Hillsborough County is facing a surge in property-related issues, including sophisticated fraud schemes, contentious legal battles, and disputes over property valuations. Recent cases highlight the vulnerability of homeowners to title fraud, while ongoing litigation involves real estate companies and tax disputes, underscoring the complex challenges within the county’s property sector.
Property Fraud Alert System Proves Effective
Hillsborough County’s free property fraud alert system has demonstrated its value in combating fraudulent activities. The system, which notifies registered homeowners of any documents filed against their properties, recently played a crucial role in the arrest of a married couple accused of forging deeds. This system, though available since 2015, has a relatively low sign-up rate, with only a fraction of county homes registered. The alert system allows residents to be notified within 48 hours of any recorded document, potentially saving them from significant financial loss and legal headaches. The State Attorney’s office has emphasized the severity of these "paperwork crimes," with one suspect facing extensive prison time for alleged identity theft and fraudulent deed filings.
Legal Battles Against Real Estate Practices
A significant legal battle is unfolding against MV Realty, a Florida-based real estate company accused of deceptive practices. A Hillsborough County judge ruled against MV Realty’s 40-year Homeowner Benefit Agreements, deeming them "unconscionable" and "unenforceable." These contracts, which provided homeowners with a small cash sum in exchange for exclusive listing rights, were criticized for hiding or downplaying burdensome terms, including a three percent fee of the home’s value upon sale. Despite the judge’s ruling, records indicate MV Realty may still be attempting to collect early termination fees, prompting further legal action from the Florida Attorney General’s office. Similar lawsuits have been filed against the company in multiple states.
Tax Lawsuit Victory for Aviation Authority
In a separate legal development, the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority secured a victory in a four-year tax lawsuit against the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser. The appellate court ruled in favor of the Authority, reversing a lower court’s decision. The case centered on a Florida ad valorem tax exemption for 15 tenant businesses operating at county airports. The Property Appraiser had removed the exemption in 2019, leading to unexpected tax bills for these businesses. The court affirmed that the tenants’ operations served an aviation or airport purpose, thus qualifying for the exemption under state law, a decision that supports the region’s aviation industry and economic growth.
Key Takeaways
- Hillsborough County property fraud alert system helped catch married couple accused of stealing home, FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
- Hillsborough County homeowners can sign up for property fraud alerts, WFLA.
- Hillsborough County judge rules against MV Realty, wtsp.com.
- Court docs: MV Realty still enforcing ‘unconscionable’ contracts despite judge’s order, wtsp.com.
- Aviation Authority wins appellate court ruling in tax lawsuit with Hillsborough property appraiser, Tampa International Airport.