Posts by: ScottB

In his first newsletter as Mayor, Lamar Fisher shares with us many important items affecting county residents.  We congratulate Lamar on his selection as Mayor and look forward to working with him in 2023.  Mayor Fisher stated, “I’m honored to take on this role and I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues and County Administration to move the County forward. The mayor’s functions include serving as presiding officer, and as the County’s official representative. Although, I’m taking on this role, I will continue to represent residents of District 4.”

The outgoing Mayor (Mayor Michael Udine) made the annual State of the County presentation. Our County is currently at a very strong point with all our economic engines regaining momentum as we come out of the pandemic. Tourism is at an all-time high, our unemployment rate is below the national average, and businesses continue to move to Broward County for all the greatness we have to offer.

Other issues covered include Manatee Season started November 15 and runs through March 31.  U.S. Flag Disposal Program – Broward County participates in the national campaign to support flag etiquette with the U.S. flag disposal program.  Climate Summit Broward County is excited to host the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Summit, a major regional event. County.  Coastal Dune Grant Program is now accepting applications for new dune restoration and enhancement projects, visit CoastalDunes.Broward.org. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2023.

Click here to read Lamar Fisher’s full newsletter.

In his latest newsletter, Broward County Property Appraiser Marty Kiar discusses the qualifications for homestead exemptions and urges residents who have not done so, to apply for their 2023 exemption now.  The deadline to file is March 1, 2023.  If you are already homesteaded, there is no need to reapply, as you will get a renewal card next year.

Click here to read Marty Kiar’s latest newsletter.

In his October newsletter, Vice Mayor Lamar Fisher shares his reactions to Hurricane Ian.  Southeast Florida dodged a major catastrophe in late September, but our neighbors to the west and central Florida were not so lucky. The end of hurricane season is November 30 and as we witnessed, there is always an uncertainty of where these storms will make landfall. This is why everyone must be prepared before a major weather storm comes our way. Our County Administrator was in constant communication with administrations from the west coast. After assessing that Broward’s damage was minimal, we quickly mobilized to send assistance.  He details all the assistance provided by Broward County.  For more information on the County’s efforts and for vital hurricane preparedness information, visit Broward.org/Hurricane.

Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) will be hosting the 7^th Annual Florida International Trade and Cultural Expo (FITCE) October 19 and 20 at the Convention Center. This is a great opportunity for businesses big and small to learn about international trade resources and assistance, engage with leaders from more than 60 countries to sell products or services and learn from special sessions

 With the housing crises continuing to burden our residents in South Florida, Broward County is making a greater effort to invite landlords that have vacant units to participate in the Project Home Again project. Project Home Again is an easy, convenient way for landlords to fill vacant units in Broward County with paying tenants while helping veterans, families and others rebuild their lives. And rent is guaranteed! All tenants are pre-screened, payments are on-time and security paid up front. As evictions continue to rise, this is a great way for landlords to help us give more residents a place to call home. For more information visit Broward.org/ProjectHomeAgain.

Libraries Overdue Fines: The Board of Commissioners approved an initiative that has eliminated late fines for library books, DVDs and other materials returned after the due date. Additionally, any existing late fines on current library cardholders accounts were cancelled. For more information visit Broward.org/Library.

To read the complete newsletter, click here.

In his latest newsletter, Marty Kiar clarifies that the Property Appraiser’s Office does not set your tax rates, collect property taxes, or determine how the tax revenue is allocated by local government. Florida law requires his office to assess all property based on the market data on January 1 of each year. The tax bill you receive this November from the Broward County Tax Collector is for the 2022 tax year. If you purchased your home in 2022 and the previous owners of your new home were entitled to and received Homestead Exemption or any other exemption on January 1, 2022, you may have inherited their exemptions on your 2022 property tax bill. Florida Statutes require these 2022 exemptions be removed for 2023 and the property be reassessed at the 2023 Just/Market Value. This will often result in an increase in your 2023 property taxes so it is important you apply for 2023 Homestead Exemption and any other exemptions for which you may qualify. If you have any questions regarding your Homestead Exemption or other tax-saving exemptions, please contact the Customer Service Department at 954.357.6830.

The newsletter goes on to discuss escrow adjustments based on your 2022 tax bill and you can pay your taxes through a quarterly installment plan offered by Broward County, where the newly approved 2022 exemptions will be applied to the 3^rd and 4^th installment payments.

Click here to read Marty Kiar’s full newsletter.