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All
unpaid real estate taxes become delinquent on April 1
each year, with a 3% penalty added to the taxes.
In the month of May the delinquent taxes are advertised
in the local newspaper once a week for three (3)
consecutive weeks before a tax certificate sale is held
following the payment deadline. The advertising cost is
added to the amount of the tax bill due.
On
or before June 1, the Tax Collector is required by law
to hold a tax certificate sale. The certificates
represent a lien on all unpaid real estate
properties. The sale allows citizens to buy a
certificate by paying off the owed tax debt. The
sale is conducted in reverse auction style with
participants bidding downward on interest rates starting
at 18%. The certificate is awarded to the lowest
bidder.
All
unpaid tangible personal property becomes delinquent on
April 1 each year, with a 1.5% penalty added each month.
Within 45 days of delinquency the Tax Collector is
required to advertise in the local newspaper all unpaid
personal property taxes for one week. If the taxes
remain unpaid, a warrant will be issued.
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Lois Howell-Hunter
BIOGRAPHY
Lois Howell-Hunter, is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. She was elected as Tax Collector in 2000 and is currently serving her 4th term in office. Mrs. Hunter has made history as being the first female and the first African-American to serve in this capacity in Jefferson County.
As Tax Collector, it is Mrs. Hunter's goal to provide the citizens of Jefferson County with the most curteous, friendly, efficient and professional level of service possible. Prior to becoming Tax Collector Mrs. Hunter worked as a Clerk here at the Tax Office for 16 years.
Lois Howell-Hunter received her Certified Florida Collector designation(C.F.C.) from the Florida Department of Revenue in 2001. She is actively involved in the Florida Tax Collectors Association, which works to promote fairness, efficiency and accountability. In her leadership role, Lois has made significant improvements in the office operations and customer service which have directly impacted the community.
Recently, Mrs. Hunter was installed as a District Director (District 3) on the Board of Directors of the Florida Tax Collectors, Inc., the state-wide Association of Florida's 67 Tax Collectors. The Association is made up of hard working public servants, whose top focus is on providing fast, efficient and responsive service to our customers.
Mrs. Hunter is active in her community, supports many local initiatives and has received many awards. She is a current member of Casa Bianca Missionary Baptist Church and the mother of Yolonda Nealy and grandmother of Londra, Tre', Kalaree and Kelani.
Mrs. Hunter deems it an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Jefferson County.
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