It’s June, and you know what that means! Nope, if you guessed summer, beaches, or family vacations, you’d be mistaken. It’s that time of year again when our office submits the estimated taxable values to our seven taxing authorities. It marks the beginning of budget workshops, millage rate discussions, and—of course—the inevitable social media debates on how taxpayer dollars should be managed.

Buckle up, because budget season is officially here!

Here in our beautiful county, conversations often center around the needs of our community—more law enforcement to keep us safe, stronger fire protection to respond when it matters most, better infrastructure to support growth, improved schools for our children, well-maintained roads, and competitive wages for those who serve in government and county roles. These are not just ideas; they are the heartbeat of a thriving community.

But behind each of these important priorities is a simple truth: public services are funded by taxes, and those taxes are directly connected to the property values established by the Citrus County Property Appraiser's Office. Our office plays a crucial role in ensuring that those values are fair, transparent, and accountable. We’re not just putting numbers on properties—we're helping to secure the resources that support our law enforcement, pave our roads, fund our schools, and strengthen our community.

We understand that when property values are assessed accurately and equitably, it enables the services our residents depend on to flourish. It’s more than just valuations—it’s about contributing to the well-being and progress of Citrus County. Together, we are building a stronger community, one assessment at a time.

Many residents might not realize that the values determined by the Citrus County Property Appraiser's Office aren't just set locally and left at that. Every year, our office submits all property valuations to the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) for a thorough review and approval. This important step isn’t just a formality—it’s a critical layer of oversight that ensures our assessments align with state laws and reflect current market trends.

This process promotes consistency and fairness, not just within Citrus County but across the entire state. It’s a safeguard that protects not only the integrity of our office but also you, the property owner. By maintaining strict standards and accountability, we help ensure that property values are assessed equitably, providing peace of mind that your tax dollars are calculated with fairness and transparency.

It’s one more way we’re committed to serving you with integrity and accuracy, year after year.

This approval process begins with our property maps. These maps provide the structural foundation for understanding how land and property are distributed and used across the county. The next phase is sales verification—an intensive process where property transactions are reviewed to determine which sales reflect fair market value. Only then do we finalize property values, which are carefully calculated to be as accurate as possible based on current market conditions.

By June 1st of each year, our office sends a preliminary estimate of property values to the seven taxing authorities within Citrus County. This allows those authorities—such as the County Commission, and the two city municipalities—to begin building their budgets with a solid understanding of their expected revenue.

By July 1st, the final certified property values are delivered, and those agencies can finalize their financial plans for the coming fiscal year. As soon as that process wraps up, our office immediately shifts focus to the next assessment cycle—because in a growing county like Citrus, there is no downtime.

Around mid-August, property owners across Citrus County receive their TRIM notices—Truth in Millage statements. These are more than just pieces of paper; they are powerful tools that give you insight and an understanding about your property’s assessed value, the proposed tax rates of each authority, and the estimated taxes based on those rates.

Here at the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office, we are committed to making sure every property owner not only receives their TRIM notice but truly understands what it means. We work tirelessly to ensure transparency and clarity because we believe that an informed community is an empowered community.

This is your opportunity to see where your tax dollars are projected to go, to ask questions, and to engage in the process. When you open that envelope, know that you are holding a key to understanding how your contributions help shape the very community we all call home. Empower yourself. Get involved. Let’s build a stronger Citrus County—together.

We strongly encourage residents to contact our office if they have any concerns about their property value or if they believe they may have missed filing for a property exemption. This communication helps resolve issues early and ensures that everyone is being taxed fairly and equitably.

It’s easy to ask for more from the local government. But those services come with costs, and those costs are directly linked to property taxes. The Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office sits at the core of that funding equation. Without accurate, fair property values—and without the

rigorous process that ensures their legitimacy—our local government wouldn't have the financial foundation to operate.

So, the next time you see a new fire station, a sheriff’s deputy on patrol, or hear about budget debates, remember: it all starts with property assessments. The Property Appraiser’s Office isn’t just a technical branch of county government—it’s the engine behind the services that make Citrus County a safe, functioning, and thriving community.