Important Information Regarding Property Taxes Post-Hurricane Helene

At Johnson Pope, LLP, we want to provide clarity on property tax obligations following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. It is crucial to understand that property taxes are assessed in arrears and are based on the valuation determined by the county property appraiser as of January 1 of each year. Therefore, if a property has been destroyed or significantly damaged after this date, the tax assessment will not be reduced to reflect that loss of value until the following year, provided the property has not been restored.

Property tax bills are mailed by the county tax collector in early November each year.  Receiving such bills in November, particularly in the wake of hurricane season and while property owners are managing extensive damage, can be challenging. However, it is important to note that these taxes must still be paid. They are eligible for a 4% discount if paid in November, with lesser discounts available each month until the final due date in March 2025, after which they are delinquent.

For residential property owners, there may be some relief in the form of partial tax refunds if the property has been uninhabitable for an extended period. Please see The Florida Homeowner’s Guide: Catastrophic Event Property Damage guide from the Florida Department of Revenue outlining this process for both homestead and non-homestead residential properties. Additionally, many county property appraisers will provide relevant information and necessary forms on their websites.

Unfortunately, after thorough review of applicable statutes and dialogue with our local assessor, we can confirm that there are no similar partial refund provisions for commercial properties. However, the assessor has provided helpful resources for government assistance with property and business recovery. You can find more information at Florida Disaster and Pinellas County Emergency Information.

It is especially vital for those displaced from their homes or businesses—whether staying with relatives or renting temporary spaces—to inform the local property appraiser and tax collector of the appropriate address for receiving tax notices, especially if the owner is no longer residing at or receiving mail at the damaged property.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our tax team (Tax – Johnson Pope Bokor Ruppel & Burns, LLP. (jpfirm.com). We are here to support you through this challenging time.