Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez is currently facing scrutiny following the emergence of a controversial poll that falsely accused him of overvaluing properties and increasing tax burdens. The poll also hinted at a potential challenge from former State Senator Tom Lee, raising questions about the political landscape surrounding Henriquez’s office.
Key Takeaways
- A recent "push poll" has circulated, alleging Bob Henriquez overvalues properties and raises taxes, claims Henriquez refutes as "demonstrably false."
- The poll suggests former State Senator Tom Lee may be considering a challenge to Henriquez in the upcoming election.
- Henriquez, a Democrat, is seeking his fourth term and has emphasized fiscal responsibility and technological advancements in his office.
- The Property Appraiser’s office has no authority to set tax rates; this is determined by elected officials.
Allegations and Rebuttals
Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez is investigating the origins of a poll that has made accusations of overvaluing properties and causing significant property tax increases for residents. Henriquez has strongly denied these claims, stating there is no evidence to support them and that regulations are in place to prevent such over-valuations. He pointed out that Florida State Statute 195.096 (3) mandates annual audits by the Florida Department of Revenue to ensure accurate property valuations.
Henriquez suggested the poll might be misinterpreting a case involving the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, where tax exemptions were denied. While an appeals court ruled in favor of the Aviation Authority, Henriquez is appealing to the Florida Supreme Court. He clarified that this case did not involve a valuation dispute but rather the denial of an exemption that would reduce tax liability.
Political Undercurrents
The poll also included questions that seemed to test the viability of a potential challenge to Henriquez, a Democrat, from Republican former State Senator Tom Lee. By mentioning Lee’s voting record on taxes and asking respondents to choose between Henriquez and Lee, the poll suggests Lee might be considering a run or that someone is encouraging him to do so. While Henriquez is currently unopposed for his fourth term, the qualifying period for the election has not yet closed.
Henriquez’s Record and Role
Bob Henriquez is seeking reelection to his fourth term as Hillsborough County Property Appraiser. Throughout his tenure, he has focused on fiscal responsibility, technological advancements, and efficiency within his office. His office has reportedly returned nearly $3.2 million to the County Board of County Commissioners due to previous efficiencies. A report from the Florida Department of Revenue highlighted Henriquez’s office as operating with the lowest budget per capita among all 67 county property appraiser offices in the state.
Henriquez has also worked to reduce employee numbers through technology adoption, decreasing staff from 133 to 108 since taking office in 2013. He emphasizes that the Property Appraiser’s office assesses property values and administers exemptions, but has no authority to raise or lower taxes, which are set by other elected officials. Henriquez was sworn in for his fourth term in November, having defeated Republican challenger John Ballance.
Sources
- Push poll wrongly claims Bob Henriquez is overvaluing properties, suggests Tom Lee plans to challenge him, Florida Politics.
- Bob Henriquez, County Property Appraiser, Osprey Observer.
- Bob Henriquez sworn in for fourth term as Hillsborough Property Appraiser, Florida Politics.