How agricultural classification can provide significant benefits to landowners in Lee County. From tax incentives to supporting the local agricultural community, this page is your gateway to understanding and applying for agricultural classification. Explore the possibilities of harnessing the land’s potential and contributing to the vibrant agricultural heritage of Lee County Property Appraiser.
The Benefits of Agricultural Classification in Lee County
The property appraiser determines the agricultural classification of land under F.S. 193,461, where the valuation is based on agricultural utility value.
Agricultural Classification
The appraiser may, before classifying the property, require the taxpayer or its representative to provide information reasonably necessary to demonstrate that the land is being used for agricultural purposes in good faith.
The real estate expert may refuse agricultural suitability for the following areas:
- Land not used or diverted from agricultural use
- The Land was designated as non-agricultural at the request of the owner
- Land on which a plot is registered
- It’s purchased for a price three or more times the agricultural value of the land
Protective Landscapes
Florida offers two ways to get property tax exemptions for conservation uses, environmentally sensitive lands and other protected areas that preserve the natural landscape and ecosystem. The first is a classification of protected areas. The second is the IPTU exemption.
To benefit from classification or exemption, the application must be made to the property appraiser between January 1 and March 1 of the financial year.
Penalty Rates
Anyone who knowingly and intentionally provides false information to claim Homestead Waiver is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by one (1) year in prison and a $5,000 fine. 196.131, F.S.
To benefit from the agricultural classification, the declaration must be submitted to the real estate expert between January 1 and March 1 of the tax year. Only areas that are used for good agricultural purposes are considered agricultural. “Good Faith Agricultural Purposes” means the good faith commercial agricultural use of the Land.