This website will be unavailable between 5:00 PM on Friday, January 17th, 2020 and 5:00 PM on Saturday, January 18th, 2020 for scheduled maintenance.
You are on the DR server, a number of features will be disabled.
The Property Appraiser office is currently experiencing telephone service issues at our Bartow office.
The problem has been identified and is currently being resolved; if you need immediate assistance please contact through our
email contact page.
Due to Hurricane Dorian, Polk County Property Appraiser offices will be closed on Tuesday, September 3rd. We will be open on Wednesday, September 4th.
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.
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.
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.
REMINDERS TO FILE
FILE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND OTHER PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS ONLINE
Marsha Faux, Polk County Property Appraiser, urges new homeowners to file for Homestead Exemption for the 2019 tax year. The deadline to file was March 1st*, however, we are currently accepting late file applications.
Online filing is available for Homestead, Senior (Age 65 and older), Widow/Widower, Disability, and Disabled Veteran Exemptions.
Please view the
Help File for online filing instructions.
AGRICULTURAL CLASSIFICATION
2019 Agricultural Classification applications are currently being accepted by the Property Appraiser's Office. The deadline to file is March 1st*.
TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY
Florida Statute 193.052 requires that all Tangible
Personal Property be reported each year to the Property Appraiser's Office. The deadline to file is April 1st*. If you do not file a return or extension
by the deadline, you will not qualify for the $25,000 Tangible Personal Property Exemption.
NOTE:
Homestead, other exemptions, and Agricultural Classification (greenbelt) receipt cards will not be mailed in order to save taxpayer's
dollars. These exemptions/classifications will be automatically renewed.
Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM)
The Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, also called a 'Truth in Millage' (TRIM) Notice
will be mailed to property owners on August 17th and available on our website August 13th.
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.
We would like to thank PGTV (Polk County Government Television) for producing a video to help you better understand your TRIM. Please view the video using the link below:
Understanding Your Trim
The Understanding Your Trim Video was produced in 2011. There have been no changes to the TRIM form since that time. All information in the video is valid and accurate.
Note:
The Property Appraiser DOES NOT set tax rates or non-ad valorem fees. If you have questions about your taxes or various assessments, please
contact the appropriate authority. Click
here for a complete list of TRIM Notice Taxing Authorities and Non-Ad Valorem Assessing Authorities.
This information is also available on your TRIM Notice.
The Property Appraiser IS responsible for property value. If a property owner disagrees with the Property Appraiser value information or has been denied an exemption, please contact our office to review or discuss the matter with a deputy appraiser.
If still dissatisfied, the owner can appeal to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). The VAB is an independent body consisting of two County Commissioners, one School Board member and two members at large, appointed by the County Commission and School Board.
The deadline to
file a petition with the VAB Is
September 11th at 5PM.
EXEMPTIONS - FILE FOR 2020
The Polk County Property Appraiser's Office is now accepting exemption applications for the year 2020.
(If you purchased and moved into your home before January 1, 2020, you may now file for a 2020 exemption.) If you have purchased a new home and had a previous homestead on another home in Florida, you may be eligible for portability - the transfer of some or all of your old homestead's "Save Our Homes" benefit (the difference between your market and assessed values due to the annual cap on increases).
- To file online please click HERE
- To file in person, visit one of our 3 office locations; Lakeland, Winter Haven or Bartow (click here for addresses). No appointment is necessary, your application will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
The deadline to file for Homestead and other exemptions is March 1
st, 2020.
***REMINDERS FOR NON-PROFIT / CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS***
January 1 of each year is our assessment date. In order to qualify for exemption on Non-Profit/Charitable organizations, including churches, it is necessary that the organization have legal title to the property on January 1. Our office currently has a few situations where property was in agreement for purchase as early as September this year but, unfortunately, closings and official documents conveying ownership were dated after January 1. These organizations, which by all means qualify for full tax exemptions, now are faced with ad valorem taxes.
Organizations applying for exempt status under chapter 196 Florida Statutes which are organized and operated as a non-profit entity are required to provide the information below in addition to a completed application.
The application filing period is January 2nd through March 1st each year. After March 1st the application is considered LATE. Please include copies of ALL documentation requested below in a timely and expeditious manner. Additional documents may be required on a case-by-case basis.
- All attachments outlined on page 2 of the Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Application and Return (DR-504) along with all of the following that apply:
- A copy of the building plans and property schematics showing the building and property use. For example, for a church the document should indicate which part of the property is being used as a worship center, church offices, fellowship hall, parking lots, etc... If applying on vacant land, you should submit a schematic indicating the uses of all areas of the land. Please provide specific, not general, information.
- A report describing the nature and extent of all activity performed by the applicant or on the property.
- A report describing to what extent the property has been made available to groups who perform exempt purposes at a charge that is equal to or less than the cost of providing the facilities for their use.
- An income and expense statement covering the last 12 months of operation or a copy of the Organization’s most recent Federal tax return.
- A copy of a valid 501(c) (3), 501(c) (12), or 115(a) Internal Revenue Service determination.
- A copy of a valid Consumer Exemption Certificate from the Florida Department of Revenue issued pursuant to Chapter 212 Florida Statutes (aka Sales Tax Exemption Certificate).
- A copy of the Organization’s Articles of Incorporation or Church Charter as well as the Bylaws.
- Please include a list or inventory of tangible personal property, i.e., Equipment and items other than real estate and licensed vehicles.
- Applicable licenses for operation/accreditation.
- Copies of the lease for any portions of the property which are rented or leased.
NOTE: If you feel that an item is not applicable please provide a detailed explanation. Writing in ‘NA’ (Not Applicable) is not a sufficient response.
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.
We would like to thank PGTV (Polk County Government Television) for producing a video to help you better understand your TRIM. Please view the video using the link below:
Understanding Your Trim
The Understanding Your Trim Video was produced in 2011. There have been no changes to the TRIM form since that time. All information in the video is valid and accurate.
Note:
The Property Appraiser DOES NOT set tax rates or non-ad valorem fees. If you have questions about your taxes or various assessments, please
contact the appropriate authority. Click
here for a complete list of TRIM Notice Taxing Authorities and Non-Ad Valorem Assessing Authorities.
This information is also available on your TRIM Notice.
The Property Appraiser IS responsible for property value. If a property owner disagrees with the Property Appraiser value information or has been denied a classification or exemption, please contact our office to review or discuss the matter with a deputy appraiser.
If still dissatisfied, the owner can appeal to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). The VAB is an independent body consisting of two County Commissioners, one School Board member and two members at large, appointed by the County Commission and School Board.
The deadline to
file a petition with the VAB is in September. See exact date in the Important Dates / Truth in Millage section of this website on the right side of your screen.
Tax Abatement for Homestead Properties Damaged by 2016 or 2017 Hurricanes
Owners of homestead property throughout Florida may be eligible to receive a tax credit on a portion of their 2019 property taxes.
To qualify, the homestead property must have been uninhabitable for at least 30 days due to the damage or destruction resulting from hurricanes Hermine, Matthew, or Irma, and the property owner must have timely paid the taxes originally levied in the applicable year that the damaged occurred (2016/2017).
The property owner must submit an Application for Abatement of Taxes for Homestead Residential Improvements, along with documentation showing the property was uninhabitable, to their county Property Appraiser's Office.
The deadline to submit applications is March 1, 2019.
If approved by the Property Appraiser, the county Tax Collector's Office will issue a tax refund after homeowners pay their 2019 property tax bill.
The Polk County Property Appraisers Office is now accepting
Applications for Abatement of Taxes for Homestead Residential Improvements (DR-463).
*****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.
REMINDERS FOR PROPERTY OWNERS
FILE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AND OTHER PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS ONLINE
Marsha Faux, Polk County Property Appraiser, urges new homeowners to file for Homestead Exemption for the 2018 tax year. The deadline to file is March 1st.
Online filing is available for Homestead, Senior (Age 65 and older), Widow/Widower, Disability, and Disabled Veteran Exemptions.
Please view the
Help Files for online filing instructions.
Click here for more information about property tax exemptions.
AGRICULTURAL CLASSIFICATION
2018 Agricultural Classification applications are currently being accepted by the Property Appraiser's Office. The deadline to file is March 1st.
The Agricultural Classification guidelines and application is available for download via our website click the link below to access the PDF document.
TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY
If you own, operate, or have started a business in Polk County,
Florida Statute 193.052 requires that all Tangible
Personal Property be reported Each year To the Property Appraiser's Office. The deadline to file is April 1st. If you do not file a return or extension
by the deadline, you will Not qualify For the $25,000 Tangible Personal Property Exemption.
Please view the
Help Video For
online filing instructions.
NOTE :
Homestead, other exemptions, And Agricultural Classification (greenbelt) receipt cards will Not be mailed In order To save taxpayer's
dollars. These exemptions/classifications will be automatically renewed. To obtain verification Or your exemption Or classification, you may
print a Property record card (PIC report) from our website.