FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2024

Lee County Tax Collector Partners with Toys for Tots for Annual Toy Drive
Join Us in Spreading Joy This Holiday Season

On this Giving Tuesday, The Lee County Tax Collector’s Office is proud to announce its second year partnering with Toys for Tots.

Starting today through Friday, December 13, community members are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys at any of our six service center locations. Donation boxes, clearly marked for the toy drive, are in each lobby, making it easy for customers to contribute while completing their transaction. In addition to in-person donations, online contributions can also be made directly to Toys for Tots.

“Toys for Tots has a wonderful tradition of bringing joy to children during the holidays, and we are honored to partner with them again,” said Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector. “We invite our community to embrace the spirit of giving by donating a toy and helping ensure every child experiences the magic of the holidays.”

For more information about Lee County’s Toys for Tots program, visit their website.

We’re hopping with excitement to introduce Skippy, the newest addition to the Lee County Tax Collector team!

Skippy isn’t your average rabbit—he’s a tech-savvy, time-saving enthusiast, here to help customers navigate their way to an easier, more efficient experience.

Skippy’s mission is simple: to encourage everyone to “Skip the Line – Go Online!” Why wait in line when you can hop onto our website and handle your service needs from the comfort of your home? Skippy is passionate about showing you how easy it is to renew registrations, pay property taxes, or order specialty plates with just a few clicks.

With his friendly personality and boundless energy, Skippy perfectly represents our commitment to convenience and efficiency.

Skippy is more than just a character—he’s part of our effort to make customer service as seamless as possible by helping reduce wait times and ensure our offices are accessible to everyone anytime.

Please give Skippy a warm welcome as he hops into his role as our online advocate. And remember, when you’ve got business to take care of, follow Skippy’s advice: “Skip the Line – Go Online!”

LEE COUNTY, FL (October 31, 2024) – Today, 541,741 tax bills are being mailed to property and business owners in Lee County. Property owners who signed up to receive their bill electronically will receive their emailed notice on November 1, 2024.

These bills reflect the value of the property as of January 1, 2024, when Florida law required them to be assessed.

To make it easier for customers, the Lee County Tax Collector’s Office has introduced two new payment options this year:

• Tax payment kiosks at all service centers which enable customers to quickly pay their bills with a credit card or eCheck and print receipts without waiting in line.
• Secure property tax payment drop boxes available 24/7 at our Downtown and South Fort Myers offices. Customers can drop off payments anytime, allow five business days for processing, and print a receipt at LeeTC.com/print-your-property-tax-receipt.

“Our mission is to deliver 5-star service to our customers,” said Noelle Branning, Lee County Tax Collector. “These new resources not only save property owners time but also provide peace of mind with secure payment options.”

In addition to these new options, tax payments can still be made online at LeeTC.com/pay-online, by mail, or over the phone.

Tax payments are due by March 31, 2025, but customers can take advantage of early payment discounts: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February.

This year’s tax collections are projected to exceed $2.4 billion before discounts, with all funds distributed to Lee County’s Levying Authorities to support essential services like fire rescue, law enforcement, and vital infrastructure including schools, roads, parks, and utilities.

To encourage Floridians to outdoors and explore our state’s natural resources, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering a discount on hunting and fishing licenses.

Beginning October 25, 2024, and extending through January 3, 2025, a 50% discount will apply to the annual resident Gold Sportsman license, 5-year Gold Sportsman license, and Youth Lifetime Sportsman licenses (for ages 0-17), and the annual resident freshwater fishing / saltwater fishing combination license will be discounted to $5.

Promotional Prices:

• Annual Gold Sportsman – $49.25, plus applicable fees
• 5-year Gold Sportsman – $246.25, plus applicable fees
• Lifetime Sportsman:
  • Age 0-4 – $200.00, plus applicable fees
  • Age 5-12 – $350.00, plus applicable fees
  • Ages 13-17 – $500.00, plus applicable fees
• Annual Freshwater Fishing / Saltwater Fishing Combination – $5.00, plus applicable fees

To help customers get the best deal possible, some affected license types will be deactivated. For example, regular Saltwater and Freshwater fishing licenses will be unavailable for the duration of the promotion as the $5.00 combination license covers both privileges. There will be no refunds issued for license purchases made outside of the promotional window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Gold Sportsman Licenses are included?
Residents can purchase the annual or 5-year gold sportsman licenses or youth lifetime sportsman licenses (for ages 0-17) at half the typical cost.

Where can I purchase a discounted FWC sportsman license?
Customers can purchase the discounted youth lifetime sportsman license in person at a tax collector’s office, online at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com, or through the Fish|Hunt FL App on Apple and Android.

Who is eligible for the discount?
Only Florida residents are eligible to purchase the discounted licenses. Florida Residents are:

(1) Any person who has declared Florida as his or her only state of residence as evidenced by a valid Florida driver license or identification card with both a Florida address and a Florida residency verified by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV). Any dependent children residing in the household of a Florida resident.
OR
(2) Active-duty United States military personnel stationed in Florida, including spouses and dependent children residing in the household, with military orders.

The most common disqualifier for Florida residency is a driver’s license from another state.

How long will the discount run?
The promotional period begins October 25, 2024, and ends January 3, 2025.

Will the discount apply automatically?
Yes, the discount will apply automatically to every eligible license.

What if I already have one of the discounted licenses?
You may renew your license within 90 days of expiration. If you renew during the promotional period, you will receive the discount.

What is included in an FWC Sportsman license?
Gold Sportsman and Lifetime Sportsman Licenses both include saltwater fishing, hunting, and freshwater fishing licenses; and wildlife management area, archery, muzzleloading gun, crossbow, deer, turkey, Florida waterfowl, snook, and lobster permits. The migratory bird permit, federal duck stamp, blue crab trap registration, stone crab trap registration, shore-based shark fishing permit, and state reef fish angler are not included in these licenses (all but the federal duck stamp are no-cost).

Are regular hunting and fishing licenses discounted?
No, regular hunting and fishing licenses including Lifetime Hunting/Fresh/Salt individual licenses are not discounted except for the saltwater fishing / freshwater fishing combination license.

If I live in Florida now and buy a Lifetime license, but later move, is my license still valid?
Yes, as long as you are a Florida resident at the time of purchase, your Florida Sportsman Lifetime license will continue to be valid.

If I already have a hunting/freshwater/saltwater lifetime license, will you sell the lifetime sportsman at the discounted price?
You may purchase the Lifetime Gold Sportsman for the discounted price.

How can an active-duty military member or their families receive the discount?
At this time, active-duty military members and their families must present their orders to a local tax collector who can verify their residency and sell them the license. The regular Military Gold Sportsman license will continue to be available.

After a week of extended hours to assist customers whose appointments were canceled due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, all Lee County Tax Collector offices will continue to open early but will return to normal closing hours beginning Monday, October 21, 2024.

Starting Monday through Friday, October 25, all offices will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the first hour (7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.) reserved exclusively for customers who had their appointments canceled due to the hurricanes. This dedicated time will ensure those impacted receive priority service as they reschedule.

As our team has already assisted many customers affected by the storms, we will no longer offer Saturday hours on October 26^th.

Customers affected by the cancellations will be contacted directly via email or text message with details about the adjusted schedule.

For those renewing a vehicle, vessel, or mobile home registration, updating business tax information, purchasing specialty plates or vouchers, or renewing a Florida Driver License or ID, services remain available online at LeeTC.com/pay-online.

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