Property Appraiser Carlos Lopez-Cantera Takes Action Against Improper Homestead Exemptions Claimed by Assisted Living Facilities

(Miami, FL – May 3, 2013) –The Office of the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser is ensuring that Homestead Exemptions are only received by those entitled to them. The Office has concluded its first round of investigations of Assisted Living Facilities which are improperly claiming homestead exemptions while operating as businesses known as Community Residential Homes. The facilities found to be in violation of homestead exemption law have been sent a notice of intent to lien.

This month, the Office has issued a total of $3 million in liens, $1.7 million of which are from assisted living facilities that have been determined to be in violation of requirements for a full homestead exemption. A total of 201 community residential homes have been investigated to date in Miami-Dade County and 186 were found to be operating primarily as an Assisted Living Facility while the owner was claiming a homestead exemption, in most cases without residing on the property. Violations are assessed back taxes with 50% penalty and 15% interest per Florida Statute 196.161.

In a statement regarding this investigation, Mr. Lopez-Cantera said, “When someone receives an exemption they are not entitled to, it increases the burden on all other property owners. Though these facilities provide important services, they cannot be allowed to ignore the law to the detriment of others.”

For additional information, please call the Property Appraiser’s Office at (305) 375-4155.