Hurricane Information

After multiple hurricanes impacted all of us over the past few years, I hope you are progressing with your recovery from the storm’s destruction. In Lee County, tens of thousands of you were impacted and from our community outreach, we understand that many of you are still repairing and replacing your homes and your possessions and may very well be for some time to come.

To ensure that we have accurately determined your property value for the current tax year, we would appreciate it if you would keep us updated on your progress. Just use the personalized code that was sent to you with your most recent Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM Notice) and enter it on our home page or use this link to search for your property.

Here at the Property Appraiser’s office, we remain committed to this community and supportive of all of your efforts towards regaining normal life. Feel free to connect with our office should you have any questions or issues.


Hon. Matthew H. Caldwell
Lee County Property Appraiser


For those of you that were impacted by the hurricanes and had hurricane damage, you may tell us about your property damage by using your personalized code from the bottom of your Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, you can search for your property and then use the Report Property Damage link or you can email us using this hurricane reporting link. You may also directly upload photos and other information.

Our staff will review your submitted information and update our records accordingly. We will contact you if we have any questions or need clarification. Thank you for helping us keep your records up-to-date.

Additional Important Information

See pages 10 and 11 of this FEMA guide Answers to Questions About Substantially Improved / Substantially Damaged Buildings for details on determining building market value.

The Florida Department of Revenue has published information for taxpayers regarding some of the recent hurricanes. These guides offer information for taxpayers regarding property taxes and reporting hurricane damage.

Hurricane Ian: Hurricane Milton: Hurricane Milton Resources


    • Why does this parcel not have a Tax Roll Value Letter? The Tax Roll Value Letter is to assist taxpayers with the FEMA “50% rule” decision-making on their property that has been significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian. In some cases, there is no building value (e.g. vacant land). In other instances, information for the letter doesn’t exist (e.g. condos do not have separate land or building value). In still other cases, the values are an allocated value (many commercial properties valued via the income approach) and don’t adequately represent all of the parts and pieces of the property’s value. We recommend you seek a professional to asssist you with your property’s market value for these properties.

      • Specific to condominium properties, the tax roll value letter cannot be developed as this office does not make a distinct determination of non-covered items (land, pool, parking lot, etc.) for the entire complex. Further, each jurisdiction is charged with deciding how they want to address the division of the fractional ownership of the common Association property. For example, simply combining the value of all of the units in the complex to create a "whole" value not only fails to properly consider whether the "value is equal to the sum of the parts", but from this "number" deductions must legally still be made for the non-covered items (land, pool, parking lot, etc.). These items are not separately assessed by our office, and therefore, the tax roll value letter cannot be developed for condominium properties. Our office encourages these owners to work with their Association and local jurisdiction in order to find the best solution, which in most situations will typically be a private appraisal of the entire complex.

      What do I need to know about building back/remodeling/repairing after the hurricane? The County and some of the municipalities have posted guidelines on their websites. Two things are important. There is what is known as the “50%” rule. You can read more about it on the County’s website. And yes, you still must follow the permitting process that each jurisdiction has. You may also find useful information which further defines the “50%” rule and how it applies on FEMA’s website. And yes, you still must follow the permitting process that each jurisdiction has. Please review this process by visiting your local jurisdiction’s website listed below or contact their office directly.


          On our website you will find a letter setting forth your just value that you may find useful in this process.

      How will you determine my value when I build back/remodel/repair my property? We look at each individual property to see what was damaged, what was replaced and what changed. Each of these items is unique, so until we have the information we cannot completely answer the question. That is why it is so important that you let us know you have damage.

      How does the hurricane affect my taxes? For residential properties, you will be able to apply for a refund for a portion of the taxes depending upon your individual circumstances including the extent of the damage and whether or not you were unable to use the property. The details are included in FS 197.319. There currently is no specific relief for other classes of property.

      If my property was damaged by the hurricane, what’s my "new" property value? Your new value will be determined as of January 1 following the catastrophic event. We’ll need you to report your damage to us and we will factor the damage into your valuation. You can email us at hurricaneupdate@leepa.org, or you can use the Hurricane reporting link.

      If I have to rebuild or remodel, will it affect my taxes? Generally, if you change your property significantly from how it was before the catastrophe, your value will be impacted and will likely increase. If your build back is similar to your previous property, the value impact will likely be minimal.

      What is going to happen to my homestead exemption? If your property was damaged and you are unable to live in it and you want to continue to keep your homestead exemption on the property, you must tell us that you intend to repair or rebuild the property and make it your permanent residence when it is complete. You can email us at exemptions@leepa.org with your information. There are also deadlines for commencing the repair/rebuilding.

      IMPORTANT ALERT During the repair and rebuilding of your property, you will want to be careful that you do not inadvertently take any actions that may jeopardize the homestead exemption, for example, registering to vote or getting a driver license in a different county or state. It is OK to change your mailing address, as this is considered temporary. Please contact our office (email: exemptions@leepa.org) if you have questions about keeping your homestead and what actions could potentially jeopardize it.

      You can find additional information here: Florida Statute 196.031 Exemption of Homesteads.

Home Privacy and Use Policy Accessibility Statement Browser Troubleshooting Employment Feedback Contact Us Public Record Request Policy ADA Notice