Ask Lori....Parrish on Appraisal

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“Florida Voters Approve New Tax Savings for Eligible Homesteaders!”

Dear Lori,

Can you tell me what new state constitutional amendments passed and what it means for eligible property owners?

V.K., Plantation, (via email)

Florida voters in November approved three new state constitutional amendments which create additional homestead tax savings for eligible property owners.  Some of the changes take effect immediately for the 2013 tax year. Other portions first require the Florida Legislature and local governments to enact changes in law before the additional benefits can be carried out.

Combat-Disabled Veterans  This amendment deletes the requirement a veteran had to be a Florida resident at the time of entering military service to receive a Veteran Property Tax Discount.  This exemption, which takes effect immediately for 2013, provides an additional property tax discount on the homesteaded property of partially or totally permanently disabled veteran, age 65 or older as of January 1, and whose disability was combat related.

Surviving Spouses of First Responders Who Die in the Line of Duty  This amendment allows the Legislature to provide property tax relief on homesteaded property to the surviving spouse of a veteran who died from service-connected causes on active duty or the surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty.  The Legislature must adopt enabling statutes before this exemption becomes effective.  Legislative action is expected by May 2013, which may permit eligible persons to apply these new saving starting in 2013.

Additional Homestead Tax Exemption for Seniors This allows counties or municipalities to grant either or both of the following:

·         An exemption not exceeding $50,000 to any person who has the legal or equitable title to real estate; maintains their permanent residence on the property; is 65 or older; and whose household income does not exceed the income limitation; and/or

·         An additional exemption equal to the assessed value of the property to an owner who has  title to real estate in Florida with a just value less than $250,000; has maintained permanent residence on the property for not less than 25 years; is 65 or older and whose household income does not exceed the income limitation.

The income limitation for 2012 is a Household Adjusted Gross Income of no more than $27,030 (adjusted annually), the State will determine the 2013 limitation in January 2013.

If you would like more information about property tax exemptions, exemption filing, assessments, community outreach events, homebound visits, please visit our website at www.bcpa.net  or contact our office directly at 954.445.6830.

Sincerely,

Lori Parrish, CFA

If you have a question for Lori, please email her at lori@bcpa.net or write to her at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111,  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. (December, 2012)

Veterans Day Ceremony

http://www.fortlauderdale.gov/news/2012/pdf/111112VeteransDay.pdf

Croissant Park Civic Assoc. Meeting- Oct. 30, 2012

Croissant Park Neighborhood Meeting

October 30, 2012

Hello Neighbors

Our October Pie Contest meeting opened at 7:15pm with the Pledge of Allegiance lead by our outgoing President Steve Cook.  Board members in attendance were Pat, Loren, Karla, Heather, and Virginia.  The membership took the opportunity to thank Steve for two years of service in leading our civic association and attending a record amount of Ft. Lauderdale and Broward County governmental meetings during his tenure. Thanks again, Steve.

Before we got started with the meeting Pat announced that the hotdogs are hot off the stove for anyone who would like a snack before we dig into the beautiful homemade pies lovingly baked by our neighbors.

Officer Stevens from FLPD reported that we have had a positive trend in the numbers of crime in the neighborhood: our residential burglaries are down to only two last month, two vehicle burglaries where tools were stolen from one of the cars, and a bicycle that was stolen from a carport.  Carport robberies are not usually included in Ofr. Stevens’ report because they are not considered residential burglaries, but are referred to as residential larcenies.  Karla has a neighbor who was a victim of an attempted break-in recently and she asked whether attempted burglaries are listed in the report.  The answer is that they should be on the report if they have been reported.  Steve tells us that there is still a lot of drug sales activity occurring in the alley between SW 16th Court and 17th Street. 

Lisa, the activities director at the Community Center tells us about a new, free walking program called Walk With Ease for people over 55 years of age.  Those registered will receive a Walk With Ease Workbook that will guide them through an independent walking program. Upon finishing, participants will receive a T-shirt and satisfaction that they are on the road to a fit body.  Stop by the Community Center for a registration form to get started. 

The latest news on our 4th Avenue bike lanes is that there is no new news.  The existing bike lane on the west side of 4th Ave. will remain as is.  To implement a bike lane on the east side of 4th Ave. the speed limit would have to be lowered to 35mph, which the County is unwilling to do.  A discussion followed regarding bike rider education.  Bike riders must adhere to the same laws as motorists, such as obeying the stoplights as cars do.  Also, anyone 15 years of age or younger is subject to the helmet law.

Congratulations Croissant Park!  We achieved our goal for the October membership drive for Nextdoor. We will be entered in the drawing for $500.  Thanks everyone who helped in reaching the goal.

The members present at the meeting voted and approved the nominees for the 2013 Croissant Park Civic Association Board:

President - Pat Rathburn

Vice President and Treasurer - Loren Colburn

Secretary - Virginia Russell

    Directors:

Karla Carlson, Heather Cuniff, Steve Cook, Rhonda Kramer, Joe Russell, Michelle DiMaria, Beth Falkenhagen

And now for the October Pie Contest--(drum roll please)...It’s hard to pick a winner among the beautiful pies and desserts, but pick one we must and the winner of the $25 gift card from Publix was the Butternut Squash Marscapone Tart by Pat Rathburn.  Runners up were Loren Colburn with her Apple Caramel Pecan Pie and Pat with a Pumpkin Cranberry Pie.  Thanks to all who participated.  

Winner of the 50/50 drawing was Joe Russell who turned the winnings back to the Association. Thanks, Joe.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.

Minutes by Virginia Russell-Secretary

Ask Lori - Property Tax Questions - Partial Payments

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“Consider Partial Payments of Your Property Tax Bill!”

Dear Lori,

I am a senior citizen with a Low-Income Homestead Exemption.  I wanted to know if there is any program to help me with paying my property taxes?  I was told by your office a new state law allows taxpayers to make partial payments on their tax bills?  How does this program work?

P.L., Plantation, (via email)

While the Property Appraiser does not levy or collect taxes, I did ask State Senator Jeremy Ring of Parkland back in 2009 to change state law to allow the Broward County Revenue Department to accept one or more partial payments from taxpayers for property taxes and assessments.  We were successful in passing Senate Bill 1580 and getting then Governor Charlie Christ to sign this bill into law.

The Broward County Commission enacted this “local option” law. The Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division can now accept up to 5 partial payments, along with a $10.00 processing fee for each partial payment.  Partial payments can only be made on current 2012 taxes between November 1^st, 2012 and March 31^st, 2013.  The balance must be paid in full before April 1^st to avoid interest and penalties on the unpaid balance.

Any unpaid balance becomes delinquent and is handled like any other delinquent tax bill and will be subject to the same interest and penalties, including having a tax certificate sold pursuant to Florida Statute. Partial payments are not eligible for any early-payment discount.  The taxpayer has the responsibility to ensure that the remaining amount due is paid timely. The county will not send monthly invoices.  Partial payments cannot be made on delinquent taxes.

Not all Florida counties are participating in this program.  If you own properties in other counties, please to check with your local Tax Collector’s Office to determine if this program is available.

Should you have any questions or wish to participate in the partial payment  plan, please contact the Broward County Records, Taxes and Treasury Division at 954.831-4000 or visit their website at www.broward.org/recordstaxestreasury.

Sincerely,

Lori Parrish, CFA

If you have a question for Lori, please email her at lori@bcpa.net or write to her at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111,  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. (October, 2012)

Robert L. Wolfe, Jr. CFE
Community Outreach Specialist II
954.357.6871 – office
954.357.8474 – fax
954.445.5732 – cell

rwolfe@bcpa.net

Follow our office at:  http://www.facebook.com/propertyappraiser and http://twitter.com/loriparrish

Croissant Park Civic Assoc. Neighborhood Meeting September 25, 2012

Hi Neighbors,

The meeting opened at 7:05 with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Board members present were Steve Cook, Pat Rathburn, Rhonda Kramer, John McNamara, Loren Colburn, Karla Carlson, Heather Cuniff, Virginia Russell.  Minutes from the May meeting were approved.

Our first speaker was from Ft. Lauderdale Fire Department Station 3, the new facility  near the airport on SW 4th Ave. Capt. John McLoughlin is a HAZMAT specialist who has been with the department for 15 years. He informed us of the community meeting room at the new station that is available for residents to use for meetings.  In the near future they will be conducting CPR certifications at that facility, as well as at other fire stations.  Watch for pamphlets that will be coming out with more information. A question was raised as to what is considered an emergency worthy of calling 911.  Capt. McLoughlin’s response was “if it’s an emergency to YOU, then it’s an emergency.” Another question was asked whether fires in an outdoor fire pit or chiminea are legal within city boundaries.  He said they are legal as long as they are well-contained.  More information can be obtained by calling the Fire Prevention department at (954) 828-6800.

Our next speaker was Officer Stevens from FLPD who reported that we had 13 burglaries since the last report in May.  Eight were residential burglaries, two of which were attempts, one was in a carport, and one resulted in a resident’s dog getting beaten up by the burglar. The rest of the crimes were vehicle burglaries, one was an unlocked car in the cemetery.  Ofc. Stevens reminded us to always lock our cars and not to leave valuables in plain sight, even in locked cars.  An arrest was made recently on a house burglary that occurred last year in the 700 block of 13th Street. Nice work FLPD!  Loren asked for clarification on the ‘stand your ground’ law regarding our dogs. If someone threatens us when we have our dog on a leash and the dog attempts to protect us by attacking the person threatening us, are we legally protected under the ‘stand your ground’ law?  Ofc. Stevens said that the law is complicated but yes, you are protected.  Another member said that she lost a civil case regarding her dog protecting her property.  In another matter, Ofc. Stevens reported that the FLPD is aware of the situation with the house on 4th Ave. across from the school where prostitution and drug sales are allegedly occurring.  Steve reported that he witnessed possible illicit dealings occurring in the alley between 16th Ct. and 17th St.

Our third speaker was Todd Stilphen from Snyder Park.  He told us about a Fishing Program for boys and girls 7-14 years old and parents on October 27th and November 3rd, 8:30-10:30am.  Bring your fishing pole!  There will be a Scottish Fest March 4, 2013 and a 5-K Run, no date set yet. The seldom used rock climbing wall will be torn down and replaced with a Hi-Adventure Rope Course, with a zip-line and other fun activities. Bike paths will be improved and bike riding maps will be available. There is a big clean-up program going on in the park, including paving down to the dog lake, removing old debris, and generally making the park more enjoyable for all, including dogs.  They are even moving some palm trees in Bark Park for the dogs that are bashing into them.  When Todd asked for suggestions of what we might like to see at the park, a member suggested outdoor concerts. John  reported that he was a victim of a smash and grab in the parking lot last year.  Todd said he is encouraging his employees to keep a sharper look-out in all areas of the park.

Our final speaker was Stephanie Denham, Sr. Management Fellow from the City.  She talked to us about our latest social media tool Nextdoor.  It allows us to create a private website for our neighborhood only.  On Nextdoor, members can find neighbors in the directory, view a neighborhood map, ask for advice, exchange local recommendations, and share neighborhood information with each other. Residents can choose to see and respond to updates via email, or only on the website. The City will use it to post City news, emergency alerts, road closures, etc., but they cannot see what we post. A question was raised about unwanted posts, such as ads.  These can be ‘flagged’, thereby preventing them from coming to you via email if you so choose, but emergency alerts cannot be ‘flagged’ and shut off.  This website is new and they are still working out some of the details.  Invitations have been sent to Croissant Park residents to sign up for Nextdoor.  Frequently asked questions FAQ’s appear on the website.  Have a look.

The Greenway Project for 2013 is slated to finish in 3 to 4 years.    We will be looking for improvements that include a bike lane on the west side of 4th Ave, a pedestrian/bike friendly greenway on the east side of 4th, and a speed limit of 35 mph.  Steve tells us that South Florida has the highest fatality rates in the nation for bikes, pedestrians, and cars.  The law states that cars must be 3 feet away from bikes on the roads. 

Nominations for the 2013 CPCA Board of Directors has begun.  We will be losing Steve Cook, John McNamara, and Laura Cancilla due to relocations and new endeavors. We wish them all the best.  The remainder of Board members and Officers will remain the same and we are pleased to add three new nominees: Michelle DiMaria, Beth Falkenhagen, and Joe Russell.  Nominations are still open, feel free to submit a name.  Elections will be held at our Neighborhood Meeting on October 30th.

A motion was made, seconded and approved by the membership attending tonight’s meeting to apply for a grant for 10 dog waste signs at $120 each, and 25 trees at $125 each.  Pat will submit a grant to the City that asks for matching funds.  The sites for signs and trees are to be determined.  If you want to have a tree planted on your swale we will ask you to sign an agreement stating that you will water and care for the tree.  The dog waste signs will be located in alley ways.

Sandi McClung of SW 20th Street was asked about the new speed tables on her street--”wonderful, less traffic and fewer speeders”.  Heather Cuniff, who lives on 19th Street says that she has not noticed more traffic on her street since the speed tables were installed on 20th.  There were fears that traffic would increase on 19th, but that does not seem to be the case. 

Loren introduced us to Meeting in a Box, a new concept the City is initiating to get people together to discuss a vision for Ft. Lauderdale.  It would consist of eight people, three ideas each, one and a half hours.  If you are interested, please contact Loren at Loren.Colburn@gmail.com.

Our new blue recycle carts seem to be a success--there is a huge increase in recyclables being picked up.

There will be a Crime Meeting on Thursday, October 11 at 7:30 pm at the Community Center. FLPD will present personal and home safety tips provided by Crime Prevention Expert Detective C. Colon.

Rhonda tells us there will be a Halloween Party at the Community Center on Saturday, October 27th.  The Board will be discussing how we want to participate.  If you want to make donations of candy, cash for prizes, or to volunteer to help at the party, please let Rhonda know - 954-764-7035 or email FritzandRhonda@yahoo.com

Sandi McClung let us know about a bike ride called Critical Mass that happens on the last Friday of every month, starting at Holiday Park at 7pm.  The route goes south on Federal Hwy. past The Fresh Market, winds through many streets downtown including Las Olas, then ends up back at Holiday Park at around 9:20pm.  Sounds like a lot of fun.

The winner of the 50/50 drawing was Alan McClung.  He generously donated his winnings back to the Association.  Thanks Alan.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.

Minutes by Virginia-Secretary

Meet the Candidates

 Everyone is invited - please come meet the candidates so you will know who you want to represent you!  Then all you have to do is VOTE.

The newly drawn Broward County District 7 includes substantial parts 

of Fort Lauderdale,  the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International 

Airport, and Port Everglades. 

The Democratic Primary Election is on August 14, 2012. Information 

about voting can be found at  http://www.browardsoe.org/ 

Harbordale Civic Association  

Croissant Park Civic Association  

Everyone is welcome and parking is available 

at the adjacent shopping centers 

Meet the Candidates 

For Broward County District 7 

August 1 at 7:00 PM 

Who Will Represent You? 

Ken Keechel, Former Broward County Commissioner 

Charlotte Rodstrom, City of Ft. Lauderdale Commissioner  

Tim Ryan, Former State Representative 

Embassy Suites Hotel 

SE 17th Street and  

Cordova Road,  

Fort Lauderdale 

Croissant Park Neighbor Exposes Distressed Property Problems

sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fort-lauderdale/fl-esb-distressed-0621- 

20120621,0,1950923.story 

South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com 

City's distressed properties prompt appeal for action 

DON CRINKLAW Forum Publishing Group  1:11 PM EDT, June 21, 2012

Fort Lauderdale residents of District IV and city officials recently met to find a solution to the large number of foreclosed and dilapidated properties sprinkled among city neighborhoods. The meeting took place largely because of Croissant Park resident Karen Doyle, who contacted District IV Commissioner Romney Rogers about the problem.  "A lot of [city staff] have been working on the foreclosure issue for a long time," Rogers said. 

"It's been on the commission's agenda at least twice.  "Please don't think I will go quietly away," Doyle said at the meeting. "This is too big a challenge for anyone to handle alone. We need collective input, because the problem will not go quietly away, either." "We've identified over 1,000 abandoned propertiescitywide," said Fort Lauderdale Police Detective Jorge Maura, offering insight into why so many citizen complaints have gotten 

few results.  "We respond to the reason we were sent on the call, not to what generated the call. We can go to a home 60 times on anything from narcotics to prostitution. But the problem is that the property is abandoned and nobody's checking up on it." Maura suggested that a "new municipal ordinance is needed to create a time frame. The owner will have so many days to bring the property into compliance, or we'll take legal action." 

Creation of a fresh ordinance is an effort that "has a lot of moving parts," Rogers noted.  

The first step, he said, is putting together an inventory of abandoned properties and "code enforcement will begin the process of gathering data." Then it needs to be determined who owns the distressed properties – a person, bank or investment group – and that isn't necessarily a simple matter. Doyle observed that other cities with a similar problem have outsourced property searches to private companies. "Let the owners know that they will have to register the properties with the city," Rogers said. "There will be a charge, say $150. That adds up. It will pay for a lot." And the creation of legal sanctions could help end the properties' drift into disrepair. 

"We can have a bunch of wonderful meetings," said Marilyn Mammano, president of the Harbordale Homeowners Association and acting head of the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations. "Let's talk about citizens' involvement." She also recommended creating a task force to help the situation. While everyone awaits the next step, Doyle said, "nothing much can come of this unless somebody – like a city commissioner – makes sure it doesn't get the bureaucratic runaround. That can only happen if citizens act as watchdogs.  "Call the city, write the commissioners," Doyle suggested. "They can only move now if there's a complaint."  

Copyright © 2012, South Florida Sun-Sentinel 

Taxable Values Increase 1.2% for Broward

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“Estimate of Taxable Value Increases 1.2% for Broward!”

Dear Lori:

I am a local realtor and would like to know when the 2012 taxable value estimates for Broward County be announced?  I understand your office has forecast an increase in property values across Broward County for the first time since 2007.

                                              S.G., Oakland Park, FL (via email)

Our office released the 2012 Estimate of Taxable Values on June 1, 2012.  As we projected last year, the overall 2012 tax roll value did “remain relatively flat” throughout Broward County when compared with 2011. These numbers resulted in a total countywide taxable value increase of 1.2%, resulting in a total taxable value of $125.2 billion.  However, the 1.2% increase does not apply to every municipality within the county (please keep in mind the 1.2% increase represents the sum total of all taxable value in Broward County).  Some areas saw a greater increase in taxable value than 1.2%, while others still experienced a decrease.  To see a breakdown by taxing authority (County, Municipal, District, etc.), go to our website, www.bcpa.net, click on “Site Index” on the left side of the homepage, then click “2012 Tax Roll Information,”and finally “2012 June 1^st Taxable Value Report.”

The numbers released on June 1 will be virtually identical to the final numbers which will be formally confirmed on the Certification of Tax Roll Value on June 29, 2012.  The only changes, if any, will be to correct any errors discovered over the next 30 days and to extend any exemptions received and approved.  All new 2012 exemptions and Save Our Home portability applications filed to date are already reflected in these numbers.

Sales from the last part of 2011, and the first five months of 2012, reflect slight increases in most parts of Broward County.  This data indicates we may have finally seen the end of this catastrophic real estate crash. Sales price trends seemingly indicate Broward reached overall market bottom a year ago and subsequently are holding steady.  In general, we are starting to see mildly encouraging economic signs. Certainly, some distressed properties or isolated neighborhood pockets may see further value drops. Additionally, communities with larger numbers of condo units may continue to see modest value declines, as condo values traditionally take longer to stabilize and recover than single-family homes and commercial properties.

Sincerely,

Lori Parrish, CFE   

If you have a question for Lori, please email her at lori@bcpa.net or write to her at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Room 111, and Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.  (June, 2012)

Robert L. Wolfe, Jr. CFE
Community Outreach Specialist II
954.357.6871 – office
954.357.8474 – fax
954.445.5732 – cell

May 2012 Croissant Park Civic Association Neighborhood Meeting

Hi Neighbors

Our May meeting started at 7:10 pm with the pledge of allegiance and a motion to approve the minutes of our March meeting which are always posted on this blog.  The Board of Directors in attendance were Steve, Rhonda, John, Heather, Loren, and Virginia.

FLPD Officers Jackson and Stevens from the Neighborhood Action Team were here to give us the current statistics on crime in our area, which included four residential burglaries.  Two juveniles were arrested in connection with one of the burglaries.  Another burglary involved a stolen lawnmower.  When asked about the bomb that was thrown into a resident's window early in the morning a few weeks ago on SW 14th Street, Officer Jackson reported that they have a suspect.  Loren inquired if FLPD has a record of the number of speeding tickets issued in our neighborhood recently.  They did not have those figures with them but will try to bring them to us at our next meeting in September.

Our next speaker was Rivana Stadtlander (with assistance by Ebony Pardo) from the RecycleTeam-Green Your Routine.  The City will be delivering a rolling, blue recycle can that will replace our blue and green recycle bins.  These rolling carts will allow us to co-mingle ALL of our recyclables into one large cart that will be easy to roll to the curb.  There will be instructions inside the lid to remind us of which items can be recycled.  Each cart will have a serial number and a space for our address to prevent loss.  Florida's goal is to reduce the amount of trash we send to the dump by making our recycling efforts easier.  The new cart delivery schedule will be on Friday, June 22nd if you live west of SW 4th Avenue, and on July 3rd if you live east of 4th Ave.  On your day of delivery you may put the old recycle bins out and they will take them away at that time.  If you choose to keep the bins for another use at home, just put you recyclables out that day in a paper bag.  We watched an informative short film about the recycling plant in our area that showed us how they sort, bale, and prepare for sale, the various recycled materials.

Our next speakers were Traci Pollock and Khalilah Ffrench from Broward County Transit and FDOT.  They presented the two options being considered that will link the proposed WAVE Streetcar Project that will service the eastside with the westside neighborhoods via I-595.  The two options being considered are: Griffin Road route or
SR 7 route.  For more information or to offer your comments, go to www.centralbrowardtransit.com.

New Business:  Signage and speed tables (humps) on SW 20th, 17th, and 15th Streets.  Speed limit signs south of 17th Street were removed when the sewer lines were in installed and have not yet been replaced.  A motion was made and seconded to open discussion for speed tables. Several residents on SW 20th St. would like to see speed tables installed from 4th Ave to 9th Ave.  They already exist on 20th from 9th Ave. all the way west to Lauderdale Marine Center.  Steve  reported that the City has appropriated funds for speed tables on 20th St.  Various comments and opinions: a resident claims that the speed tables on 9th Ave. don't slow down speeders.  Another resident disagrees.  A 19th St. resident believes that speed tables on 20th St. will cause traffic to increase on her street.  Heather gave a brief summary of the traffic study done in Croissant Park in 2008 and concluded that no creative methods to mitigate traffic were  suggested by the study.  After a lively discussion a motion was made and seconded that we request the City to install speed tables on SW 20th Street between SW 4th and 9th Avenues, at the City's expense, as we understand the funds have been appropriated for that project.  A vote of Association members yielded a count of 19 in favor and one against.  (It was determined that the one opposing vote was made by a non-member of the Association).  After we request the City for the speed tables, the residents of SW 20th Street will receive a mailing from the City to vote on the matter, which will require 60% in favor.

Sandi McClung won the 50/50 raffle and donated her winnings back to the Association.  Thanks, Sandi

Thank you also to Suzy at Expresso for generously providing the coffee at our meetings.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:45pm




Minutes by Virginia