A significant number of prominent commercial property owners in Broward County have filed lawsuits against Property Appraiser Marty Kiar, challenging the 2024 property assessments. These legal actions allege that Kiar’s office inaccurately calculated market and assessed values, leading to what plaintiffs claim are inflated property tax bills for some of the county’s most recognizable hotels, office buildings, and retail centers.
Key Takeaways
- Over three dozen owners of major commercial properties are suing Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar.
- The lawsuits claim improper calculation of market and assessed values, resulting in inflated tax bills.
- Challenged properties include prominent hotels, office towers, and retail complexes across Broward County.
- The litigation timing is linked to the legal window for challenging tax roll certifications.
Legal Challenges Mount
The lawsuits, filed in Broward County Circuit Court between November and December, target the valuation methodologies employed by Kiar’s office. Plaintiffs argue that these methods overstate the real market value of their high-profile assets, which consequently drives up their property taxes. The properties involved span various sectors, including hospitality, gaming, Class A office spaces, and regional retail.
Notable Plaintiffs and Properties
Among the high-profile plaintiffs are Trinity Investments and Credit Suisse, owners of the Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood. Their lawsuit challenges the 2024 market and assessed value of $589.9 million for the 1,000-room hotel. Other notable entities suing Kiar’s office include:
- An affiliate of Brookfield, challenging the valuation of the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina.
- A joint venture including GFO Investments and InSite Group, contesting the assessment of Galleria Fort Lauderdale.
- An affiliate of The Stronach Group, disputing the value of Gulfstream Park.
- An affiliate of Stiles Corporation, questioning the assessment of the AutoNation office building.
Appraiser’s Office Responds
Mila Schwartzreich, general counsel for the Broward property appraiser, stated that the timing of many complaints is tied to the certification deadline for the tax roll, rather than an unusual surge in controversy. She explained that property owners have a 60-day window from the tax roll certification by the value adjustment board to file lawsuits. Schwartzreich also noted that while Broward processes a large volume of parcels, relatively few assessments end up in court compared to other Florida counties like Miami-Dade.
Litigation Context
Most of the plaintiffs are represented by the law firm Lowndes. The legal challenges come after the value adjustment board’s certification of the tax rolls. The specific timing of these filings is a procedural necessity dictated by state law, ensuring property owners can exercise their right to appeal assessments within the designated period.
Sources
- Property Owners Sue Broward Appraiser Over Assessments, The Real Deal.