiality related services for recorded documents available online such as deeds – a separate application is required.
Aug. 2019

Our Office Does Not Release Tax Payer Phone Numbers or Email Addresses


Recently, we have received multiple phone calls and emails from homeowners asking if our office has provided contact information (phone numbers and email addresses) to 3rd party vendors. We have not AND will not release this type of information.

Information including owner name, mailing / site address, and value data is public record and available on many governmental websites. Phone numbers and email addresses, however, are generally provided to the Property Appraiser on AG Classification and Exemption applications, etc. These types of forms are known as returns. All returns of property are confidential documents in the hands of the Property Appraiser in accordance with Florida Statute 193.074. This statute includes federal income tax returns or other attachments which are designed to be supplemental to or become part of, a return.
Aug. 2019

Florida Tax Exemptions for Disabled First Responders (FS 196.102)


Any real estate that is owned and used as a homestead by a person who has a total and permanent disability as a result of an injury sustained in the line of duty while serving as a first responder in the State of Florida or during an operation in another state or country authorized by the State of Florida or a political subdivision of Florida is exempt from taxation if the first responder is a permanent resident of this state on January 1st of the year for which the exemption is being claimed.

The tax exemption carries over to the benefit of the surviving spouse as long as the surviving spouse holds the legal or beneficial title to the homestead, permanently resides on the homestead property, and does not remarry.

Click here for more information and filing instructions

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Jan. 2017

Making a difference. Every day, every customer! - Please complete our 5 second survey


Our goal is to gather information from our taxpayers on how we can make a difference every day, every customer. If you have a few seconds to spare, please follow the link below to complete a quick survey on the service you've received from our office. We would love to hear from you. Thank you in advance for taking the time to give us your feedback!



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June 2017

Are You Eligible for the Polk County Active Military Combat Duty Grant?


Did you know that Polk County Veterans Services offers an Active Military Combat Duty grant of up to $1,500.00?

Eligible military members should complete the application and attach the required documentation. The application and attachments should be sent to Polk County Veteran Services, 1290 Golfview Avenue, PO Box 9005, Bartow FL 33831-9005.

Eligibility:
  1. In the last four years, did you serve in the United States Military in a designated combat zone; see Polk County Ordinance No 07-011 for designated combat zones?
    OR
    Are you the widow of a Veteran or member of the Military that served in a designated combat zone in the past four years and have not remarried?
  2. At the time of service, was your primary residence in Polk County?
  3. Did you have a valid Homestead Exemption for that property?

Documentation:
  1. A certified copy of combat duty orders and proof of combat service in any particular year or years covered by Polk County Ordinance No 07-011.
  2. A copy of your Polk County Tax Payment Receipt for the appropriate year.
  3. Proof of Homestead Exemption for the appropriate year.


The Polk County Property Appraiser's office does not oversee this grant but is providing this information as a courtesy to our veterans.
If you have additional questions, please visit the Polk County Veterans Services webpage or call (863)534-5220.
Jan. 2015

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Notice of Certification of Tax Rolls


2019 Preliminary Tax Roll

Pursuant to section 200.065(1) F.S. and 129.03(1) F.S., notice is hereby given that the Polk County Property Appraiser has certified to each taxing authority the taxable value within the jurisdiction of the taxing authority as of the certification date listed below.

Preliminary tax roll certification date is July 1, 2019.


Value Adjustment Board (VAB) Certifications


VAB 1st CERTIFICATION (2019 FINAL TAX ROLL)

Pursuant to section 193.122(2), F.S., notice is hereby given to all taxpayers and owners of both real and personal property that the 2019 Polk County Tax Rolls have been extended to show the tax attributable to all taxable property and that said tax rolls are certified for collection to the Tax Collector as of the certification date listed below.

The tax roll certification date is October 11, 2019.

VAB 2nd CERTIFICATION (2018 VAB FINAL TAX ROLL)

Pursuant to section 193.122(3), F.S., notice is hereby given to all taxpayers and owners of both real and personal property that the 2018 Polk County Tax Rolls have been extended and reflect all changes made by the value adjustment board together with any adjustments or changes made by the Property Appraiser and that said tax rolls have been recertified to the Tax Collector as of the recertification date listed below.

The tax roll recertification date is March 28, 2019.
July 2019

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Property Tax and Budget Information (Statewide and Local)


Pursuant to section 195.052 F.S. the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) shall conduct research and maintain accurate tabulations of data and conditions existing as to ad valorem taxation for all county and municipal governments in the state. This law also requires the DOR to annually publish such data to facilitate fiscal policymaking and to make recommendations to ensure property is equitably taxed throughout the state.

Such data shall be published, at a minimum, on the DOR website and on the websites of all Property Appraisers. The links below provide access to budget information and statewide / local property tax data.

DOR Florida Property Tax Data Portal
Polk County Property Tax Overview
Polk County Property Tax Information
Polk County Proposed Millage Rates
Polk County Final Millage Rates
Polk County Tax Roll and Budget Documents
Jan. 2016

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WARNING -- REVIEW YOUR EXEMPTION STATUS


THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAS SEVERE PENALTIES FOR RECEIVING A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION YOU ARE NOT ENTITLED TO.  UNQUALIFIED EXEMPTIONS WILL RESULT IN A 50% PENALTY OF UNPAID TAXES AND 15% INTEREST FOR UP TO 10 YEARS.

IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING UNREPORTED SITUATIONS APPLIES TO YOU, CONTACT OUR EXEMPTIONS DEPARTMENT (863) 534-4777 IMMEDIATELY:

  • You have moved from your homestead property.
  • The homestead property owner is deceased.
  • You are renting your homestead property.
  • You and your spouse own separate properties and both are receiving homestead exemption.
  • You and your spouse own a second home in or out of state and both are receiving homestead exemptions or residency tax credit.
  • You have remarried but are receiving a widow/widower exemption.

 If you are unsure of your exemptions, contact our office.
July 2015

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Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP) Assessment Policy
For Polk County Abandoned Grove Initiative


The Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP) is the successor program to the Citrus Canker Eradication Program (CCEP).

The purpose of the program is to manage the impact of citrus canker and citrus greening in commercial citrus groves. To accomplish that purpose, this program declares citrus canker, citrus greening, and the Asian citrus psyllid to be plant pest and nuisances. The program also sets forth procedures for establishing quarantine areas, identifying regulated articles, decontaminating regulated articles, and regulating the movement of citrus nursery stock from areas quarantined for citrus greening. (Rule: 5B-63.001 F.A.C.)

Please provide our office with the following required documentation:
  • CHRP Abandoned Grove Compliance Agreement
  • Verification of Voluntary Destruction of Citrus Trees
  • If the property is not currently receiving the greenbelt classification, an Application for Agriculture Classification must be submitted

Agricultural Classification

Properties currently receiving the agricultural benefit will not have to file a new application; however, parcels not under the greenbelt classification will be required to file an application with the Polk County Property Appraiser office prior the statutory date of March 1. Statute 193.461 (3) (a).

If the application is submitted after March 1, the application is considered a Late File Application. Therefore, a Good Cause Statement must be submitted explaining the reason why the application was late.

CHRP Documentation

In order to receive the CHRP Abandoned Grove assessment for the current tax year, CHRP documentation which has been approved and dated prior to June 30 of the applicable year, must be submitted to our office.

Use Change

The landowner must maintain compliance under the Abandoned Grove Compliance Agreement. The lower assessment will be in place for a period of 5 years per FS 193.461 (7) (a).

After receiving the CHRP Abandoned Grove assessment, if a different agricultural operation is put into place, other than citrus, the assessment will change according to the current ag use. Any non-agricultural use will be assessed as full market value.

Sale or Transfer of Property

If a parcel is sold or transferred while an Abandoned Grove Compliance Agreement is active, the agreement is no longer valid. The parcel will be assessed at full market value unless a new ag operation is put into place and a new application is filed.


Citrus Health Response Program

General and Contact Information:


CHRP Assessment Policy

http://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Bureaus-and-Services/Office-Locations/Citrus-Health-Program-Offices

https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry/Bureaus-and-Services/Bureau-of-Pest-Eradication-Control/Citrus-Health-Response-Program/Abandoned-Grove-Initiative


Compliance Procedure:


The Local CHRP Office Procedures for Abandoned Grove Compliance Agreement (AGCA) are:
  • Grower contacts Local CHRP office and provides Abandoned Grove property information (Location, Tax ID Etc.).
  • Local CHRP office visits grove to verify it is Abandoned.
  • Grower kills or pushes the grove.
  • Local CHRP office visits grove to certify it is pushed or killed.
  • Grower Signs AGCA.
  • Grower provides a copy of the Signed "AGCA" and "Verification of Voluntary Destruction of Citrus Trees" to the Property Appraiser.

Citrus Health Program Office


Winter Haven Office

Serves: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Osceola, Manatee Counties

Supervisor: Jeremy Gilbert
Jeremy.Gilbert@FreshFromFlorida.com
3027 Lake Alfred Road
Winter Haven, Florida 33881-1438
(863)298-3000
(863)227-0160 Cell
(863)298-3002 Fax

DPI Helpline: 1-888-397-1517
Aug. 2017

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Conservation Easements/Land Exemptions


The 2009 Legislature enacted legislation creating an exemption for real property dedicated in perpetuity for conservation purposes and an assessment reduction for lands that are subject to a conservation easement, environmentally endangered, or land used for outdoor recreational or park purposes. To qualify for either an exemption or assessment reduction, property owners must file an application with the Property Appraiser.

Conservation Exemption:  Newly created, section 196.26, Florida Statutes, outlining the definitions and requirements for owners to apply for an exemption for real property dedicated in perpetuity for conservation purposes.   Form DR-418C was drafted for applicants whose property meets the requirements for a conservation exemption. 

Requirements for Exemption:
  • Must comprise at least 40 contiguous acres
  • If less than 40 contiguous acres, the land can qualify if it meets the other requirements in this statute and the use of the land for conservation purposes is determined by the Acquisition and Restoration Council created in Section 259.035, , F.S. to meet a clearly delineated state conservation policy, if it yields a significant public benefit, and it must have a management plan and a designated manager responsible for implementing the plan.

Conservation Easement Reassessment: The Legislature also amended section 193.501, F.S., requiring an application to be filed with the property appraiser for property to be assessed at a reduced value if used for conservation. Form DR-482C was drafted for applicants whose property meets the requirements. Form DR-482CR, Land Used for Conservation Purposes Assessment Reapplication, is a short form to annually reapply for the assessment reduction. Please note that this is not an exemption, but a reduction in the land assessment.

Requirements for Reassessment:
  • Must provide instrument which conveys the development right or establishes a covenant for the conservation purposes of the land for 10 years or more.
The owner must also specify which of the following apply to the property:
  • Meet the requirements of a conservation easement in section 704.06, F.S.
  • Designation as environmentally endangered by resolution of the municipality or county as described in 193.501(6)(i), F.S.
  • Designated as conservation land in an adopted local comprehensive plan
  • Used for outdoor recreational or park purposes as described in section 193.501(6)(g), F.S.

The forms are posted at https://floridarevenue.com/Pages/forms_index.aspx
Jan. 2015

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Avon Park Air Force Range Training Notification


Polk County is home to the Avon Park Air Force Range, a training facility for all branches of the military, police, and national security agencies. Properties that may be affected by these training activities will have a notation on the parcel detail.

Click here for more information.

April 2014
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Important Dates

Truth in Millage
Web site date
Monday, August 12, 2019

Mail out date
Friday, August 16, 2019

File a petition deadline
Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Missed the deadline and can show good cause? File a GOOD CAUSE PETITION.
File For Exemption
File for 2020

2019 late filing deadline
Tuesday, September 10, 2019

You may file in person or online.
Tangible Personal Property
TPP Tax Return Deadline
4/1/2019

Extension Request Period
3/18/2019 - 4/1/2019

Office Closings

Thanksgiving
11/28/2019 - 11/29/2019

Christmas
12/24/2019 - 12/25/2019

New Year's Day
1/1/2020

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
1/20/2020

Presidents' Day
2/17/2020

Good Friday
4/10/2020

Memorial Day
5/25/2020

Independence Day
7/4/2020

Labor Day
9/7/2020

Veteran's Day
11/11/2020