February 7, 2025 —

Sarasota County property owners displaced from their home due to damage from recent storms, may apply for a 2024 property tax refund. The application (form DR-465) is due by March 1, 2025 and 2024 property taxes must be paid in full by that date. You will normally need to submit proof of damage and rental documentation. The following information is an excerpt from the Property Appraiser’s web site, where full information can be found. You can contact the Property Appraiser’s office at 941-861-8200. The office is located at 2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL 34237.

According to the Sarasota County Property Appraiser, “you may be eligible for a property tax refund due to damage associated with a catastrophic event. The following conditions apply:

• The property must be residential.  Homestead exemption is NOT a requirement.
• The property must have been rendered uninhabitable for at least 30 days from damage associated with a hurricane or other catastrophic event.
• The owner must provide our office with a completed DR-465 Application for Catastrophic Event Tax Refund no later than March 1 of the year following the catastrophic event (Section 197.319,Florida Statutes).  NOTE: This form cannot be submitted until either the property has been repaired OR January 1, whichever comes first.
• The application must be accompanied by supporting documentation showing that the real property could not be inhabited following the date of the catastrophic event.
  • Acceptable documentation includes photographs, insurance claims, contractor statements, permit applications, and certificates of occupancy.
• The taxpayer is still responsible for paying property taxes owed.  If approved, the property appraiser will forward the refund paperwork to the Tax Collector, who will issue a refund after the taxes are paid in full.“

Additional Resources

The State of Florida, Dept of Revenue has published an informative guide to help inform Florida homeowner’s who have suffered property damage:

• A Florida Homeowner’s Guide: Catastrophic Event Property Damage 
• Important information regarding the FEMA 50% rule

The loss or damage to your home due to a calamity (hurricane, storm or otherwise) is a devastating experience. The revaluation of your home is possibly the last thing on your mind; but please let us know as soon as you are able so we can help make the process easier.

Filing a damage report is important, but it does not relieve the homeowner of the requirement to timely file a DR-465 application for tax refund and is not a substitution for that form.