Hillsborough County is offering property tax relief to homeowners and businesses impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Residents facing significant damage and uninhabitable conditions may be eligible for tax refunds and extended discount periods, providing crucial support during the recovery process.
Property Tax Relief Options
- Catastrophic Event Tax Refund: Homeowners whose primary residences were rendered uninhabitable for 30 days or more due to the hurricanes may be eligible for a property tax refund. This requires submitting an application to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s office.
- Extended Discount Period: The deadline for the 4% discount on property tax payments has been extended to December 31st, offering additional financial relief to affected residents.
- Delayed Tax Notices: Property tax notices, typically mailed on November 1st, have been delayed until November 25th to accommodate the relief efforts.
Reporting Property Damage
To qualify for the Catastrophic Event Tax Refund, property owners must report any storm-related damage to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s office. The deadline for reporting this damage is March 1, 2025.
Documentation such as photographs, utility bills, insurance information, and building permits may be required to support the application. The Property Appraiser’s office has established a damage assessment hotline and an online reporting tool to assist property owners in this process.
Maintaining Homestead Exemption
For homeowners whose properties were damaged or destroyed, state laws allow for the homestead exemption to be maintained for up to five years while repairs are underway. This ensures that residents can return to their homes without losing this important tax benefit.
Community Support
Local officials, including the Hillsborough County Tax Collector and Property Appraiser, are emphasizing community support during this challenging recovery period. The initiatives aim to provide meaningful assistance to residents and businesses facing financial hardships as they work to rebuild and restore their properties and lives.
Sources
- Tax relief for Hillsborough home and business owners impacted by hurricanes, ABC Action News.
- Hillsborough tax collector discusses relief options after storms, wtsp.com.
- Hillsborough officials announce property tax relief after Hurricanes Helene, Milton, WMNF 88.5 FM.
- Deadline nearing to file for property tax relief from storms across Tampa Bay, wtsp.com.
- Office Of Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez Establishes Property Damage Hotline And Online
Reporting Tool As A Result Of Hurricane Helene, Osprey Observer.