NON-ENTITLEMENT TO HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION HURTS ALL OF US
Pursuant to Florida Statutes 193.155 (9) and 196.161(1) (b), when a property owner receives but is no longer entitled to a homestead exemption or agricultural classification, it is deemed to be non-compliant, an abuse of the law, and which affects all taxpayers.
Examples of homestead fraud:
- The owner(s) claim homestead exemption, but their permanent residence is elsewhere.
- The owner(s) claim homestead exemption, but they rent the property to others for any portion of the year. (The exception is active military personnel away on orders can rent their homestead until returning).
- The individual or family unit claim homestead exemption on more than one property (including a homestead exemption filed in another state).
If you know of a property in Okaloosa County currently receiving a tax reduction from a homestead exemption or agricultural classification which you believe should not be receiving, you are urged to report the activity by calling our Exemption Abuse Hotline or use the below form. If calling the hotline, our fraud investigator will speak with you, and you may remain completely anonymous if you desire.
When you call our Hotline, please provide as much of the following information:
For Homestead Exemption Abuse:
- The address of the property in question.
- Whether the property is vacant, a rental, or a vacation home.
- The length of time since the owner has lived at the property.
- The address where you believe the owner may be living now (if known).
- Any other information relative to the fraudulent exemption.
For Agricultural Classification Abuse:
- The address or location of the property.
- The nature of the abuse.
- Any other available information such as owner name or parcel ID number. (This can be found by conducting a property search from our homepage)
- The address where you believe the owner may be living now (if known).
Thank you for your assistance in reporting suspected fraud. Your report will be promptly investigated and action taken if warranted.
Sincerely,
Mack Busbee, CFA
Okaloosa County Property Appraiser