TANGIBLE PROPERTY TAXES

[Muriel]

History: Melbourne, Florida (BREAVARD COUNTY) = 55+ Community

We have been receiving a Tangible Property Tax for years on carports, sheds, Florida rooms, driveways and skirting.

2002 taxes originally increased 300%. Our tax assessor has used one of three methods to compute the new taxes, REPLACEMENT COST. Outrageous, is the only word that comes to our minds. The development is app. 25 years old.

We have had a meeting here with his staff and yes they lowered the rate to app. 150% increase but he feels that the Dept. of Revenue supports him even though the County Commissioners want to investigate this matter in depth. He feels that he does not ANSWER to them.

My question to you out there is:

WHAT IS THE METHODLOGY USED IN GENERAL FOR THESE INCREASES IN OTHER COUNTIES IN FLORIDA AS WELL AS OTHER STATES. I AM TRYING TO GET ALL THE INFORMATION I CAN TO BE ABLE TO PREPARE FOR A WORKSHOP WITH THE TAX ASSESSOR ANDCOUNTY COMMISSIONERS IN JANUARY?

Thanking you in advance for your cooperation and courtesy.

[Chrissy]

There are three methods that tax assessors generally use, and this is only one of them. I would suggest you call Ken Shouse, Florida Manufactured Housing Association's Director of Communities at 904-269-6616. He is much more up to date on Florida specific information than I am. Good luck!