Inside Value Adjustments Boards
The truth is,
property taxes are the ONLY levy based upon opinions. Coupled with
that, the methods used to gather and apply data in this important
and constitutional area are not exact. What does all that mean?
That there are INACCURACIES in tax rolls, and, on the flip side,
we as taxpayers make mistakes too.
One way for most Florida taxpayers to lower their property taxes
is through Value Adjustment Boards. Using the VAB process is an
affordable, effective way to lower your property tax bills. It is
intended to find errors, and whenever possible, get them FIXED!
FYI: While a part of intended uniform state-wide taxation,
each VAB is still locally managed. |
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VAB WATCH
POLK: Hearings
conducted behind locked doors. At least
one magistrate is not applying the standards adopted in House Bill
521 (2009 Legislation). Opening Statement
is NOT a DOR document, and does NOT include all material parts of
section 193.011, Fla. Stat. |
Broward County VAB Public Hearing Accommodations
As an example:
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Previously in Broward County, hearings occurred behind close, unmarked doors. Today appropriate
signs on the doors indicate public hearings are being
held - a protection against ex parte communication.
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When petitioners are not present, representatives of the property
appraiser are required to leave hearing rooms, another way of
keeping proceedings fair and objective.
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As of March, 2009, the VAB Clerk has been instructed not to demand
written authorizations from agents or attorneys. There is nothing in
the statute that states that written authorization is required, and we
all have the right to contract as we see fit, even if
verbally.
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