Property Appraiser News - December 2020 - Homestead

 

DOES MY HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AUTOMATICALLY RENEW?

 

After your initial application for Homestead Exemption has been approved, it automatically renews each year unless there is a change of ownership or eligible use of your homesteaded property.  Each January, our office mails a Homestead Renewal Notice and “Change Card” to all Homesteaded properties.  Florida law requires the property owner to notify the Property Appraiser of any change which may affect homestead eligibility. This Change Order Card provides an efficient way to communicate these important changes to our office.

 

If there are NO changes to the use and/or ownership of your property, simply keep the card as your receipt verifying that your Homestead Exemption has automatically renewed for another year.  However, if there are changes, please mark the Change Card accordingly and return it to our office. 

 

If your name is not printed on this card, it means you are not protected by Homestead Exemption at this property.  You may be on title to the property, but you are not receiving Homestead Exemption.

 

If you are a co-owner, surviving spouse, trust beneficiary or otherwise believe you are entitled to this exemption, you must file your own Homestead Exemption application to receive the benefit. If you have any questions relating to the death of the owner, the Change Card or need assistance in filing for Homestead or other tax-saving exemptions, please visit our website at web.bcpa.net or contact our Customer Service Department at 954-357-6830.

 

There are many other tax-saving exemptions available to qualified individuals.  These exemptions and the specific requirements are available on our website at web.bcpa.net

 

WHERE DID MY PORTABILITY SAVINGS GO?

 

A portability deduction is only posted to your property record page in the first year you receive your new Homestead Exemption. The portability savings from the first year form the basis of your new Save Our Homes value on a going forward basis and -- in subsequent years -- will rise or fall based upon market just value changes and the 3% cap, as your new Save Our Homes value has incorporated your portability savings. When our website is updated to display subsequent year property values, your portability deduction is no longer shown independently because it is already factored into your new Save Our Homes value.

    

If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 954-357-6904 or by email at martykiar@bcpa.net.

Take care,

Marty Kiar, CFA

 

 

Robert L. Wolfe, Jr. CFE Mobile Exemption and Information Team – Specialist II Office of Marty Kiar Broward County Property Appraiser 115 S. Andrews Ave, Room 111 Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33301 P 954-357-6871 | E rwolfe@bcpa.net  | www.bcpa.net   Follow our office at  http://www.facebook.com/MartyKiarBCPA and http://www.twitter.com/MartyKiarBCPA

CPCA General Meeting September 2020

 September 2020 Croissant Park Civic Association general meeting

Greetings, Croissant Park neighbors,

—Our Zoom meeting was attended by all the Board members and 16 Croissant Park neighbors.  That’s our best turnout yet!

—The 2021 Board of Directors slate was approved by a majority of those attending the meeting.  The Board members are Pat Rathburn, Michelle DiMaria, Joe Russell, Rhonda Kramer, Heather Cunniff, Jodi Perraud, Virginia Russell, and our newest member Larry Jackson.

—We invited the two candidates who are running for Fort Lauderdale Mayor, Ken Cooper and Mayor Dean Trantalis.  Both candidates spoke about the issues that continue to plague our City—homelessness, sewer spills, new buildings, traffic, clean water and waterways and sober homes.

—Our next speaker was Jenni Morejon from the  Downtown Development Association (DDA).  The new Federal Courthouse building will be located off of 3rd Avenue, south of the New River, near Huizenga Park.  Other new government buildings will be built on the bus terminal property.

—A dognapping incident occurred a few nights ago on 16th Court.  Neighbors turned out to assist and the dog was returned before the police arrived.

—The big blue USPS mailbox next to Sunshine Cathedral on SW14th Court was tampered with and the local main post office has taped it up to prevent anyone using it to mail letters or ballots.

—Speaking of ballots, we are 5 days out from Election Day on Tuesday, November 3rd.  It is too late to mail your mail-in ballot but it is NOT too late to take your ballot to the Government Building drop box located on SW1st Ave. and  Brickell Ave.  You can also safely drop your mail-in ballot at ArtServe on N. Federal Hwy. You can also vote early in-person at various locations and if Election Day rolls around and you haven’t voted yet, go to your local precinct, probably at the Croissant Park Elementary School on SW 4th Avenue and 17th Street to vote in person, just like the old days.  Remember to bring a valid picture ID.

—Minutes by Virginia

Browrd County Property Appraiser's October Newsletter

Amendments on November's Ballot for Property Owners If approved by Florida voters, Amendment 5 would extend the time frame for property owners to use any portability they may have from two tax years to three tax years. Portability is the difference between a property's just value and the assessed/Save Our Homes (SOH) value. This portability amount may be transferred when a property owner moves from their homesteaded property and established a new Homestead on another property. Portability allows the owner to transfer or “port” the homestead assessment difference to the new home anywhere in Florida. This portability amount lowers the assessed/SOH value on the new home and helps lower the subsequent property taxes. Currently, the law requires a homeowner to use this homestead benefit within two tax years which is not always a full two calendar years. Our office must look at the status of the property on January 1 of each year meaning a property owner may not have a full two calendar years to use this important savings. If approved, this amendment would extend the time you may use portability to three tax years. For more information about portability, please visit our website at https://web.bcpa.net/bcpaclient/#/PortabilityExemption Another amendment on this November's ballot is Amendment 6. This amendment would provide a homestead tax discount for the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran who had permanent, combat-related disabilities. There are several exemptions for Florida veterans and all of them transfer to the surviving spouses upon the veteran's death except this one exemption. Amendment 6 would allow the surviving spouse to continue receiving the veteran's exemption. Broward County Tax Collector's Office to Mail Tax Bills in November The Property Appraiser's Office does not set or collect property taxes. We simply assess property and grant exemptions to qualified individuals. The Broward County Tax Collector's Office will mail the 2020 property tax bills by November 1, 2020 along with payment information. If your escrow company requests your tax bill, the Tax Collector will send you a courtesy copy of the bill in mid-November. All property tax bills are posted to their website at https://broward.county-taxes.com/public on November 1. Should you have any questions about the payment of taxes, please contact them at (954)831-4000. If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (954)357-6904 or by email at martykiar@bcpa.net Take care, Marty Kiar Broward County Property Appraiser

September 2020 CPCA General Meeting

 CPCA General Meeting September 2020

Greetings Croissant Park Neighbors,

—Our Zoom meeting on September 29^th was hosted by Association president Pat Rathburn. All Board members were in attendance, including Michelle DiMaria, Rhonda Kramer, Joe Russell, Heather Cunniff, Jodi Perraud and Virginia Russell.

—FLPD Officer Rodriguez joined our meeting tonight to give us the Neighborhood Crime Team report.  For the period from August 29^th to September 29^th we had only one residential burglary, due to a domestic issue.  According to Ofc.  Rodriguez, the low crime occurrence during this period is probably due to COVID-19 quarantine effects.  An interesting and welcome outcome to our many months of lockdown.

—Michelle invited Denise Elliot from the League of Women Voters to present the League’s very practical Power Point that guided us through the many Constitutional Amendments, Broward County and State  issues on the General Election Ballot for the November 3^rd election.  

-The last day to register to vote is October 5^th.   Vote by mail is available and the ballots are being mailed now.  There are several drop boxes available city-wide for your ballot as of October 24^th.  If you mail your ballot it must be RECEIVED by November 3^rd, NOT JUST POSTMARKED by then.  Mail early!!

-You can track your ballot by name  and birthdate at www.browardsoe.org to make sure it has been received.

-Early voting will be available from October 19^th to November 1^st at 22 sites city-wide.  You will need a picture ID and proof of signature, preferably the same ID

-Of course, you can still vote at your local precinct listed on your voter info card.  Croissant Park Elementary School is our precinct.  You will need your picture ID and proof signature, preferably the same ID.

-All of this info is included at VOTE 411 (Google it). If you have a problem voting you can report it to 1-866 OUR-VOTE.  

—At our October CPCA General meeting we will be voting for the slate of CPCA Board nominees for 2021. This year the slate includes Pat Rathburn, Michelle DiMaria, Joe Russell, Rhonda Kramer, Jodi Perraud, Heather Cunniff, Virginia Russell and Larry Jackson. We gladly encourage additional nominations from the CPCA membership. Help us to enrich our way of life here in Croissant Park.

—See you October.  If we Zoom the meeting you will receive an email to log on to the Zoom.

Minutes by Virginia-Secy.

Census Yard Sign Campaign

 Census Yard Sign Campaign

The U.S. Census Bureau will be sending in paid canvassers to assist our efforts in going door-to-door, but so far, they have been unable to do so due to COVID-19. As the deadline approaches, we cannot afford to wait for their reinforcements, which is why the City is launching a 2020 Census yard sign campaign to elevate visibility for the census and encourage all neighbors to respond to the census.

The yard signs are available and ready for pick up at City Hall (please email me directly to schedule). To participate, simply pick up yards signs from City Hall and place one on your property and distribute the remainder to neighbors in your neighborhoods to place on their properties, including back yards, especially those in waterfront areas with a lot of boat traffic. If interested, please contact me directly via email to schedule pick up and how many.

Neighbor Support is working closely with our Code Compliance team to implement this campaign and has received authorization for neighbors to place the signs on their properties without the risk of removal. Yard signs cannot be displayed on medians. We do ask that in the event of a storm, you remove the signs and reinstall them once the storm has passed to prevent them from becoming flying projectiles or littering the streets.

Junia

Junia J. Robinson, Administrative Supervisor, MPA, ICMA

City of Fort Lauderdale|Office of the City Manager| Neighbor Support

100 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33301

Office: (954) 828-5289 Email: Juniar@fortlauderdale.gov

Property Appraiser Newsletter July 2020

This year is unprecedented for our community as we continue to manage the COVD-19 crisis.  Florida law requires our office to value property based on the status of the real estate market on January 1, 2020.  Any impact to real estate market conditions caused by the crisis will be reflected in the 2021 assessments. 

2020 TRIM Notices

The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office mails the TRIM (proposed tax) Notices in mid-August each year.  The proposed property tax notice will show your 2020 property assessment, exemptions and the proposed taxes along with dates and times for the various taxing authorities’ public budget hearings.  The TRIM Notice is your opportunity to review your property assessment and ensure you are receiving all the tax-saving exemptions you are entitled to.  Our office’s contact information will be listed on the newsletter enclosed with the TRIM Notice giving you the opportunity to contact us directly should you have any questions. The absolute deadline to apply for any 2020 exemption or to appeal your property assessment is September 18, 2020. 

The Property Appraiser determines the market value and assessed/Save Our Homes value of your property.  Your tax rates and non-ad valorem fees are set by the various taxing authorities (school board, county commission, city commission, hospital district board, water management district, and so on) listed on your TRIM Notice.  If you want to question your proposed tax rates, non-ad valorem fees, special assessments or services, you should contact the elected officials who serve on these taxing authorities and attend the public hearings in September 2020.  

Important: The Property Appraiser does not set your tax rates or collect your taxes.  Your tax rates are set by the city & county commissions, school board, and other taxing authorities.  Additionally, any PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) assessments are not included on the TRIM Notice but will appear on the November tax bill sent by the Broward County Tax Collector.

Why Are My Property Taxes Higher than the Prior Owner’s Last Year?

Florida law requires property be reassessed at market value as of January 1 the year following a change in ownership and/or the year the property receives/loses the Homestead Exemption.  After this reset in value occurs, the property will be protected by an assessment cap starting the following year.  For Homesteaded property, the Assessed/Save Our Homes (SOH) Value can increase by no more than 3% above last year’s Assessed/SOH Value (or the consumer price index, whichever is less), regardless of the increase in just value.  For tax year 2020, the assessment increase is capped at 2.3% for all Homesteaded properties.  For non-Homesteaded property, the assessed value can increase by no more than 10% above last year’s assessed value.  The 10% cap does not apply to the school board taxes.

If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 954.357.6904 or by email at martykiar@bcpa.net.

Robert L. Wolfe, Jr. CFE Mobile Exemption and Information Team – Specialist II Office of Marty Kiar Broward County Property Appraiser 115 S. Andrews Ave, Room 111 Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33301 P 954-357-6871 | E rwolfe@bcpa.net  | www.bcpa.net Follow our office at  http://www.facebook.com/MartyKiarBCPA and http://www.twitter.com/MartyKiarBCPA

June 2020 General meeting-CPCA

General Meeting June 30, 2020

Happy Summer, Croissant Park neighbors,

It’s a hot one already!  Makes you wonder what August will be like…

We had our second ZOOM General meeting.  Invites were sent out by email and we had three people attending.  The Board members in attendance were our President Pat, Vice President Michelle, Treasurer Joe, Directors Rhonda and Jodi, and Secretary Virginia.  

Officer Rodriguez from FLPD reports that from January to present date we have had 5 residential burglaries and 5 vehicle burglaries.  These statistics are low and may be attributed to our quarantine that began around the middle of March. There have been requests for permits for more protests and they hope they will be peaceful.  Michelle asked if there had been any reports regarding purse snatching at Winn-Dixie.  Ofc. Rodriguez replied that there had not been any reports. We are reminded to keep our purses and other valuables on our person at all times.

Broward County Public Schools continue to provide the Summer Lunch Program on Tuesdays from 7-12pm and they are providing breakfast and lunch at numerous high school, middle school and elementary schools in Broward County.  A school age child must be in the car or with a group walking. There will be enough food for all accompanying the student. Croissant Park Civic Association has contributed to our neighborhood feeding programs at Sunshine Cathedral and Seventh-Day Adventist  Church.

Some restaurants in the area have been shut down and fined for a period of time for violating COVID regulations.

Broward County beaches will be closed from July 3rd through July 6th.  Local firework displays will be in various venues.  We are asked to remain at home and enjoy the fireworks from our balconies and back yards.

We need new neighborhood entrance signs and Rhonda has reached out to our attendees at tonight’s meeting: we are looking for artists to submit designs.  Jill Young has volunteered to be the contact person for signage ideas.

Greg McAloon mentioned that the allocation of funds to Croissant Park by Commissioner Sorenson has not come to the level of allocation for other neighborhoods in District 4.

Parking rates are going up in July at the City lots.  The best deal is to get your resident parking permit at the Parking Permit Enforcement office at NE 3rd Ave and 3rd Street.

If you donate blood at OneBlood.org, they will test you for COVID-19  and send the results in 4 days by email.

Rhonda asked our attendees if 7pm is a good time for a meeting, they replied that earlier is better.

Stay cool, social distance, wear a mask and hydrate. Our next General meeting will be on Tuesday, September 29th.  Venue to be announced.   

Minutes by Virginia, CPCA Sec’y

Property Appraiser June 2020

BCPA Goes Virtual

Business models around the world have adapted to providing services during these changing times.  Our office continues to evolve to ensure we meet the needs of the residents of Broward County and provide the same level of customer service you have grown to expect.  Property owners can still easily apply for Homestead Exemption online at www.bcpa.net, as well as, access information about all the tax-saving exemptions available for qualified individuals. Please contact csemgmt@bcpa.net or call 954.357.6830 with any exemption questions you may have if you cannot find the answers you are looking for on our website.

Understandably, many residents have concerns about sharing personal information online or over the phone.  To help ease these concerns, our Mobile Exemption & Information Team (MEIT) is now able to meet with residents virtually and answer any questions or help with exemption filing.  While we do not know when our office will be able to safely resume in-person meetings, this new platform allows face-to-face virtual conversations between property owners and our staff.  To schedule an appointment for a virtual meeting, please email us at ExemptionsExpress@bcpa.net or call us at 954.357.5579.

Quarterly Tax Payment Installment Plan

While the Property Appraiser’s Office does not set or collect taxes, our office receives many calls from residents inquiring about installment tax bills and their recent exemptions.  Broward County’s Records, Taxes & Treasury Division is responsible for the billing and collecting of property taxes. 

For property owners on their quarterly installment plan, the first two installment payments (June and September) are based on the previous (2019) tax year.  This means residents who have been approved for 2020 Homestead Exemption or other exemptions will not see these showing on either the June or September installment bills.  The final two installment bills will be based on the current tax year.  The December and March installment bill amounts will be adjusted to include any 2020 exemptions or changes to the property’s taxable value.  The deadline for Broward County’s Installment Payment Plan was May 1, 2020.  Should you have any questions regarding the payment of property taxes, their office can be reached at 954.831.4000 or by email to  revenue@broward.org.

If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 954.357.6904 or by email at martykiar@bcpa.net.

Robert L. Wolfe, CFE Mobile Exemption and Information Team – Specialist II Office of Marty Kiar Broward County Property Appraiser 115 S. Andrews Ave, Room 111 Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33301 P 954-357-6871 | E rwolfe@bcpa.net  | www.bcpa.net Follow our office at  http://www.facebook.com/MartyKiarBCPA and http://www.twitter.com/MartyKiarBCPA

May 2020 General Meeting

General CPCA ZOOM Meeting  May 26, 2020

Hi Croissant Park Neighbors,

We experimented last night with a General Meeting on ZOOM due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements. We announced on nextdoor.com and on Facebook, asking that those interested in joining us to send their email address to mycroissantpark@gmail.com.  Those people who responded received an invitation to the ZOOM meeting at 7pm on Tuesday night. We would have liked to have more in attendance but it gave us a chance to see how to conduct a ZOOM meeting.  Board members in attendance were Pat, Rhonda, Jodi, Joe and Virginia.

—Our FLPD Neighborhood Watch team was not able to attend due to FLPD policy that prohibits them from participating on ZOOM. They sent the crime report stats for February through May.  There were eleven larceny thefts (oddly, seven of which were in one day at one address), one assault and battery on April 30th on 20th St., and one vehicle burglary.  

—The Treasurer reports that CPCA has donated $250 each to Sunshine Cathedral and Seventh-Day Adventists for their feeding programs. Jodi reported that anyone who is interested may go to browardschools.com and search for Food Distribution sites.  

—The neighbors at the meeting expressed their preference for the ZOOM format for General meetings. For those who work it can be difficult and inconvenient to attend our 7pm meetings at the Community Center. It was suggested that ZOOM meetings can be recorded for minutes. 

—Stay tuned on nextdoor.com and on Facebook for the June meeting announcement.

Minutes by Virginia.

Neighborhood Zoom Meeting

To our Croissant Park Neighbors:

First and foremost, we hope that everyone is well. The Association’s priority continues to be the well-being of our residents and their families.  The Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is evolving from day-to-day, and we are taking guidance from the City of Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and the State of Florida. The Board continues to make decisions regarding the Association and how we can interact with our members in a way that is informative, but safe, as we focus on doing our part to help reduce the spread of the virus.

In light of current guidelines set by governmental agencies, the Board has determined that it is not feasible to hold an “in-person” Association meeting for May, and quite frankly, probably not for June either. We have therefore decided to experiment with a “Zoom” Association meeting. All residents of Croissant Park are invited to attend. The meeting will be on the regular date and time (Tuesday, May 26^th @ 7 PM), and access will be by invitation sent to your email address. So that we don’t bother people who don’t want to attend, we are asking that you send your email address to MyCroissantPark@Gmail.com with your street address and let us know that you want to participate. You will get a notice of the meeting and be able to sign in when it starts.

We are excited about the prospect of holding a meeting this way. We are asking the Fort Lauderdale Police representative to participate and be available for questions. Hopefully, we will also be able to answer general questions or concerns that you may have about things that are opening in the neighborhood and resources - all without you having to leave your home or wear a mask (or pants). We think the format will work. I recently appeared at a court hearing via zoom with 35 other attorneys, and even with a group like that, everything was very orderly, so there is no reason we can’t do it.

We recently contributed to the food pantry at Sunshine Cathedral and the Fort Lauderdale Seventh Day Adventist Church. Both are in our neighborhood, and both are helping the food-insecure neighbors. Sunshine Cathedral has a food program on Wednesdays and the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Tuesdays. If you know anyone in the neighborhood who might need some help with food but can’t get out to these events (both are drive-through), the Seventh-Day Adventists have let us know that they will deliver food to the homebound. Email us, and we will put you in contact with them.

For some people, the only thing between them or their kids being hungry are programs like this. Both groups can really use monetary contributions to keep them going. If you would like to donate, please contact us, and we will give you the information you need.

 As we are going through these difficult and unprecedented times, we thank you again for your understanding and cooperation.  We hope that you and your family remain safe and healthy. If you have any questions or suggestions, please send us an email. We hope to see you at our Zoom Association meeting on the 26^th.

Pat Rathburn, President

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Croissant Park Civic Association

City Commission Request for Review - Poinciana Crossing.

Call-Up Memo

Exhibit 1

Please see the attached and above Links being sent on behalf of the Director’s office by the Urban Design & Planning Division of Sustainable Development.

Honorable Mayor and Commissioners,

PLEASE NOTE: The Department of Sustainable Development requests the City Commission to notify staff as soon as possible if the Commission does not intend to call this item up for review.

Assigned Planner:

Adam Schnell

30-Day Expiration:

May 30, 2020

Case Number:

PL-R19061

Location:

1801 SW 1st Avenue

Project Summary:

Proposed Uses:

113 Affordable Housing Multifamily Residential Units

Lot Size:

100,794 square-feet / 2.31 acres

Height:

7 stories / 75 feet

Parking:

116 Parking Spaces Provided on Site and 10 on Street Parking Spaces

In order to comply with Section 47-26.A.2 of the ULDR, City Commission Request for Review, the City Commission must notify the department of its intent to call the item, which same must be heard by the City Commission prior to the end of the 30-day period. A motion to set a hearing to review the decision by the lower body shall then be considered, which could take place at the next available City Commission meeting physically held at City Hall.

If the City Commission would like to review the application, please provide a statement of intent via e-mail to Jeff Modarelli, City Clerk, and copy Chris Lagerbloom, City Manager; Alain Boileau, City Attorney and Anthony Greg Fajardo, Director, Department of Sustainable Development.  If the City Commission does not intend to review the application, notification of such prior to the end of the 30-day period is requested so the applicant can proceed with the permitting process in a timely manner.

For additional information, please see attached project site plan, elevations and renderings for reference. Complete hard copy plans are available for review upon request.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE CITY COMMISSION IS PROHIBITED BY SUNSHINE LAW. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO ANY COMMISSION MEMBER. ALL DISCUSSIONS ON ITEMS RELATIVE TO THE AGENDA SHOULD TAKE PLACE AT THE SCHEDULED COMMISSION MEETINGS.

Anthony Greg Fajardo | Director

City of Fort Lauderdale | Department of Sustainable Development

700 NW 19th Avenue | Fort Lauderdale FL 33311

P: (954) 828-5984  E: afajardo@fortlauderdale.gov<mailto:afajardo@fortlauderdale.gov>

Be Careful What You Wish For….

I know everyone is going a little stir crazy now - on top of anxiety about lost wages, kid's education, job security, food, toilet paper, rent, mortgages- you name it - we are worried. I don't remember what a good night's sleep feels like. My dog wants me to get out of the house and leave him alone so badly - he has this strange look in his eyes now and  I'm getting a little afraid of turning my back on him.  The entire country has our same concerns- and we have our own unique ones as our economy is tied to tourism - restaurants, cruise lines, etc.  The current Federal Government suggestions on "Opening up America Again" may be sounding good to folks who are really struggling- but all I can do is remind everyone to be careful and look to history to give us some guidelines.

I'm sure you have all heard the comparison between what is happening now with COVID 19  and what the world experienced just over 100 years ago with the "Spanish Flu," (just to make the point - COVID 19 is named because the virus first appeared in 2019  - not because it is the 19th version of coronavirus - just like the Spanish flu did not originate in Spain. It was called the Spanish flu because it manifested itself among soldiers fighting in WWI. None of the combatants - Germany, France, Britain etc.  wanted to report on anything that would impact the war effort so the press in those countries was censured. Spain was a neutral country - thus their press was free to report on the wave of influenza that was wreaking havoc at the time - thus the moniker "Spanish Flu"). But I digress.
The important historical fact of note is that the first wave of the Spanish flu was bad- people got really sick -but many people who got it survived. The mortality rate in the spring of 1918 when it first appeared in the U.S. at an Army base in Kansas was similar to normal seasonal flu.  By the end of the summer of 1918, flu cases had dropped off and people thought they were out of the woods and began relaxing some of the safety measures they had imposed -such as masks and 1918 "social distancing". Then the second wave of the virus hit in September of 1918 - and this time a huge number of the people who were infected did not survive. Young, healthy people were dying horrible deaths within a day of their symptoms first appearing. Millions died worldwide - over 195,000 people died in the U.S during October 2018 alone. The theory is that during the lull between the spring and summer of 1918 the virus mutated and continued to be spread by wartime troop movements.  It died out again by late December 1918- and then one of the last waves hit in January - April 1919. By that time, the war was over so the world-wide spread due to troop movements slowed and the virus slowly died out.

Public health officials in 1918 knew that quarantining would help slow the spread of the virus- but many were unwilling to do that during wartime. Particularly in Europe, where there were shortages of just about everything, they were loath to put one more burden on their citizens.

So here we are - back at looking at "Opening Up America Again". Yes - without question - we need to do this to survive- hopefully, the sooner the better. But if the history of 1918 has taught us anything - it is that we need to make sure that the sacrifices people have made personally and professionally to try and slow the spread of the virus does not end up being for nothing.  If we go back to pre-quarantine "normal" without adequate testing capabilities and a firm plan - we run the risk of a second wave of cases hitting us that will end up overwhelming our health care systems and causing a second shut down of the economy. Today, the head of the CDC warned that the second wave of this virus that is likely to hit in the fall of this year will be very bad as it combines with the start of the normal flu season. Apparently, there may be some clarification of his remarks, but history would tend to support his initial comments. So, no matter what the plan is – no matter when we are told it is “safe” to go back to work – use your own best judgment. I think masks are going to continue to be a required fashion statement for a good long while and that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Stay safe.

Pat Rathburn

2020 Senior Exemptions - update

Residents who have applied for the 2020 Low-Income Senior Exemption but have not yet provided the supporting income documentation still have plenty of time to do so.  Many residents have contacted our office concerned about having the necessary paperwork in time as the IRS has extended the 2019 tax filing deadline. Applicants have until September 18, 2020 to provide our office with a copy of their 2019 Income Tax Return Form 1040 or SSA-1099 as well as any additional supporting documentation for their exemption application.

Our office will be mailing Senior Exemption receipts in mid-June to all residents who have completed their application along with income verification.  Any exemption applications approved after this mailing will show on the 2020 TRIM (proposed tax) Notice mailed by our office in August.

During these uncertain times, all communication with our office can be handled via email, fax, phone or by USPS mail.  Residents can email any documentation directly to our Customer Service Department at CSEmgmt@bcpa.net or fax to (954)357-6188.  If you prefer to mail your information, our mailing address is Broward County Property Appraiser, Attn: Customer Service, 115 S Andrews Avenue, Room # 111, Fort Lauderdale, FL  33301.

Once it is safe to do so, our office will return to our regular schedule of visiting communities to assist with filing for exemptions and answering any questions residents may have.  In the meantime, we are always here to help.  Please do not hesitate to contact our office directly at (954)357-6830 or email me at martykiar@bcpa.net. 

Take care,

Marty Kiar, CFA

Robert L. Wolfe, CFE Mobile Exemption and Information Team – Specialist II Office of Marty Kiar Broward County Property Appraiser 115 S. Andrews Ave, Room 111 Ft. Lauderdale, FL  33301 P 954-357-6871 | E rwolfe@bcpa.net  | www.bcpa.net Follow our office at  http://www.facebook.com/MartyKiarBCPA and http://www.twitter.com/MartyKiarBCPA