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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 20 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

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT


A Message from Marsha Faux, Polk County Property Appraiser


I am pleased to announce that I have been given the opportunity to continue serving as your Property Appraiser for the next four years. It is my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Polk County and I cannot thank you enough for your support. I also want to take a moment to thank my incredible staff for their hard work and dedication. We will continue to provide excellent customer service and hope that we exceed your expectations in the years to come.

Again, thank you.

Marsha Faux, Polk County Property Appraiser
June 2021

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

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June 2021

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.
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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

Florida Department of Revenue Notice: Extension for Filing Tangible Personal Property Returns


The Department has received questions from property appraisers regarding the upcoming deadlines for taxpayers and local officials to complete property tax activities.

As a reminder to all property appraisers (PA), section 193.063, Florida Statutes, authorizes PAs to grant a 30-day extension for taxpayers to file a Tangible Personal Property Return (Form DR-405). The PA may grant, at his or her discretion, an additional 15 days for the taxpayer to file the return. Taxpayers must provide the request to the PA before the return’s due date of April 1, 2020. Taxpayers must provide the name of the taxable entity, tax identification number and the reason for the extension request.

The Department understands that local conditions may change rapidly in the coming days and weeks. Please notify the Property Tax Oversight program of office closures or staff quarantines that impair your ability to serve taxpayers or meet other due dates. The Department will continue to monitor the situation and provide additional guidance on upcoming deadlines as appropriate. Report office closures and send any questions to DORPTO@floridarevenue.com Please provide the date the office will close, the date the office is planning to reopen, and contact name(s) and phone number(s) that can be reached during the office closure. In providing the guidance above, the Department has considered input from your offices, guidance from the Florida Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the need for citizens and local government staff to practice social distancing. We appreciate your cooperation and concern for your employees and Florida’s taxpayers.

The Polk County Property Appraiser accepts requests for a 30 day Extension, to May 1st, via the Tangible Online Filing website or in writing. All requests must be received or post marked on or before the April 1st deadline.

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March 2020

*****BEWARE*****   YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY FOR DEED OR PROPERTY INFORMATION!


A number of Polk County residents received letter from First Documents, Record Transfer Services, and others stating the need for homeowners to pay for a "Current Grant Deed and Property Assessment Profile". (SAMPLE LETTERS)

The Polk County Property Appraiser's office wants you to know that property records and deeds may be obtained online for little or no cost to you and without having to pay a service.

  • Current Property Deeds and all property/owner information is available on our website; the information is found by using our Property Search feature and locating your property. Once located, you can get a copy of your deed or print a PRC - Property Record Card. See below for additional instructions.

    How to get a copy of your deed
    How to print a PRC

  • You can also visit the Polk County Clerk's Official Records Search to receive certified documents.

If you have any questions, please contact the Clerk of the Courts or the Property Appraiser's Office.

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June 2021

COVID-19 OFFICE SCHEDULE CHANGE AND CONTACT INFORMATION (Last updated 07/20/2020)


Per State and Federal Guidelines social distancing is strictly enforced in all Polk County Property Appraiser offices which may increase wait times.

• Bartow Office Open to the public Monday – Friday 8 AM to 4:30 PM Bartow
• Lakeland Office Open by appointment ONLY. To make an appointment please call (863) 534-4779.
• Winter Haven Office Closed to the public starting Monday, July 20, 2020 until further notice.
NOTE: The Gil Jones Plaza is a designated COVID-19 Testing site. For the safety of our staff and customers, this office will be closed starting Tuesday, July 21, 2020 until further notice.

Customers may conduct business with our office using any of the alternative methods listed below:

  1. Visit our website:
    1. Look up property information @ www.polkpa.org
    2. File for Homestead or other Tax Exemptions @ exemptions.polkpa.org
    3. File a Tangible Return @ tangible.polkpa.org
  2. By Email:
    1. Tax Exemptions   paexemptions@polk-county.net
    2. Appraisal and Value   padataentry@polk-county.net
    3. Deed or Ownership   pagis@polk-county.net
    4. Tangible Personal Property   patpp@polk-county.net
    5. GIS or Mapping   pagis@polk-county.net
    6. Americans with Disability Act (ADA)   paadacoordinator@polk-county.net
    7. All other Questions   pahelpdesk@polk-county.net
  3. By Mail: 255 N Wilson Ave, Bartow FL 33830
Our goal remains to provide exemplary customer service during this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and update our notices as needed.

NOTE: A large portion of our staff will continue to telework in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As a result, there are limited number of staff in the office to answer calls. If you have difficulty reaching us via our Main Office number (863-534-4777), please leave a voicemail and a member of our staff will contact you. You may also contact us using the email addresses listed above.

Please DO NOT send personal information like SSN, birth dates, etc. via email. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, you may mail this office at the address above.
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June 2021

Become part of the PCPA Team!


Our office is always looking to grow and better serve the residents of Polk County and you can help us achieve our goal by becoming part of our team. As an equal opportunity employer, offering a great working environment with competitive pay and substantial benefits; the PCPA office can provide you with new opportunities and the start of a rewarding career.

Please take a moment and browse our Employment page to see the current openings but remember to check back often as we update postings weekly.

June 2021

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


2020 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, 2020.


Value Adjustment Board (VAB) Certifications


VAB 1st CERTIFICATION (2020 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 2020 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 13, 2020.

VAB 2nd CERTIFICATION (2020 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 2020 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 April 5, 2021.
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@FDACS.GOV
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
Friday, August 13, 2021

Mail out date
Tuesday, August 17, 2021

File a petition deadline
Monday, September 13, 2021

Missed the 2020 VAB deadline of September 11, 2020 and can show good cause? File a GOOD CAUSE PETITION.
File For Exemption
Late File for 2021
Pre-file for 2022

You may file via mail, email, or online.
Tangible Personal Property
TPP Tax Return Deadline
4/1/2021

Extension Request Period
3/18/2021 - 4/1/2021

Office Closings
Memorial Day
5/31/2021

Independence Day
7/5/2021

Labor Day
9/6/2021

Veteran's Day
11/11/2021

Thanksgiving
11/25/2021 - 11/26/2021

Christmas
12/23/2021 - 12/24/2021

New Year's Day
1/1/2022

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
1/17/2022