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

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