Fire Assessment Program Questions

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1.00 - All Questions

• 1.01) Is the fire rescue services special assessment a new fee?

  The fire rescue assessment has been in place in Osceola County for nearly 20 years.

• 1.02) What is the purpose of the fire rescue services special assessment?

  The fire rescue assessment will be used to pay for fire rescue services, facilities, and programs for assessed properties within the Osceola County Municipal Service Benefit Unit for Fire Rescue Services.

• 1.03) Has the fire rescue services budget increased from last year?

  No. The budget has not increased in the last two years.

• 1.04) What is the assessment amount for unimproved vacant and agricultural land based on?

  The assessment amount for unimproved vacant and agricultural land is based on the relative calls for service for these type properties, the acreage, and the amount of money the County pays the Florida Division of Forestry each year.

• 1.05) Will barns/sheds be charged under the Fiscal Year 2010-11 Fire Rescue Assessment Program?

  Generally, barns/sheds would not be charged under the Fiscal Year 2010-11 Fire Rescue Assessment Program.

• 1.06) What period of time does the assessment cover and when will the assessment be payable?

  The fire rescue assessment is re-imposed annually and will cover our fiscal year, October 1 - September 30. It is payable as part of your tax bill each year between November 1 and March 31.

• 1.07) What will happen if I do not pay the assessment?

  Because the County is using the tax bill collection method, Florida law requires that all ad valorem taxes and accompanying fire rescue assessments be paid at the same time. If you do not pay your taxes and the fire rescue assessment, the tax collector will issue a tax certificate against your property, which may result in a loss of title.

• 1.08) If I do not pay taxes now due to a homestead exemption, will I have to pay the special assessments?

  Yes. Special assessments are different than taxes and the fire rescue special assessment applies to all residential property uses, regardless of homestead exemption.

• 1.09) I received a discount for early payment of my taxes. Will I receive the same discount for my special assessment?

  Yes. The same discounts and penalties applicable to ad valorem taxes have been addressed in the fire rescue budget and will also apply to special assessments collected on the tax bill.

• 1.10) What if the information contained on the assessment notice is incorrect? How do I get it corrected?

  If information on the notice is incorrect, county staff will process the appropriate forms and research the issue. The corrections will be made to the assessment roll before certifying it to the Tax Collector for placement on the tax bill.

• 1.11) Where can I get more information?

  Should you have any questions regarding the fire services special assessment, please call (407) 742-9090 for assistance, Monday – Friday between 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Additionally, information relating to the fire assessment program can also be obtained from the County’s Fire Assessment Program Hub.