Duties of the Property Appraiser
Real Property Appraisal
The Property Appraiser does not determine property taxes. This is the responsibility of the taxing authorities in Levy County. These include County Government, the School Board, City Governments, Water Management Districts, and others. The Property Appraiser is responsible for identifying the market value of property in the county. In reality the market value is determined by the economy. Your Property Appraiser estimates the market value of the property. This amount, less the cost of selling the property, is the basis upon which the property is appraised.
The Levy County Property Appraiser's office uses nationally recognized appraisal systems and a Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system to gather, store and analyze the large body of data necessary to arrive at a fair market value for each parcel of property in Levy County. Actual sales prices of like properties in similar neighborhoods are a key component of the data needed by the skilled and professionally trained appraisers who assist the Property Appraiser in analyzing the real estate marketplace and evaluating your property.
Florida law specifies that every property must be inspected at least once every five years. Staff appraisers physically inspect the properties to determine any changes such as additions, changes in condition etc. The results of the physical inspection are noted in the CAMA system and are used in the annual calculation of the appraised value of the property.
Mobile Homes
Mobile homes which are permanently installed on property owned by the owner of the mobile home are considered real property and are appraised using the same process as a concrete block or other building. A license identifying such a mobile home as real property is obtained through the Property Appraiser's and Tax Collector's offices. A sticker so identifying a mobile home is attached to the mobile home.
Tangible Personal Property
The Property Appraiser is also responsible for appraising tangible personal property. This includes furniture and appliances in commercial property.
Exemptions
Florida Law provides for certain exemptions to the fully appraised value of real property. The most commonly known is Homestead Exemption which deducts $25,000 from the appraised value of real property thus lowering the basis upon which tax is calculated by the Tax Collector. Other exemptions include religious, veteran, widow, disability, charitable and education. All requests for exemptions must be filed no later than March 1 of any year.
Mapping Services
The Property Appraiser is responsible for a wide range of mapping services. Maintaining current maps is a key part of the entire appraisal process. Your Property Appraiser exerts tremendous energy to ensure that changes in Levy County are quickly reflected in the County maps. These maps are available for use by county and city agencies, commercial users and others who have a need to see a graphic representation of Levy County.
Emergency Services
The Property Appraiser was a key player in developing and recording the 911 Emergency files. This critical capability allows emergency and public safety officers to identify virtually every inhabited parcel of property in Levy County. Response time to emergency calls and the potential for saving lives has been helped immeasurably by developing this on line data file.
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