Kesley Colbert, Gulf County Property Appraiser, reports that he has lowered the assessed rolls for the last 2 years but that the County Commission increases the mileage rate so there is no tax relief.

Information on Homestead:

Florida Law shall raise assessed value by 3% OR the former year’s consumer price index, whichever is less. Until the market value (just value) goes below the assessed value, the assessed value will go up. There was a law suit by Property Appraisers in 1993 to try to get it to be no more than 3% but the court said shall means shall.

Property Appraisers are not allowed to use foreclosures for adjustment of property values. There were very few sales in 2007, which is what must be used for 2008 taxes. In 2008 there have been an excessive number of foreclosures.

Any questions call

Kesley Colbert-Gulf County Property Appraiser 850-229-6115

Cathy Henley-State of Fla Department of Revenue 850-922-7952