Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia's Unprecedented Move To Resolve Pending Homestead Fraud Investigations

In less than two months since being sworn in as Miami-Dade County’s Property Appraiser, Pedro J. Garcia has moved quickly to resolve the backlog of cases that are pending investigation.

In a statement Property Appraiser Garcia said, “Upon returning to the Office, one of my top priorities has been to eliminate the backlog of cases and catch those that are committing Homestead Fraud.”

There are approximately 3,000 pending cases that may be in violation of exemption fraud.  Property Appraiser Garcia has sent a detailed letter with a required questionnaire to these property owners.  The information being requested on the form is necessary for those owners to maintain their exemption(s).

While it is the responsibility of the property owner to notify our Office regarding changes in their homestead status, we are giving them this opportunity to provide us with the information needed to maintain their exemption status.  However, any person who does not fill out the questionnaire may lose their Homestead Exemption and may be subject to a lien with 50% penalty plus 15% interest.

“Eliminating fraudulent Homestead Exemption helps all property owners by ensuring that anyone not entitled to an exemption pays their fair share,” said Mr. Garcia.

Any property owner that receives the “Pending Investigation” letter may directly contact our Investigations Section at 305-375-4313.