Welcome to the FAQs page for the Sumter County Property Appraiser’s Office. Here, we’ve compiled the most commonly asked questions from property owners, buyers, investors, and real estate professionals. These questions cover property assessments, exemptions, search tools, and how to contact or interact with our office.
Frequently Asked Question
If your question isn’t answered here, feel free to reach out to us directly for personalized assistance.
What does the Sumter County Property Appraiser do?
The Property Appraiser is responsible for identifying, locating, and fairly valuing all property within Sumter County for tax purposes. This includes:
- Determining market and assessed values
- Maintaining property ownership records
- Administering exemptions like Homestead, Veteran, and Senior
- Producing the county’s annual tax roll
- Providing public access to property records
How do I apply for Homestead Exemption in Sumter County?
To apply:
- You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year.
- Apply online through the official Sumter County Property Appraiser website or visit the office in person.
- Required documents include:
- Florida Driver’s License
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of Florida residency (e.g., voter ID, utility bill)
- Social Security numbers for all owners
The deadline to apply is March 1 of the tax year. Review how to apply for exemption and what documents are required.
How can I search for property records in Sumter County?
You can use the Property Search Tool on the Property Appraiser’s website. It allows searches by:
- Owner name
- Address
- Parcel ID
- Subdivision
- Legal description
- Map location
The tool provides access to ownership history, land and building information, exemption status, assessed values, and more—available 24/7.
What is the difference between “market value,” “assessed value,” and “taxable value”?
- Market Value: The estimated price a property would sell for on the open market.
- Assessed Value: The value assigned by the appraiser, based on market value, minus assessment limits (like Save Our Homes cap).
- Taxable Value: Assessed value minus any exemptions (e.g., Homestead). It is the value used to calculate your property taxes.
What exemptions are available to Sumter County property owners?
The office administers a range of exemptions:
- Homestead Exemption
- Senior Low-Income Exemption
- Veteran Disability Exemptions
- Totally and Permanently Disabled Persons Exemption
- Widow/Widower Exemption
- First Responder Exemption
- Institutional and Charitable Property Exemptions
Eligibility varies, so contact the office or check the website for details and requirements.
What are the important property tax-related dates I should know?
- January 1 – Date of ownership and residency required for exemptions
- March 1 – Deadline to apply for exemptions
- August/September – TRIM Notices (proposed tax assessments) are mailed
- November – Property tax bills are issued by the Tax Collector
How are property taxes calculated?
Taxes are calculated by multiplying your taxable value by the millage rate set by local taxing authorities. Exemptions lower your taxable value, which reduces your overall tax bill.
Formula:
Taxable Value × Millage Rate = Estimated Taxes
Can I file for exemptions or view my property info online?
Yes. The Sumter County Property Appraiser offers a secure online portal where you can:
- Apply for Homestead and other exemptions
- View property records
- Review past tax data
- Access parcel maps
- Download public documents
How do I contact the Property Appraiser’s Office?
Main Office Address:
Sumter County Property Appraiser
218 E. McCollum Avenue, Room 200
Bushnell, FL 33513
Phone: (352) 569-6800
Fax: (352) 569-6815
Email: info@sumterpa.com
Website: www.sumterpa.com
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
What if I disagree with the assessed value of my property?
You can:
- Contact the Property Appraiser’s Office to discuss your concerns.
- If unresolved, you may file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) by the deadline stated on your TRIM notice.
Supporting documents like a private appraisal or comparable sales data can strengthen your case.
What is the GIS Mapping Tool and how can I use it?
The Geographic Information System (GIS) tool allows users to view parcel boundaries, land use, zoning, flood zones, and aerial images.
You can access it on the Property Appraiser’s website and search by:
- Address
- Parcel ID
- Owner name
- Map layers (e.g., zoning overlays, utility lines)
Can I request public records?
Yes. Public records, including deeds, assessments, and exemptions, can be requested through:
- The online request form
- In-person at the main office
- By email or fax
The office complies with Florida’s public records laws and processes requests in a timely manner.
Who benefits from using the Property Appraiser’s services?
- Homeowners – To monitor taxes and apply for exemptions
- Buyers & Sellers – To assess fair market value and history
- Realtors – To research neighborhood trends and property data
- Developers & Surveyors – To analyze parcel data and land use
- Attorneys & Title Agents – To verify ownership and legal descriptions
Can I update my mailing address?
Yes. To update your mailing address, you must submit a written request with the property owner’s signature. This can be done via:
- Fax
- In-person
- Online form (if available)
Is there a mobile version of the website?
Yes. The Sumter County Property Appraiser’s website is fully mobile-friendly, allowing property searches, exemption applications, and map viewing from smartphones and tablets.