Escambia county property appraiser

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Escambia County Home & Property Tax Statistics

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, ACS 5-Year Estimates.

Property Taxes By State > Alabama > Escambia County Property Tax > Escambia County Tax Assessor

The Escambia County Assessor is responsible for appraising real estate and assessing a property tax on properties located in Escambia County, Alabama. You can contact the Escambia County Assessor for:

• Your property tax bill
• Paying your property tax
• Reporting upgrades or improvements
• Information on your property's tax assessment
• Appealing your property tax appraisal
• Checking the Escambia County property tax due date

Bellville AveThe Escambia County Assessor's Office is located in Brewton, Alabama. Brewton is the county seat of Escambia County, where most local government offices are located. The assessor's office is located in the same building as the Escambia County government, at Belleville Avenue.

There are three major roles involved in administering property taxes - Tax Assessor, Property Appraiser, and Tax Collector. Note that in some counties, one or more of these roles may be held by the same individual or office. For example, the Escambia County Tax Assessor may also serve as the Escambia County Tax Appraiser.

1. The Escambia County Tax Assessor is responsible for setting property tax rates and collecting owed property tax on real estate located in Escambia County.

2. The Escambia County Property Appraiser is responsible for determining the taxable value of each piece of real estate, which the Tax Assessor will use to determine the owed property tax.

3. The Escambia County Tax Collector is responsible for collecting property tax from property owners. They issue yearly tax bills to all property owners in Escambia County, and work with the sheriff's office to foreclose on properties with delinquent taxes.

When contacting Escambia County about your property taxes, make sure that you are contacting the correct office. You can call the Escambia County Tax Assessor's Office for assistance at . Remember to have your property's Tax ID Number or Parcel Number available when you call!

Please call the assessor's office in Brewton before you send documents or if you need to schedule a meeting. If you have general questions, you can call the Escambia County government at .

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"What is my house worth?"  These real estate appraisers can answer that and much more all over Escambia County.  Whether it is appraising your home for a property tax appeal if your property taxes are too high, valuing your home for estate work or a divorce or helping you secure a HELOC, a local appraiser is best.  They obviously also appraise new construction homes as well as existing homes, and can do it for a home listing, before or after a sale.  They use the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service) to gather data on sales and listings and use them to professionally tell you what the price per square foot should be for your home and others in your area.  They also can determine if there's any effect on the value of your home from pending foreclosures, REOs, and other "short sales" in Escambia County.  A licensed and certified appraiser's estimates of value on residential single family homes, condos, townhouses and more are much better than what you'll find when using an AVM (automated valuation model) or a BPO (Broker Price Opinion).  They can do an appraisal for VA, FHA, conventional, jumbo, and Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac purposes, and routinely provide those reports on URAR, drive-by, and MC ( Market Condition) forms as well as others.

These appraisers also perform valuations on commercial property ranging from single to multiple tenant office buildings, shopping centers, retail, industrial, malls, hospitals, health care facilities, warehouses, and hotels to multi-family apartment buildings, co-ops, senior housing, condominium developments, and even vacant land, agricultural, and golf courses.  Regardless of the property type or local zoning, they'll determine the highest and best use of the project and assess the value using the actual or projected cash flow from the property's rent roll and financial statements, using both cap rates for capitalizing year one net operating income (NOI) and discounted cash flow (DCF) of multiple future income streams.  If you're a commercial lender, investor, builder, contractor, architect, or agent, you'll want to use these appraisers to conduct a feasibility analysis of any income producing real estate project you may be considering.  They can also help consult on construction costs and projected absorption rates.  They generally produce a commercial narrative appraisal when engaged for any commercial assignment.

(Note: If you're an appraiser, click here to find out more about XSites and how they help your business.)

The newest member of the Santa Rosa Island Authority comes to the board well-versed in the complex history of tax disputes on Pensacola Beach. 

Gary "Bubba" Peters is chief deputy for Escambia County Property Appraiser Chris Jones. Peters was appointed by Escambia County Commissioner Steven Barry to fill a position on the six-member beach board vacated by Janice Gilley, the county's new administrator.

Peters, a Cantonment native, is a graduate of Tate High School and the University of West Florida. He said Thursday that he is looking forward serving on the board, which controls beach leases and helps to govern beach development. 

"I have been to beaches all over the South and Southeast and to other beaches just in our local area, just a few counties away. Seeing the public access extremely limited elsewhere, that is something we are extremely proud of here in Escambia County to have that public access," he said. 

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Peters said he hopes to use his expertise from the property appraiser's office to help as the authority moves forward with a plan to make the language in Pensacola Beach property leases more uniform. 

He said he doesn't see his position as Jones' chief deputy in conflict with beach leaseholders who have sued Jones, claiming they shouldn't be assessed property taxes on leased property. 

"I would hope any concerns would be quelled as my tenure on the board continues. I don't want be a distraction," he said.  "I hope to contribute my background and knowledge to bring us to place of uniformity and consistency in the lease language," he said. 

Ed Fleming, an attorney representing dozens of Pensacola Beach homeowner associations that have filed tax lawsuits against the county, called Peters "a competent professional."

"We are confident that Mr. Peters would recognize any potential conflicts when and if they arise, and would recuse himself from any votes if a conflict was present," Fleming said. "The Property Appraiser has its role and the SRIA has a separate and distinct role of managing county-owned property in a manner that encourages and enhances this community’s number one economic engine."      

Barry did not return a phone message seeking comment about his reasons for appointing Peters to the board.

Each of the five county commissioners appoints one member to the island authority and one authority member is elected by residents of Pensacola Beach. 

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All Pensacola Beach property is leased, rather than owned, because of a agreement that deeded much of Santa Rosa Island to Escambia County from the federal government. The agreement prohibited the county from selling the land and stipulated the land must be used to benefit the public.

In the s, county leaders created a system of year leases governed by the authority to allow commercial and residential development. The beach properties were initially advertised as tax-free because the land was leased rather than owned. County leaders later turned to the beach for property tax revenue — a move that prompted lawsuits, which continue today.

Adding to the confusion, the leases were worded differently through the decades. Because of the various language in the leases, neighbors with nearly identical houses could have very different lease terms. 

Melissa Nelson Gabriel can be reached at [email protected] or

The value of Pensacola-area properties shot up as much as 8% in the past year as the pandemic caused a housing market boom where real estate agents say newcomers flocked to the Panhandle with newly remote jobs and existing residents evaluated their living situation with so much time at home.

The property appraisers for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties sent off the tax rolls to the Florida Department of Revenue for audit late last month, which will make the results official, but preliminary data shows a rise that could continue through to next year.

The increase in property values will have an impact on local municipalities' budgets as much of their revenue is generated from property taxes, and it will allow them to begin budget workshops and work on the next year's tax rates. The area's budget workshops will likely begin this month.

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Escambia County Property Appraiser Chris Jones said the county's average increase in property value was about %, but the city limits saw the biggest increase at about 8% over numbers.

"The housing market overall is very hot right now," he said. "We have low supply and high demand, which creates value and that's transferred into higher asking prices."

In particular, he said the area around Navy Federal Credit Union in Beulah has seen an increase, as well as downtown and the area just west of downtown around the Tanyard.

The property appraiser's determination of a property's value doesn't impact a homeowner much as long as they have a homestead exemption, though those homeowners should still expect a small increase in their property tax bill this fall.

The state imposes a limit on the property tax increases for homestead-exempt properties each year at either 3% or the consumer price index, whichever one is lower, according to Santa Rosa County Property Appraiser Gregory Brown.

He said this past year, the consumer price index was about %, so that's the amount of increase homestead-exempt homeowners are likely to see on their tax bill.

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The cap doesn't apply if the property's owner doesn't have homestead exemption, like if it isn't their primary residence, for example, and it's reset any time there's a sales transaction on the property, which has happened in record numbers this year.

The property tax rolls are based on values as of Jan. 1, so both counties' property appraisers expect to see an even further increase in values come Jan. 1, , which would incorporate the historic number of sales and sales price spikes so far this year.

"We're constantly looking at the market and we review the sales data taking place in the market in placing value for the next year, and we've seen the trend only increase over the last several months," Brown said. "The sheer volume of transactions has been crazy."

On the commercial side, Jones said Escambia County's properties didn't see the same increase, which is thought to be a result of office spaces staying empty and the demand for them waning. However, he said, the values didn't decrease and it's likely they'll pick back up by next year.

"It's flatter (with commercial), much flatter, but there's certain segments like warehousing that went up, some medical offices went up, but bars, restaurants, hotels and motels, they may take a little retreat or be flat this year," he said. "Hopefully it's a one-year blip and they'll regain that value next year."

Gulf Breeze-area properties saw less of a rise than others, which Brown thinks could be due to the Pensacola Bay Bridge outage causing a less desirable market for buyers, but he said other areas saw an across-the-board increase, specifically Milton, Pace and Navarre.

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"We're seeing more demand for people to have home offices and additional bedrooms whereas in the past you might've seen smaller homes were the trend," Brown said. "Our market value from to is in the neighborhood of over 10% so we'll keep tracking those trends."

Overall, Santa Rosa County saw increases in the 5% to 6% range, but it varies by taxing district.

Both Jones and Brown stressed the importance of filing for homestead exemption on primary residences, which can save a significant amount of money on tax bills. Although the deadline has passed for this year, they said there are sometimes exceptions so contacting the property appraiser's office is important.

The state will certify tax rolls by August, and tax bills will be issued in November.

Emma Kennedy can be reached at [email protected] or

No. 1. Regular Homestead,exempt an all state taxes up to $4, in assessed value and up to $2, of assessed value of all county tax (except for county school taxes). This must be a single family, owner occupied, principal residence used exclusively for residential purposes.

No. 2. Must be over 65 years of age with an annual adjusted gross income of $12, or more as shown on taxpayer's state income tax return. Exempt on all state taxes up to acres of land regardless of value (no $4, limit). Exempt on all county taxes up to $2, of assessed value. No exemption on school taxes and municipal taxes. This is joint income of husband and wife. This must be a single family, owner occupied, principal residence used exclusively for residential purposes.

No. 3. Must be over 65 years of age with an annual adjusted gross income of less than $12, as shown on taxpayer's state income tax return. Exempt on all state taxes and up to acres of land. Exempt up to $5, of assessed value on county taxes including countywide and school district taxes. (No exemption on municipal taxes). This is joint income of husband and wife.This must be a single family, owner occupied, principal residence used exclusively for residential purposes.

No. 4. Total exemption for persons over 65 years of age, having a taxable income of under $12, as shown on federal income tax return, and up to acres of land. Exemption also applies to persons who are permanently and totally disabled, regardless of income and age. This is joint income of husband and wife. This must be a single family, owner occupied, principal residence used exclusively for residential purposes.

OVER AGE 65 EXEMPTIONS SHOULD BE APPLIED FOR EACH YEAR. CURRENT INCOME TAX RETURNS MUST BE PRESENTED TO PROVE INCOME. PROOF OF DISABILITY MAY BE, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, WRITTEN CERTIFICATION OF SUCH DISABILITY BY ANY TWO LICENSED PHYSICIANS.

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Where to Apply for exemptions:

Tax Assessor's Office

When to Apply for exemptions:

Before December 31st of Each Calendar Year

Renew:

"Reclaim Forms" Will Be Mailed Annually, You Have Until December 31 to Return Them

Available Exemptions:

• All Governmental Property
• Cemeteries
• All Property Used Exclusively for Religious Worship
• Property Used Exclusively for Hospital Purposes, Which have Wards for Charity
• American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars or Disabled American Veterans
• Property of Literacy & Scientific Institutions
• Libraries not of a Professional Character
• Property of Deaf Mutes & Insane Persons
• Property of all Incompentent Veterans
• Property Owned by the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks
• Fraternal Order of Police, Fraternal Order of Eagles or Loyal Order of Moose
• All HUD Property
• Active Military that Do Not Claim an Alabama Homestead Are Exempt for Manufactured Mobile Homes
• "Industrial" Property that is Purchased with Industrial Development Bonds Monies
• "Medical" Property Owned by the Medical Clinic Board
• YMCA Property

See Alabama Code for a Complete Listing

It is the responsibility of the property owner to apply for any exemptions for which they may qualify.

Real Property

Real property is defined by statue and is synonymous with REAL ESTATE. Real Estate is the physical land and appurtenances attached to the land, i.e., structures. (RESIDENTIAL and COMMERCIAL)

The assessment process plays an important role in local government. Equitable assessments assure property owners that they are asked to pay only their fair share of the cost of operating libraries, schools, police protection, and other necessary governmental services.

Alabama statues require that Reappraisal Department to maintain all real estate values. Staff appraisers visit properties when new to measure and inventory construction components. Staff appraisers also review for changes based on an application of a building permit, recent sales, at taxpayer request, etc.

Purpose of Appraisals: The purpose of the appraisal is to estimate the fair market value of the real estate for administering ad valorem tax burden fairly and equitably. The effective date of appraisal by statue is October 1st of each calendar year. Definition of Market Value: "Market Value" is defined as the most probable price, expressed in terms of money, that a property would bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the price is not affected by an undue stimulus. Analysis of Market Values: Once market values have been calculated based on information gathered by the property appraiser, the values are analyzed to determine how accurate and equitable they are. The property appraiser does not create market value. The buying and selling of property by the general public establishes the value of property in the real estate marketplace.

A comparison of assessments to sale prices is performed to determine ratios, which are then used to measure the levels and uniformity of assessments. Sales ratios studies by neighborhood, type of property, and other characteristics are performed on a regular basis to assure uniformity in values.

Sales File: The county has an inventory of sales that have occured and the latest are stored in a CAMA (Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal) database. The data is collected on an ongoing basis. Notice of Valuation: The Tax Assessor is required by law to notify the property owner every four years of their property value. If your property value changes in the interim years you will also receive notification. Notification will be mailed to the owner of record. Remember: Real property taxes are billed October 1st of each calendar year. Taxes can be paid between October 1st and December 31st of each calendar without penalty. Taxes become delinquent after December 31st. Any unpaid taxes are assessed fees and interest per month beginning in January of each calendar year. All unpaid property is sold at auction in May to the highest bidder. The property is sold with a three year "right of Redemption". Personal property has no right of redemption.

Popularity:#4 of 71 Assessor Offices in Florida#57 in Assessor Offices

Escambia County Appraiser's Office Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Fax Number for Escambia County Appraiser's Office, an Assessor Office, at Palafox Place, Pensacola FL.

Name

Escambia County Appraiser's Office

Address

Palafox Place
Pensacola, Florida,

Phone

Fax

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