Dozens of prominent commercial property owners in Broward County are taking legal action against Property Appraiser Marty Kiar, alleging that his office has inaccurately calculated property values for 2024, leading to inflated tax bills. The lawsuits target some of the county’s most recognizable hotels, office buildings, and retail centers, raising concerns about the methodologies used in property valuation.
Key Takeaways
- Over 36 owners of major commercial properties have filed lawsuits against Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar.
- The suits claim improper calculation of market and assessed values, resulting in higher property taxes.
- Notable plaintiffs include Trinity Investments, Brookfield, and The Stronach Group.
- The timing of the lawsuits is tied to a narrow legal window following the certification of the tax roll.
- The Broward County Property Appraiser’s office maintains its methodologies are legally compliant.
Legal Challenges Mount
More than three dozen owners of significant commercial properties have filed lawsuits against Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar. These legal challenges, lodged in Broward County Circuit Court, contend that Kiar’s office has improperly determined market and assessed values, consequently burdening property owners with excessive tax liabilities. The properties involved span various sectors, including hospitality, gaming, Class A offices, and regional retail, located in key Broward cities like Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, and Hollywood.
Appraiser’s Office Responds
Mila Schwartzreich, general counsel for the Broward property appraiser, stated that the timing of these lawsuits is dictated by a strict 60-day window after the value adjustment board certifies the tax rolls. She noted that litigation waves often align with these certification schedules rather than broader market shifts. Schwartzreich also pointed out that Broward County processes a substantial number of parcels, yet relatively few assessments result in court cases compared to other Florida counties, such as Miami-Dade.
Notable Lawsuits and Properties
Among the plaintiffs is Trinity Investments, co-owner of the Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood, which was assessed a market and assessed value of $589.9 million for 2024, leading to approximately $12.3 million in property taxes. Other notable litigants include an affiliate of Brookfield, owner of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, valued at $140.3 million; a joint venture owning Galleria Fort Lauderdale, assessed at $74.4 million; The Stronach Group’s Gulfstream Park, valued at $87.4 million; and Stiles Corporation’s AutoNation office building, assessed at $78.6 million.
Broader Context of Rising Property Values
These legal challenges occur against a backdrop of generally increasing property values across Broward County. Recent reports indicate a countywide increase in taxable value, driven by high demand and limited inventory. For instance, in 2021, Broward County’s taxable property value saw a significant jump of 10.6%, reaching approximately $244 billion. More recently, figures from late 2023 showed an 8.77% increase in taxable value countywide, with individual cities experiencing even higher gains. This trend, while reflecting a strong real estate market, contributes to the rising property tax burden for owners.
Sources
- Property Owners Sue Broward Appraiser Over Assessments, The Real Deal.
- ‘My Property Tax Went From $15K to a Life-Altering $91K a Year’, Realtor.com.
- Broward County total taxable property value increased over 10% to $244 billion in 2021, Miami Herald.
- City by city, measuring how Broward’s property values have increased, Yahoo Finance.