September 2026 Downs Property Digest
A Message from Your Property Appraiser, Vickie A. Downs
Dear Collier County Residents,
September has been another busy month at the Collier County Property Appraiser’s Office, and as we move into the fall, our focus remains the same: providing you with accurate information, accessible service, and the facts you need to understand your property.
This month, our team continued meeting with residents and community organizations throughout Collier County. We also commemorated the 25th anniversary of September 11th and took time to thank the first responders who continue to protect our community every day.
We have also received many questions regarding Amendment 3, particularly as information and estimates continue circulating online and on social media. With Vote-by-Mail ballots for the General Election now being mailed, I want to reiterate something important: when it comes to information from your Property Appraiser’s Office, we will give you the facts, not speculation or opinion.
Our website contains the information our office has released regarding Amendment 3, and we will continue updating it as reliable information becomes available.
You hear us talk about the tax roll throughout the year—but what exactly happens when our work on the annual roll is complete? Each year, the Property Appraiser’s Office determines the market, assessed and taxable values of properties throughout Collier County and administers exemptions and classifications for qualified property owners.
In October, the final ad valorem tax roll is certified to the Collier County Tax Collector. From there, the Tax Collector uses the taxable values provided by our office and the tax rates adopted by local taxing authorities to calculate and mail property tax bills. It is an important distinction: The Property Appraiser determines property values. We do not set tax rates or collect property taxes.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Warmly,
Vickie A. Downs
Collier County Property Appraiser
🏡 Property Tax Discussion
Florida voters will see Amendment 3 – “Increased Homestead Exemption; Lower Cap on Increases in Non-Homestead Property Assessments” on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot. The Florida Department of State lists it as Ballot Amendment 3. Constitutional Initiatives
Voting in the General Election is already getting underway. Collier County began sending ballots to military and overseas voters earlier this month, and the first mailing of requested domestic Vote-by-Mail ballots began September 24. Collier County Elections
There's a Lot of Information Circulating. Here's What You Should Know.
Our office has seen information, calculations, and claims circulating online and on social media regarding the potential financial impact of Amendment 3.
We want to be clear: the Collier County Property Appraiser’s Office has not released official dollar estimates regarding the financial impact of Amendment 3.
Why?
An accurate calculation requires information that is not yet known, including applicable future millage rates and property values. Without those figures, our office cannot responsibly present a dollar amount as an official estimate.
Our role isn't to tell you how to vote. Our role is to give you factual property information so you can make your own informed decision.
That is why we encourage property owners to rely on information published directly by our office rather than assumptions or figures attributed to us elsewhere.
Visit CollierAppraiser.com for our latest Amendment 3 information and updates.
The Collier County Property Appraiser's Office does not endorse, oppose, or advocate for any proposed constitutional amendment. We are committed to providing factual, nonpartisan information to help keep the public informed.🏡
🏡 Remembering September 11th
This month marked 25 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001.
We remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the families whose lives were forever changed, and the first responders who courageously ran toward danger when others were running to safety.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to our first responders here in Collier County and across our nation who continue to answer the call every day.
Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting others never go unnoticed.
May we always remember the strength and unity our nation showed in the days that followed.
We will never forget. 🇺🇸
🏡 Why Did My Market Value Go Down, But My Assessed Value Go Up?
📲 Stay Connected with Our New Text Alerts
We’re excited to announce that the Collier County Property Appraiser’s Office is now offering text message updates for residents and property owners.
Subscribers will receive important reminders, deadlines, office updates, and the latest edition of the Downs Property Digest — all delivered directly to your phone. We’ll typically only text about once per month, and we promise not to spam you. You are able to opt out at any time by replying STOP.
📱 Sign up for text notifications here:👉 https://www.downspropertydigest.com/lead-collection
Stay informed and never miss an important update from our office.
💡Out in the Community
September was another busy month connecting with the people and organizations that make Collier County such a special place to call home!
Property Appraiser Vickie Downs enjoyed attending the East Naples Civic & Commerce luncheon, where she had the opportunity to connect with community leaders, including Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, Greater Naples Fire Rescue Chief Chris Wolfe, and Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Crystal Kinzel. Vickie also spent time with Faith, founder of Beverly’s Angels, a wonderful local nonprofit providing essential items and support to children, families, and seniors in our community.
Vickie and Director of Homestead Annabel also visited Coldwell Banker Realty on Fifth Avenue to provide an update from our office and answer questions about property assessments, Homestead Exemption, Save Our Homes, portability, and more. We always appreciate the opportunity to connect directly with our local Realtors and help them better serve Collier County property owners.
A special thank you to Heather Townsend for inviting us to speak, to East Naples Civic & Commerce for another great luncheon, and to everyone who took the time to visit with our team this month.
Getting out into the community, answering questions, and being accessible to the people we serve remains a priority for our office!
💡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.
Was this email forwarded to you? Want to get the Downs Property Digest delivered to your inbox each month? Subscribe now at DownsPropertyDigest.com.
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