Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia's Unprecedented Move Recovers $197 Million in Taxable Value From Tax Cheats

Shortly after being elected, Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia acted quickly and effectively to bring all properties with Homestead Exemption into compliance with Florida law.

State law requires the disclosure of Social Security Numbers (SSN) in order to receive Homestead Exemption.  Approximately 4,500 property owners have previously refused to provide our Office with their SSN.  We have given these property owners numerous opportunities to comply, but our requests were largely ignored. 

This past January, the Property Appraiser’s Office sent them a detailed letter and subsequently two follow-up letters requiring a response.  Out of the 4,500, most responded; however, approximately 1,600 property owners still refused to provide the required information.

In a statement Property Appraiser Garcia said, “One of my top priorities is to rein in exemption fraud and this investigation was a crucial step in that fight.  The outcome of this initiative was highly successful in helping us find multiple violations and ensuring the Office complies with State law.”

These efforts recovered over $4.3 million in property taxes, which consists of $3 million based on recapturing $197 million in taxable value and approximately $1.3 million in tax liens that were placed on these properties for back taxes.

“When tax cheats try to manipulate the system for their selfish gains they hurt our community.  These violators take much needed money away from our children’s education and the local services provided to our residents,” said Mr. Garcia.