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.

This year, more than 562,000 tax notices are being mailed to property and business owners in Lee County.  Here is a guide to help you better understand how to read and understand the content of your tax bill. 

Remember, annual taxes are determined using the following calculation:

All the above components are listed on your tax bill, you just need to know where to look.

Let’s work through the bill using this guide, starting from the upper left corner. There, your Account Number and Alternate Key are listed. Those will be useful if you need to contact our office, or the Property Appraiser’s Office.

To the right of the Account Number, are the site address and legal description of the property. Any changes to those will need to be made by contacting the Property Appraiser’s Office at www.leepa.org or 239-533-6100.

Moving further to the right is a QR Code. Scanning that code with your mobile phone’s camera will take you directly to your online account where you can pay your taxes.

Furthest to the right, in the upper corner of the bill is a list of exemptions and their values. If you have questions about these, please contact the Property Appraiser’s Office at www.leepa.org or 239-533-6100.

The center of the page has a list of Levying Authorities along with their telephone numbers and rates. Any questions about the rates or services provided, need to be answered by calling the Levying Authority directly.

About 2/3 of the way down the page, on the right, above the perforation line, you will see the total amount of Ad Valorem and Non-Ad Valorem Taxes.

However, if paid early, there is a discount on that amount. Taxes paid in November receive a 4% discount, December a 3% discount, January a 2% and February is a 1% discount. Those amounts are reflected in the payment box on the bottom right of the notice.

Simply check the box next to the amount you wish to pay, tear off the coupon and return it, along with payment, in the envelope provided.

You can also pay online by scanning the QR code at the top of the bill, or by going to www.LeeTC.com and clicking Pay Online.

For additional guidance on which office to call with questions, please refer to the chart below, located on the back of the notice.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to know who to contact with questions regarding your property taxes. Below, we’ve collected the most common questions about your property taxes and related topics!

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

How do I know if my payment was received?
Visit our property tax payment website and enter your name or address in the search field. Select your record. The Account History will display the tax year and show PAID or UNPAID. Please allow 7 – 10 days for mail and processing before this information is posted.

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. Select your record. The Account History will display the tax year and show PAID. A receipt can be printed by clicking “Print (PDF).”

Can I still sign up for the installment payment plan for 2024?
Unfortunately, no. Applications for quarterly installment payments needed to be received in our office by April 30, 2024. You can submit an application for the 2025 tax year. Those are due by April 30, 2025. Visit https://leetc.com/payment-options/ to learn more.

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. 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 closing statement or call your title company or attorney if you have 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 be an issue of timing. You can forward the bill to the new owner or refer it to your closing agent.

Why did I get a Tangible Tax bill for my property?
Tangible Personal Property refers to assets used in a business or on the rental activity of a home. 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.

Pop Quiz!

You’ve received your tax bill and have a question about why your taxes are so high. Who should you call? The Tax Collector, the Property Appraiser, or the Taxing Authority?

The answer may not be what you think. To be fair, our system can be confusing, especially for residents coming from other states.

In Florida, the Constitution establishes two different elected positions to work with taxing authorities (i.e. the County Commission, City Councils or School District), to comprise our Property Tax System.

It’s like three legs of a stool.

The Property Appraiser values properties and prepares and certifies the tax roll (including assessed values, exemptions, legal description, assessed owners’ names and mailing addresses).

The Taxing Authorities establish millage rates and other assessments based on revenue needed to operate.

The Tax Collector receives all that information and prints and mails the tax bills, collects payment, and distributes the funds to the taxing authorities.

While we all work together, each plays a distinct role in the system.

So, the pop quiz question could have two answers: The Property Appraiser and/or the Taxing Authority.

For more information about each of our offices and who to contact with frequently asked questions, we’ve created the following chart:

This printable handout also explains the responsibilities of each office, so you know who to contact with questions!

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.”)