Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez, in partnership with County Commissioner Gwen Myers, recently led a community outreach event aimed at assisting homeowners with property tax exemptions and value assessments. The initiative, held at the Greater Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, provided residents with crucial information and one-on-one consultations to help them navigate their property tax obligations and potential savings.
Empowering Homeowners with Knowledge
The outreach event served as a vital resource for Hillsborough County residents, offering detailed information on various property tax exemptions, including Homestead, Senior, Disability, Veteran, and First Responder exemptions. Attendees received guidance on the property value review process, learning how to request reassessments and interpret assessment notices. The event also facilitated direct consultations with staff from the Property Appraiser’s Office, providing personalized assistance with exemption applications and valuation concerns.
- Key Takeaways:
- Information on Homestead, Senior, Disability, Veteran, and First Responder exemptions.
- Guidance on property value review and reassessment processes.
- One-on-one consultations with Property Appraiser’s Office staff.
- Emphasis on understanding property rights and options.
A Commitment to Equitable Service
Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez emphasized the office’s dedication to equitable service delivery, stating, "Our goal is to ensure that every homeowner understands their rights and options when it comes to exemptions and property values." Commissioner Gwen Myers echoed this sentiment, encouraging homeowners to attend to ensure they are receiving all eligible exemptions and to address any assessment questions. Myers also highlighted the importance of reporting storm damage from recent hurricanes, as it could lead to reduced assessed values and lower property taxes.
Henriquez’s Track Record and Initiatives
Bob Henriquez, a fifth-generation Hillsborough County resident, has a proven track record of fiscal responsibility and technological advancement during his tenure as Property Appraiser. His office has consistently worked to enhance efficiency while minimizing the tax burden on residents. For the 2024-25 fiscal year, Henriquez proposed a budget decrease, continuing a trend that has seen his office return nearly $3.2 million to the county. Under his leadership, the office has also leveraged technology to reduce employee numbers while maintaining service levels. A recent report from the Florida Department of Revenue identified Henriquez’s office as operating with the lowest budget per capita among all 67 county property appraiser offices in the state. Henriquez’s office is responsible for assessing approximately 557,000 properties annually and issuing property tax exemptions, with a particular focus on the homestead exemption, which caps property value increases for tax purposes at 3% per year.
Sources
- Who should be Hillsborough’s property appraiser?, Tampa Bay Times.
- Hillsborough Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez and Commissioner Gwen Myers Lead Outreach Effort to Help
Homeowners Navigate Exemptions and Property Assessments, City of Tampa (.gov). - Bob Henriquez, County Property Appraiser, Osprey Observer.