Marty Kiar, our county property appraiser, shared with us critical information about property security and discounts.  His office determines the assessed value of all property as of January 1 of each year.  The office also handles tax-savings exemptions such as the homestead exemption, low income, disability, etc.  These exemptions reduce your taxes by lowering the value of taxable assessment.  Marty also developed the wonderful Owner Alert program.  You register with his office to get notifications if there are any attempts to change your deed, replace it or change names on the deed.  You can get a text message or email or both.  Deed fraud is real and alive across the United States, and even in Broward County.  It affects all groups, ages and economic classes.  The best part of Owner Alert – it is free.  Every owner should be enrolled in the Owner Alert program.  Here is a video about the program.