Recently the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles announced a series of rule changes affecting customers who need to obtain vehicle registrations, driver licenses and commercial driver licenses. Below is a synopsis of the changes and when they take effect.

September 23, 2024
Vehicle Registration
Defines “valid passport”

As of September 23, 2024, customers filing an application for a vehicle registration must provide a valid driver license or identification card issue by the state of Florida, or a valid passport which is now defined as:

1. An unexpired passport or passport card issued by the United States government; or
2. An unexpired passport issued by the government of another country with:
   • A stamp or mark affixed by the United States Department of Homeland Security onto the passport to evidence and authorize lawful presence in the United States; or
   • An unexpired I-94 or current permanent resident card, or unexpired immigrant visa, issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security.

October 1, 2024
Driver License and ID Card
Changes to residential address requirements

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has revised the policy on providing proof of residential address for issuing credentials. Starting October 1, 2024, customer must now provide either:

1. Two (2) proofs of address in their own name; or
2. Two (2) proofs of address in the name of someone they live with (called the “certifier”) along with the completed Certification of Address form (3 documents total). If the customer is providing a Certification of Address form, the certifier either must be with them in person at the time of the transaction, or the form must be notarized.
   • When using proof in someone else’s name, one of the two proofs provided MUST be a deed, mortgage statement, or lease agreement to prove that the certifier rents or leases the property.
   • The second proof of address must be one of the following:
     • Florida Voter Registration Card
     • Selective Service Card
     • Florida Vehicle or Vessel Documentation
     • Utility Bills dated within the last 30 days (ex: water, gas, electricity, telephone/cell, cable etc.)
     • Financial Statement dated within the last 30 days (ex: bank, credit card or investment account statements)
     • Professional license issued by a U.S. government agency
     • Employer Documentation dated within the last 30 days (ex: paycheck stub, W-2 form)
     • Insurance policy or bill for Homeowner’s and/or Automobile dated within the last 30 days
     • Documents issued by Federal, State, County or city government agencies dated within last 30 days
     • FDLE Registration form completed by the local sheriff’s office or Department of Corrections dated within the last 30 days

October 7, 2024
Commercial Driver License and Commercial Learner’s Permit
Changes to residence requirements.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has determined that proof of residential address submitted to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) or Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) does not always meet the Florida residence requirements. Therefore, in order to ensure each applicant is a “Florida Resident,” all customers applying for an original CDL or CLP must present one of the documents to establish Florida residency:

• • A current Florida Driver License or Florida Identification Card held for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months.
  • A lease agreement, in the customer’s name, that has been in place for a period of more than six (6) consecutive months.
  • A current residential mortgage, in the customer’s name, signed more than six (6) months ago.
  • A current residential deed, in the customer’s name, signed more than six (6) months ago.
  • A Florida Voter Registration Card.
  • A statement of domicile. (Declarations of Domicile are filed with the Lee Clerk of Courts – Official Records Department.)
  • A homestead tax exemption on property in Florida. (Proof of homestead exemption can be located by searching for the property record on leepa.org and clicking the “Exemption Renewal Letter.”)

On July 31, 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) will begin implementing legislation which amends Florida Statute 322.14 (1)(a) and requires the distinguishing numbers assigned to a driver license or identification card to include at least four randomly generated numbers. This new system aims to improve security and safeguard individuals’ identities.

While the license or identification card format will remain the same, a different formula utilizing randomization will now be used to determine the driver license numbers assigned to a customer. Customers renewing or replacing their license or identification cards in person or online will be issued a new number. Those applying for a first-time license or identification card will be issued a card that meets the new statutory requirements.  No action needs to be taken until a customer needs to renew or replace a license.

Once the new number has been issued, it will only change again if the customer’s last name changes. Any new credential, printed report or receipt will display the newly generated driver license or identification number.

FLHSMV offers a quick, convenient way to renew a driver license or ID card online at MyDMV Portal if eligible.

Customers must go into an office:

• If a customer used the online convenience service on their last renewal.
• If a customer is not REAL ID compliant.
• If a customer wishes to update their photo.
• If the customer changes their name using an original or certified court order or marriage certificate.
• If a customer wishes to add or remove a designation or has a court order to update their credential.
• If a customer is getting a Florida driver license or ID card for the first time.
• If the customer holds a commercial driver license.
• If the license has the word “TEMPORARY” printed on it.

Please visit our ‘What to Bring’ page for information regarding what to bring to renew or replace a credential.

Read the full FLHSMV article here.

The Lee County Tax Collector’s Office is excited to announce its participation in a back-to-school supply drive. From July 8 – July 19, 2024, customers are encouraged to drop off school supplies at any of our six service center locations.

Basic supplies like notebooks, pencils, pens, markers, erasers, glue sticks, crayons and dry erase markers are welcome. Drop boxes will be conveniently located at all our service centers. For a list of locations, please visit our website LeeTC.com/Locations.

Donations benefit the Education Resource Center at The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, which aims to support local teachers by ensuring they have the necessary resources, at no cost, to provide a quality education to their students.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Foundation for this important cause,” said Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector and FLCPS Executive Board Member. “We know how much of their own money teachers spend on classroom supplies. Supporting our teachers means investing in our children and our community.”

For those who cannot make it into an office to drop off supplies, the Foundation has an Amazon Wishlist where items can be purchased and directly shipped to the Education Resource Center.

The Lee County Tax Collector’s Office is dedicated to delivering 5-star service and ensuring all customers have access to convenient and efficient ways to manage their transactions.

To better understand the needs and preferences of our community, we have launched a survey to gather feedback regarding our online services.

We recognize that many residents prefer the convenience of online transactions, yet some still choose to visit our offices in person. By participating in this brief survey, customers can help us identify the reasons behind these preferences so we can plan for the future.

We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey, whether you are a regular user of our online services or have never tried them before. To participate, please visit our survey website.

Your feedback is essential in helping us create a more efficient, secure, and user-friendly experience.

June, 2024

In an effort to continue saving customers time and provide added convenience, the Lee County Tax Collector has launched the online sale of specialty license plates.

With causes ranging from education to environment, sports to health, Florida offers more than 100 different specialty plates on behalf of various organizations. The money raised from their sale goes directly to the organization. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, since inception, millions of dollars have been raised.

With the launch of online sales at LeeTC.com, buying these specialty plates has never been easier. The platform allows customers to view the designs and select their preferred option, paying by credit card, debit card or e-check. Once the order is placed, the plate is mailed directly to them. Customers can even purchase them as gifts for others.

“We know time is precious,” says Tax Collector Noelle Branning. “This new platform provides convenience for our customers, allowing us to deliver 5-star service quickly and efficiently, which is our mission.”

Including the purchase of specialty plates, customers can also renew their vehicle registration, pay their property taxes, apply for and renew a business tax receipt, buy specialty plate vouchers and in some cases, renew their driver license online through LeeTC.com/pay-online. Customers can also run reports for Real Estate and Business Tax.

April 2024

The County will be sealing and striping the part of the parking lot marked in orange at our Lehigh Acres Service Center on Wednesday and Thursday April 10 and 11.

The entrance to the lot from Milwaukee Boulevard will be closed.

Please use the entrance on Homestead Boulevard South.

April 2024

Need to print a property tax receipt for your 2024 taxes?

You can do that in three simple steps:

1. Visit our property tax payment website.
2. Enter your name or address in the search field and select your record.
3. The Account History will display the tax year and show paid.
4. A receipt can be printed by clicking Print(PDF).

Lee County Tax Collector’s Lehigh Acres Office Relocating to Better Serve Residents

We’re moving! The Lee County Tax Collector is moving its Lehigh Acres Service Center to a new location, effective March 19, 2024. This move comes as part of our ongoing commitment to enhance services and accessibility for residents.

The new office, located at 600 Homestead Road South is a state-of-the-art facility with modern amenities. Designed to provide a more efficient and comfortable experience for customers, the 9,640 square foot office will offer assistance with property tax payments, driver licenses and ID cards, titles and registrations, disabled parking permits, hunting and fishing licenses and birth certificates. HazMat fingerprinting will be added to the list of services later this spring.

“I am incredibly excited about the relocation of our Lehigh Acres office,” says Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector. “This move underscores our dedication to serving the needs of our residents with exceptional levels of service from our knowledgeable staff. I truly believe it will change the way people feel about our office and how we deliver service.”

Our current office on Lee Boulevard will close at 5pm on Thursday, March 14, with the new office opening at 8:30am on March 19. During the transition customers are encouraged to visit our website, LeeTC.com, or another branch office, to complete their transactions.

February 26, 2024

Need some new bling for the front of your car? Buy a decorative tag designed by fifth graders in the School District of Lee County!

The Lee County Tax Collector and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools have opened the online ordering portal LeeTC.com/Kids-Tag-Art/2023-24. The portal features 3,460 student designs from 42 different schools. All proceeds from the sales go back to participating art teachers to purchase supplies and introduce new techniques, like 3D art, to their students.

Kids Tag Art was started in Lee County in 2016 and inspires fifth grade students to design their own license plates fashioned after Florida’s specialty plate program. Students learn how these license plates support deserving causes, like environmental protection, health initiatives and public education. Then their designs are turned into tags that can be placed on the front of a vehicle or on a bike. Key fobs, mouse pads and mugs are also available.

Since the program’s inception, more than $200,000 have been raised and given to participating art teachers in Lee County.

The Philanthropist Sponsor for Kids Tag Art is Suncoast Credit Union. Other sponsors include Lee County Electric Co-op (LCEC), Edison Bank/Bank of the Islands, Grant Street Group, First Horizon, Dprint, JP Morgan, and The Community Foundation providing additional funding to support our teachers.

I need to change my mailing address – who do I call?
The Property Appraiser is responsible for maintaining property records, including the mailing address. You can make the change on their website, www.leepa.org or call their office at 239-533-6100.

I have a question about my exemptions – who do I call?
The Property Appraiser is responsible for maintaining property records, including the exemptions. You can visit their website for more information, www.leepa.org or call their office at 239-533-6100.

How do I know if my payment was received?
Visit our website www.LeeTC.com and click Pay Online. Choose Property Tax and enter your name or address in the following search field and select your record. The Account History will display the tax year and show Unpaid or Paid. A receipt can be printed from the Print(PDF) action. Please allow 7 – 10 days for mail and processing.

How can I get a receipt for my tax payment?
Visit our property tax payment website enter your name or address in the search field and select your record. The Account History will display the tax year and show paid. A receipt can be printed by clicking Print(PDF).

How do I print my property tax bill?
Visit our property tax payment website enter your name or address in the search field and select your record. Click on Print(PDF) which is located under the “Add to Cart” button. You can print a hard copy or save the file to your computer.

Can I still sign up for the installment payment plan for 2023?
Unfortunately, no. Applications for quarterly installment payments must be received in our office by April 30^th of the current tax year. You can submit an application for the 2024 tax year. Visit https://leetc.com/payment-options/ to learn more.

Can I make payments on my 2023 property tax bill?
Unfortunately, no. Partial payments are no longer being accepted for the 2023 tax year. Check our payment options page in November 2024 for details on how to sign up at that time.

I no longer have a mortgage, why is a mortgage company listed on my tax notice?
If you have recently paid your mortgage in full, your property may have still been listed on their records for tax payments. Contact the mortgage company to be sure there are no escrow funds allocated for the current tax year. Although the mortgage company is listed, you can still make the payment in November to receive the 4% discount.

Why did I get a tax bill for the full year when I just bought the property?
Property taxes are accounted for when closing on a property and charged or credited for your portion by the closing agent. The tax bill for the full year is sent to the current owner of record. Refer to your settlement (closing) statement or call your title company or attorney if you have
any questions.

I sold this property, why am I getting a tax bill?
Annual tax bills are mailed to the owner of record as of the date the official tax role is sent to us from the Property Appraiser. Change of ownership is recorded with the Clerk of Court, then sent to the Property Appraiser, so it may just be an issue of timing. You can forward the bill to the new owner or refer to your closing agent for tax payment.

Why did I get a Tangible Tax bill for my property?
Tangible Personal Property refers to all assets used in a business or rental activity of a home that are subject to an ad valorem assessment. More specifically, it is furniture, fixtures, tools, machinery, household appliances, equipment, signs, leasehold improvements, supplies, and leased equipment – whatever is used to generate income. If you recently purchased a home that is no longer used for rental, contact the Property Appraiser’s office at 239-533-6140.