March 2026 Downs Property Digest

Vickie A. Downs
Mar 31
4 min read

A Message from Your Property Appraiser, Vickie A. Downs

Dear Collier County Residents,

As we move into spring here in Collier County, our office is entering an important phase of the annual property assessment cycle.

Our team is currently working on preparing the 2026 tax roll, with preliminary taxable values to be shared with local taxing authorities later this spring. These early estimates allow the County, School Board, municipalities, and other taxing authorities to begin developing their budgets and considering proposed millage rates for the upcoming year.

It’s important to remember that our office does not set tax rates. Our responsibility is to determine fair and equitable property values as of January 1, based on market data. Taxing authorities then use those values to establish their budgets and tax rates.

Later this summer, property owners will receive their Truth in Millage (TRIM) Notice, which outlines your property’s values, proposed tax rates, and estimated taxes. This notice also includes public hearing dates, giving you the opportunity to provide input before final decisions are made.

Warmly,

Vickie A. Downs

Collier County Property Appraiser

💡Short-Term Rentals & Homestead Exemption

As seasonal residents prepare to return north, we remind property owners who receive the homestead exemption to review the rules regarding rental of a homesteaded property.

Florida State Statute 196.061 Rental of homestead to constitute abandonment.

The rental of all or substantially all of a dwelling previously claimed to be a homestead for tax purposes shall constitute the abandonment of such dwelling as a homestead, and the abandonment continues until the dwelling is physically occupied by the owner. However, such abandonment of the homestead after January 1 of any year does not affect the homestead exemption for tax purposes for that particular year unless the property is rented for more than 30 days per calendar year for 2 consecutive years.
This section does not apply to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States whose service is the result of a mandatory obligation imposed by the federal Selective Service Act or who volunteers for service as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States. Moreover, valid military orders transferring such member are sufficient to maintain permanent residence for the purpose of Florida Statute 196.015 for the member and his or her spouse.

Florida state statute 196.012 Definition of "Real estate used and owned as a homestead"

(13) "Real estate used and owned as a homestead" means real property to the extent provided in s. 6(a), Art. VII of the State Constitution, but less any portion thereof used for commercial purposes, with the title of such property being recorded in the official records of the county in which the property is located. Property rented for more than 6 months is presumed to be used for commercial purposes.

Homestead Fraud

If you would like to report someone who you believe is not entitled to the homestead exemption please call us at 239-252-8141 and we will verify the eligibility of the exemption.

You can learn more at collierappraiser.com

💡We’re Hiring! Join Our Team

The Collier County Property Appraiser’s Office is growing, and we’re currently hiring for several positions:

Full-Time Field Appraiser
Cartographer / GIS Technician
Customer Service Specialist

If you’re interested in public service and want to be part of a professional, dedicated team, we encourage you to apply. Visit collierappraiser.com to learn more.

💡Out in the Community

March has been another busy month connecting with residents across Collier County. I’ve had the opportunity to attend community events, meet with homeowner associations, and speak with residents about property values, exemptions, and important deadlines.

These conversations are incredibly valuable, and I always appreciate the opportunity to answer questions and stay connected with the community we serve.

💡FAQ Spotlight: Protect Your Property from Fraud

Q: What’s one easy thing I can do to protect my property from fraud?

A: Enroll in the Clerk’s Risk Alert Program.

Scammers can file fake deeds, liens, or mortgages to steal property or delay sales. Collier County residents can now get notified when any document is recorded against their property.

Sign up today to stay protected:👉 https://cor.collierclerk.com/coraccess/alerts

As always, thank you for allowing us to serve you. We’ll see you next month with more updates, resources, and community highlights!

✅ Need Info Now? Check Out Our Website

Whether you're a homeowner or a business owner, we encourage you to visit our office online at collierappraiser.com. You’ll find:

Tools to file for Homestead Exemption
Resources for Tangible Personal Property
FAQs, forms, deadlines, and more
Contact info, office hours, and directions
And now, the option to sign up for this monthly digest straight to your inbox!

We’re working hard to make your experience with our office as smooth and helpful as possible — 24/7. Did you know you can now do a self-service data download for your files? Learn more, along with instructions, on our website at collierappraiser.com.

Invite Us to Speak at Your Next Event

Did you know that educating our community is one of our top priorities? Property Appraiser Vickie A. Downs and our knowledgeable staff love connecting with local residents, real estate professionals, civic groups, and schools to help demystify what our office does — and why it matters. Whether it’s explaining property valuation, homestead exemptions, or how your tax dollars are calculated, we’re here to help! Interested in having a speaker from our office? Email vdowns@collierappraiser.com to request a speaker for your next meeting or event.

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