• Property Search
• Property Sales
• Tax Estimator
• Tax Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

---

• What proof do I need to show that I have defective Chinese Drywall?
• How do I contact the Property Appraisers office?
• Will the Property Appraiser reduce the assessed value of my property due to Chinese defective drywall?
• Is there a deadline to submit the defective Chinese drywall documentation to the Property Appraiser's office?
• How will the Property Appraiser assess my property once I have removed the defective drywall and completed the reconstuction?
• How are properties with Chinese drywall problems assessed?
• What other agencies have information or assistance on defective Chinese Drywall?

Contact the Property Appraiser’s Office and provide one or more of the following documents as evidence of defective Chinese drywall in your home:

• Proof that the property has the Knauf brand or other defective drywall.
• Proof that Knauf brand or other defective drywall is causing damage to copper lines and electrical wiring.
• Professional inspection reports.
• Legal documents.
• Insurance claims.

You can contact us through e-mail: pawebmail@miamidade.gov . Please include the phrase ‘Defective Drywall’ in the subject line of your e-mail.

You may also call 786-331-5921, fax to 305-679-7940, or visit our Downtown office.

Once it has been determined the property has defective drywall, its affect on value must be determined.  To evaluate the extent of its value impact, our office will need the following:

• Professional (itemized) cost to remedy (cure), from an architect, engineer, contractor or builder.
• An inspection of the property by Property Appraisal staff may be conducted if necessary.
• The current year assessment will be reduced to reflect the impact of defective drywall.
  

It is recommended that property owners submit pertinent information to our office as soon as possible. The Property Appraiser will continue to receive and review appropriate documentation for the current assessment year.

Property Appraisal staff will review existing reconstruction permits for completion status. 

Once the defective drywall remedial work is completed, Property Appraisal staff will re-inspect the property to confirm its completion as of the statutory assessment date of January 1ST. 

The original value will be re-instated according to Florida law.

County Property Appraisers can assess buildings with defective imported drywall at zero dollars. This means the owners of these homes will pay no taxes on the buildings, while they are being repaired. They will, however, be responsible for paying the taxes on the land and on any extra features such as pools and patios. 

Homeowners with defective drywall must visit the Office of the Property Appraiser and present documented evidence of these conditions. Such documentation could include a report by a professional engineer, building inspector or environmental scientist. Insurance claims can also be used to substantiate your case.

To learn about the signs of Chinese drywall presence, investigations into the problem and to sign up for e-mail updates, homeowners are encouraged to contact the following agencies on the internet or by phone:

• US Consumer Product Safety Commission
  800-638-2772 or http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/index.html
• Florida Attorney General’s Office 
  866-966-7226
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 
  800-435-7352
• Florida Department of Health 
  850-245-4444
• Miami-Dade County Consumer Services Department 
  305-375-3677
• Florida Department of Revenue