Ask Lori

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“Adverse Possession Reform Passes Florida Legislature”

Dear Lori:

We are interested in knowing about the status of efforts to reform the adverse possession law in Florida.  We think it’s wrong to allow squatters to occupy property they do not own! What can we do to help?

D.W., Miramar, FL

Adverse possession is a method of acquiring title to real property by possession of such property for a statutorily defined period of time.  It may be accomplished by possession with color of title (some documents that show ownership), or without color of title (without a deed or recorded instrument). To acquire adverse possession without color of title, a claimant must openly possess the real property, must maintain and occupy the land, and must file a return with the county property appraiser.

As a result of all our foreclosures, a glut of vacant homes has increased the opportunity for “squatters”, who are fraudulently abusing this archaic Florida law. These squatters are breaking the law by illegally occupying foreclosed homes.  There have been instances where these foreclosed homes were rented to unsuspecting tenants. Compounding the problem is law enforcement viewing “squatters” as a civil issue – not a criminal trespass issue!

Our office asked the Broward County State Legislative Delegation for their help.  Just this week, the Florida Legislature passed SB 1166 (Bradley) & CS/HB 903 (Davis/Waldman) to reform the adverse possession law of Florida.  This bi-partisan effort reforms this sixteenth century doctrine and gives local government the means to stop this abuse.  The bill tightens the actual possession requirements;  it requires the “possessor” to have paid all outstanding taxes and liens against the property by the state, county, and municipality within 1 year after entering into the possession.  It also makes it clear abuse of adverse possession is criminal trespass and offering the property for lease to another commits criminal theft.

The bill awaits the Governor’s approval.  You can help by contacting the Governor and ask him to approve CS/HB 903.  The contact information is:  Office of the Governor, State of Florida – The Capital, 400 S Monroe Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0001.  You may also call the office at (850) 488-7146 or email the Governor at http://www.flgov.com/gov-scott/ .  Thank you to Senator Jeremy Ring and State Representatives Jim Waldman, Gwyndolen Clarke-Reed, Joe Gibbons, and Rick Stark for co-sponsoring this important reform measure.

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, and Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.  (5/13)

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

Ask Lori...Parrish on Appraisal

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

 

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“Check Homestead Status of the Deceased”

 

Dear Lori:

 

Our mother passed in 2011 and my sister resided at the property with her and continues to do so.  The property is still in probate.  We were shocked to receive notice of a tax lien and back tax for 2012.  We didn’t realize we needed to notify you of her passing and cancel the Homestead Exemption for the property.

 

S.W., Deerfield Beach, FL

 

Each year our office mails a Homestead Renewal Notice and “change-card” to all Homesteaded properties.  This card allows property owners to notify the Property Appraiser of any change of property use or ownership status.  If anyone named on the Homestead Exemption has died, you must report it to our office to avoid potential penalties.  The Homestead Exemption of a deceased person must be removed in the year immediately following the individual’s passing.   Homestead Exemptions do not transfer to family members and do not remain with the property after the Homesteaded owner dies.

 

Failure to report the death of a Homesteaded owner or Homesteaded trust beneficiary may result in a costly back tax lien, plus penalties and interest, for continuing to improperly receive the benefits of the expired exemption. State law allows for a back tax for as many as ten years, plus payment of substantial penalty and annual interest (50% of the unpaid taxes for each year and pay interest at a rate of 15% per year). 

 

If you are a surviving spouse or otherwise believe you are entitled to an exemption, you must file your own application to receive the benefit. If you have any questions relating to the death of the owner or need assistance in filing for Homestead, please visit our website at www.bcpa.net or contact our Customer Service Department at 954.357.6830.

 

If you know of anyone claiming Homestead Exemption on a property which is rented, vacant or merely a vacation home, we urge you to contact the investigators in our Department of Professional Standards and Compliance at 954.357.6900 or http://www.bcpa.net/fraudform.asp and we’ll check it out.  You are free to provide your contact information or remain completely anonymous when reporting potentially fraudulent activity to our office. Once potential fraud is reported, our office will fully investigate each tip

 

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, and Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.  (4/13)

 

 

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

March 26, 2013 Neighborhood Meeting

Croissant Park General Meeting March 2013

Happy Spring, Neighbors!

Our March meeting started at 7:15 Tuesday night with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Board member Michelle. Other Board members in attendance were Rhonda, Karla, Heather, Beth, Joe, Loren and Virginia. The neighborhood crime report was first on the agenda.  Our regular FLPD Officers Jackson and Stevens were attending a special training class, so Officers Billins and Loveras were there to report that we had a relatively quiet month of crime.  Two home burglaries were reported: one was a vacant house, the other involved the theft of copper sheathing. Several bags of mulch were stolen from a home on SW 16th Court.  A burglary occurred at Croissant Park Elementary School and the burglar was caught.  Not included in the FLPD report was a neighbor’s report of graffiti on a car at SW 13th St. 

Beth introduced our speaker Bryan Tozzie, a horticulturist extraordinaire from Alexander’s Landscaping & Plant Farm.  He specializes in native plants that create natural habitats for birds, butterflies, wildlife and humans.  He brought many specimens and discussed the attributes and requirements of each one.  Bryan is very knowledgable and enthusiastic about creating beautiful and environmentally beneficial gardens.  Alexander’s is located at 830 S Flamingo Rd, Davie, 954 472-5039.  www.alexfarm.com.  Visit Bryan and his menagerie at the 5 acre farm and check out all the wonderful plants he has for sale, many of which he has raised from seed.  You can get palms of many ages and sizes, too.

Rhonda has informed us that the contents of the CP Association trailer will be available for anyone interested.  There are some plastic chairs, folding tables, tents and tent poles.  A notice will be posted on the Nextdoor website as to the day and location of the giveaway. Stay tuned.

We asked everyone attending the meeting if there were any guest speakers they would like to see at future meetings.  One neighbor suggested that we invite our District IV Commissioner Romney Rogers to give us a status report on the City doings.  Good idea-we will work on that.

The 50/50 lucky raffle winner was Millie.  She is the proud owner of a healthy native plant from Alexander’s Farm.  Fritz Kramer won the 50/50 cash prize.  

Hope to see you at the May 28th meeting.

Virginia-Secretary

Croissant Park General Meeting-February 2013

Hi Neighbors,

Our annual Pot Luck Dinner was a huge success!  All ten Board members were in attendance as our President Pat kicked off the first Association meeting of 2013.  Our first speakers were the Junior Ambassadors from The Pantry of Broward, an organization that collects food donations to lend a helping hand to area seniors on low fixed incomes, and economically challenged grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.  The Junior Ambassadors are jr high and high school volunteers who will deliver flyers to our doors in the next week telling us when to place canned or boxed food donations on our doorsteps for collection. Let’s help The Pantry in their food drive with our generosity and goodwill for those less fortunate.

Cara Perrin from the Wellness Center at Broward General spoke to us about the health benefits we receive when we exercise. She left us with pamphlets and a coupon that waives the Wellness Center initiation fee, a savings of $49.  She emphasized how something as simple as walking for exercise can reduce the need for medications, and helps to promote health and well-being.  National Walk Day will be celebrated on April 3, 2013 on the grounds of Broward General with a 20 minute walk around the hospital.  All are invited to join in.  Staying with the walking theme, our Board member Michelle introduced us to her favorite walking app MapMyWalk, an application that allows us to log our favorite routes in the area, share them with others and encourages us to walk with friends, reminding us that Fitness is more Fun with Friends! Michelle has already done the heavy lifting by mapping out a one, two, and three mile route.

FLPD Officer Jackson gave us her neighborhood crime report: our neighborhood’s “numbers are good”.  That is to say that our crimes are down.  In the last 3-month period there have been 4 arrests for burglaries, 1 arrest on a warrant, 1 car break-in (no valuables taken, just a lunch in a brown bag).  Ofr. Jackson reminds us, as always, don’t leave stuff in your car because they may break your windows for a sack lunch!  The details about the strong-arm robbery on SW 13th St. are that a woman lured a man into a home, and the man was then jumped by 3 males who then robbed him. There are no details yet on the alleged child porn activity on 4th Ave. because it is still under investigation.  

Our next speaker was John Gossman, a Supervisor from Code Enforcement who explained the legality of the halfway houses that are popping up all over.  There are several classifications, but the ones in our neighborhood are generally Level One residences for those with disabilities and people fresh out of rehab. These homes require no approval from the City or State when there are 6 or fewer unrelated people living at one address.  However, if any services are being rendered at a Level One home, such as counseling or administering medications, they are in violation.  If the property is not being maintained at a reasonable level for the neighborhood, Code Enforcement should be notified.  If people are acting out in any offensive or illegal manner, FLPD should be called. The State has set the laws for these homes and they supersede the regulations set by the municipalities.  Code Enforcement’s only tool is to make sure these homes are in compliance. 

The recipient of the Joe Shover Citizenship Award  for 2012 was our former CPCA President Steve Cook, who has kept us very much in the loop with City doings by attending a mind-numbing number of meetings concerning all manner of City business.  We all thank you, Steve.  His current report on bike lanes on SW 4th Ave:  within the year we will have bike lanes painted on both sides of 4th Ave from Perimeter Rd. to SW 9th Street (north of Davie), some portions of which will be resurfaced and will have 10 foot wide lanes.  Steve also wants to remind us that plastic bags are not recyclable.

Our 50/50 Raffle winner was Paul Ruble who won $32 big ones.  We also gave away a few CPCA T-shirts.

This Pot Luck Dinner boasted a long table full of hors d'oeuvres, entrees, salads, and over-the-top desserts.  It was our biggest turn-out ever.  

See you at our meeting next month-March 26th.

Virginia-Secretary

Annual Pot Luck Dinner

Come eat and help the Pantry of Broward

A friend's teenage son, Brooks, recently became Chair of The Pantry of Broward's Junior Ambassadors. Part of his responsibility is to help collect food and raise money to buy food for The Pantry. The Pantry provides food and needed services to area seniors who are raising their grandchildren on fixed incomes. 

According to Brooks, "the shelves at The Pantry are nearly bare and the Junior Ambassadors are reaching out to area homeowner associations to try to get approval to hold food drives in those neighborhoods. " Here's how it works: the Junior Ambassadors will place flyers in grocery bags on door knobs during the week prior to the food drive and then pick-up donations from doorsteps (no knocking on doors involved) the following Saturday morning. 

This sounded like such a fantastic idea and the Board agreed, first how great that these teenagers are doing their best to help others, and second - how timely is the request that Croissant Park paticipate in the food drive for such a worthy cause on the eve of our Pot Luck dinner?

To kick the food drive off we have asked Brooks to come to our pot luck dinner and explain the program. What YOU can do to help is, in addition to whatever dish you might be bringing to the pot luck (or in lieu thereof - but I hate to let you off the hook that easy!) to bring some canned or boxed food to contibute to the Pantry. I'd love to send Brooks home with a car load of food, so please, yet another reason to attend the pot luck dinner - food for us and food for some people who can really use a hand. 

Hope to see you and lots of food of all types on Tuesday!!!!

The Pot Luck Dinner is Tuesday, Feb 26 in the Community Center - 7:00  - Everyone is invited and we will have speakers from the City to address important issues affecting our neighborhood.

Commissioner Roger's Newsletter

District IV Commissioner Romney Rogers  

Sun Trolley in the News! – Our new “Excursion” route from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport to Las Olas and Downtown is receiving rave visitor reviews on the TripAdvisor® website! In addition to this free round-trip Sun Trolley service, travelers can buy a 1-Day Excursion pass (museums, Trolley, and discount coupons) for $19.95/person, or a 1-Day Excursion Combo (includes the above plus Water Taxi) for $29.95/person. Baggage storage is available at airport terminals: phone 954-359-5505 or see http://www.bagstogo.net.  

 The “Beach Link,” now operating 7-day Trolley service from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, runs from the Harbor Shops on the SE 17 Street Causeway to The Galleria Mall.  

 Don’t forget, you can download printable route maps and the mobile app at http://www.suntrolley.com, or call 954-761-3543 for details. 

I continue to serve on the Board of TMA (the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Transportation Management Association), which administers the Trolley system and have recently become a Board Member of the Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization (http://www.browardmpo.org). Through this involvement, I provide input and insights into the transportation planning process, while receiving first-hand information about projects, such as The Wave Streetcar, All Aboard Florida, and Port Everglades expansion. 

A1A Restoration – FDOT is working on an $8.3 million project to repair the four-block, residential section of State Road A1A north of Sunrise Boulevard on Fort Lauderdale Beach that was damaged during Hurricane Sandy last October and the Thanksgiving Weekend storms in November. Completion is anticipated in April. 

 Along A1A between NE 14 Court and NE 18 Street:  

 Drivers should watch for slow-moving construction vehicles entering and exiting the construction zone on the east side of A1A. 

 A1A is open to one travel lane and one bike lane northbound and southbound.   Parking and sidewalks are open on the west side of A1A only.  Beach-goers should use the beach access points to the north and south of the construction area: Please do 

not walk through the construction site. 

The City is working closely with other agencies to monitor and address the condition of both the roadway and the beach. This project provides a unique opportunity to bring governmental and climate experts together to develop a long-term restoration and renourishment plan that will enable us to adapt to a changing climate. 

Upcoming Events in District IV –  

 Thursday, February 14 – Second Annual Love in the Park at Huizenga Plaza from 5:30 to 10 PM. This event will feature gourmet food, wine, vendors, music, and more! For details, call 954-468-1541. 

 Saturday, February 16 – Kid Duck Fest sponsored by Kids in Distress. In an exciting race, 15,000 rubber duckies will be floated down the New River! Participants will be gathering in Esplanade Park at 1 PM and the event runs until 4 PM. There will be food trucks, a DJ, and a live band. The charge is $5 per duck. 

 Sunday, February 24 – Sunday Arts from 11 AM to 2 PM along Riverwalk. Crafters will be selling their wares; performers will be performing! These events will also feature painters, photographers, and storytellers. See 

http://www.GoRiverwalk.com. 

 Friday, March 1 – Hortt Community Center Grand Opening at 6 PM, 1700 SW 14 Court in Shady Banks. 

 Saturday, March 2 – 30th Annual South Florida Scottish Festival & Highland Games at Snyder Park, 299 SW 4th Avenue, from 9 AM to 7:30 PM. The parade of clans and mass pipe bands begins at Noon. Tickets (parking included) are $25 at the gate ($20 in advance), with no charge for children 12 and under. Dogs and coolers are prohibited in the park. See http://www.sassf.org or call 954-460-5000 for more information. 

 Saturday, March 9 – Fort Lauderdale’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival from 11:00 AM to 7 PM. The Parade runs from Noon to 1:30 PM, along East Las Olas from SE 5 Avenue to the Riverfront. The Festival will be located in Huizenga Plaza, 32 East Las Olas, and along the Riverwalk. From 7 AM to Midnight, parking will be available for a flat rate of $5 at the City Park Garage, 155 SE 2 Street and at the Riverside Hotel Garage, located on SE 4 Street just east of US1. For details, call 954-828-5363 or log on to 

http://www.ftlaudirishfest.com.   

 

 My Staff Contact is MJ Matthews, phone 954-828-5028 or e-mail mmatthews@fortlauderdale.gov. 

Ask Lori ... Parrish On Appraisal

“Ask Lori…Parrish on Appraisal”

Broward County Property Appraiser Lori Parrish Answers Your Questions…

“Help Us Complete Your Residential Property Survey!”

Dear Lori,

Our family received your News for Broward Taxpayers Newsletter with the 2013 Homestead Exemption Renewal Notice.  On the back of the newsletter is a residential property survey your office wants us to complete.  Why is this survey so important?

J. P., Fort Lauderdale, FL (via email)

Every year our office works to improve and update our property records to better serve you.  We are seeking your help once again to further enhance our system. It is important to note your responses will not change your assessed value, as we utilize mass appraisal methods involving the total square feet of improvements on your property and qualified sales of comparable properties, in order to determine assessed value. The information reported will simply help you and others like you, who conduct research on our website by ensuring accurate data.

If you received our newsletter in the mail with your Homestead Renewal Notice, you have the option of completing this quick survey online at www.bcpa.net/survey using the PIN number printed on your renewal receipt.  If you do not have a PIN number or you do not have access to the internet, you may use the printed form to participate. Please see the back page of our newsletter if you’d prefer to respond using the printed form. Once complete, simply fax the survey to 954.357.8474 or mail to:  Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office, 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Room 111, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.

If you are computer friendly, you can look up your property on our website and review the current building sketches on those pages.  Just click on the blue “See Sketch” link on the lower right-hand side of the property record page. We use the “adjusted square foot” (“Adj. Bldg. S.F.”) measurement of a building to determine the value of your property, not actual square footage, and may result in measurements higher or lower than the numbers we use.  Adjusted square feet are measured from the outside walls of the building, and include garages, open patios, covered entries, second floors, carports, and so forth.  These parts of a building are calculated using a fraction of their actual square feet to determine the adjusted square feet.  This ensures all properties in Broward are measured and assessed on an identical basis.   Please call 954.357.6831 or email me at lori@bcpa.net, if you see any errors in the sketch of your home.

While completing the property survey is purely voluntary, any assistance you provide will help ensure you pay no more than your fair share of taxes. Please take a few minutes to help ensure our records about your property are accurate.   Important: If you previously completed this survey you do not need to resubmit it this year.

Thank you in advance for all your help.   If you have any questions about this survey, please contact our Residential Appraisal Division at 954.357.6831 or email slewis@bcpa.net.

Sincerely,

Lori Parrish, CFA 

If you have a question for Lori, please call her office at 954-357-6904, or 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, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 (January 2013)

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