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Orange County 
Geographic Location. Orange County sits on real estate in the approximate center of the state, midway between Jacksonville and Miami. The St. Petersburg-Tampa area on the Gulf of Mexico and Daytona Beach on the Atlantic Coast are easy drives for beach-goers. Two of the state's major highways, Interstate 4 (east-west travel) and the Florida Turnpike (north-south travel), intersect just outside Orlando.
History. Immediately after the cession of Florida by Spain in 1821, the territory was divided into two counties: Escambia (which included the northern portion) and St. Johns (which included all the real estate lying to the south and east of the Suwannee River). Three years later, the Legislative Council separated the central portion of Florida to form Mosquito County. This vast region contained 466 residents according to the 1850 census. After Florida became a state in 1845, the county was renamed Orange County. Its territorial limits as they exist were defined in 1913 and today encompass an area of approximately 1,000 square miles, with a 2003 population of approximately 964,865 and a projected 2010 population of 1.167M. There are 13 municipalities within Orange County; Orlando is the county seat
Orange County is a charter county, meaning it has its own constitution and is self-governing. Having a charter gives the county the ability to respond to a changing environment and meet local needs. 
The first charter was adopted in November 1986 and went into effect on January 6, 1987. In November 1988, voters approved the creation of a new form of government for Orange County: a chairman elected by the community at large and the creation of six single-member districts. The chairman and commissioners serve overlapping four-year terms. The chairman and commissioners for districts 2, 4, and 6 are elected during alternate years (1998, 2002, 2006); commissioners representing districts 1, 3, and 5 are elected in presidential election years (2000, 2004, 2008).
The Orange County Charter calls for the creation of a Charter Review Commission every four years. Meeting for 18 months, the 15 volunteers can study any and all phases of county government and pose questions directly to the voters on any special, primary, or general election ballot.
Communities
DR. PHILLIPS
Dr. Philip Phillips was a pioneer in the citrus industry, responsible for several key innovations in the processing and packaging of orange juice. He owned thousands of acres of groves, stretching across nine Central Florida counties. Dr. Phillips eventually sold the bulk of his property to Minute Maid in the 1950s. The property he owned in southwest Orange County was sold to developers who built Bay Hill and other subdivisions.
The area has experienced explosive growth in the last 30 years, due largely to the location of two key local industries; defense and tourism. Initially, it was the construction of defense giant Martin Marietta (currently Lockheed Martin) that had the greatest impact on Dr. Phillips, but that was only until the arrival in 1971 of Orlando’s most famous resident, Mickey Mouse. The impact of Walt Disney World on all of Central Florida has been huge, but nowhere is it more recognizable than in southwest Orlando and the Dr. Phillips area.
The Dr. Phillips area has been able to maintain its superb quality of life by timely upgrading the infrastructure and controlling growth. Many people move to the Dr. Phillips area due to the reputation of the public schools alone. Located on the eastern shore of the Butler Chain of Lakes, many residents are active in boating and water sports. The Dr. Phillips area also boasts a great town center and numerous first rate restaurants on Sand Lake Road. The area will soon be the home to a state of the art county park, named after its namesake, Dr. P. Phillips.
The Dr. Phillips Rotary organization has been serving the community since 1979 and has been active in a number of area events. Community festivities include, the Annual 4th of July Kissimmee sponsored by the Dr. Phillips Rotary and the high school drama club, the Annual YMCA Valentines Dance sponsored by the Dr. Phillips YMCA, and the Annual Dr. Phillips Founders Day celebrated on the birthday of Dr. Phillips.
GOTHA
Nestled among mighty oaks and peaceful lakes in West Orange County is the community Town of Gotha. It was founded in 1885 by Henry Hempel and named after his hometown in Germany. Gotha has been protected as a historical preservation district since 1995. Along main street Hempel you can find Palm Cottage Gardens, which was home to Henry Nehrling, a property listed on the National Register of Historical Places; the Zion Lutheran Church founded in 1915; the Yellow Dog Eats Café, housed in the historic Fishers Country Store and the The Salon on the Lakes. Also in the area is a community park for numerous outdoor activities and the Gotha Community Center that was originally a one-room schoolhouse. It hosts Yoga Sanctuary classes as well as monthly covered dish dinners for the residents, and other community functions. Ten minutes from downtown Orlando, the Town of Gotha’s large lot requirements, protective community association and highly desirable schools have made this community a premier place to live.
HORIZON WEST
Located in southwest Orange County, Horizon West is a new community designed using principles of Garden Cities and New Urbanism to create self-sustaining, mixed-use villages. As the community is established over the next few decades, these principles ensure that new development will contribute to a sense of place, environmental preservation, excellent architectural design, quality bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and vibrant community gathering places.
The Horizon West planning area is located south of John’s Lake, west of Windermere to the Lake County line. Horizon West includes nearly 38,000 acres that were citrus groves until the devastating freezes of the 1980s, which created an incentive to do appropriate master planning for the area’s urbanization over time.
This process began in 1994, when property owners and area residents, with county support, created a detailed community vision for Horizon West. In 1996, Orange County designated Horizon West with the Village future land use designation, which allows only one residence per ten acres until a detailed Specific Area Plan is done to create a master plan for a new village. When completed, Horizon West will include six residential villages and a Town Center to serve Horizon West villages with commercial, office, workplaces, and higher density residential areas.
These villages are comprised of two to four neighborhoods, each centered around a community elementary school, with housing located within a one-half mile walking distance to the school and its neighboring park. Each village also includes a Village Center with retail and services that support residential areas. Villages are separated by greenbelts, include extensive bikeway and pedestrian networks, and take into consideration existing environmental features to support the overall vision for Horizon West. This community vision is fast becoming a reality, as two villages, Lakeside Village and the Village of Bridgewater, as well as Town Center have been approved to date and over 2,000 residential units constructed. Over 17,000 residential units are approved in these villages, with additional residential units proposed in the Town Center, currently in the development review process. During this time, Horizon West has won numerous state and regional awards for planning, including recognition from the state of Florida as a Sector Plan, which exempts the Horizon West area from the Development of Regional Impact regulatory process. Horizon West provides a meaningful alternative to the leapfrog development pattern of sprawl by creating self-sustaining villages that provide housing close to regional workplaces and community services. The original vision of property owners and residents is being achieved by the village concept and comprehensive long-term planning to ensure a bright future for Horizon West and southwest Orange County.
LAKE AVALON
Orange County’s rural communities are important to the County’s quality of life, lifestyle, and history. To preserve these community assets, the County's Rural Settlement designation establishes policies and corresponding land uses that retain these communities' rural character. In west Orange County, the Lake Avalon community was designated a Rural Settlement by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners in May 2004. Based on a community planning process with Lake Avalon residents, the new Rural Settlement designation will help to provide a transition between Lake Avalon’s rural development pattern and adjacent development in Horizon West.
In the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement, residential properties will have densities that vary from one residence per acre, one residence per two acres, and one resident per five acres. Limited neighborhood, commercial and office uses will be allowed in the Rural Settlement to support the community’s residents. However, the scale and type of this development must be compatible with the rural development pattern and must comply with the Lake Avalon Rural Settlement Commercial Design Guidelines.
With its history dating from the 1920s, the Lake Avalon community is a cornerstone of west Orange County. The Lake Avalon Rural Settlement designation will help to ensure that this community's legacy remains in place for the next several decades, while maintaining and enhancing the community’s quality of life for the residents of Lake Avalon.
METROWEST
Since its beginnings in the mid-1980s, the quality of life was a priority at MetroWest. Landscaping was treated like fine architecture, carefully chosen and planted to grow into what many now describe as an oasis in a busy city. Islands of trees and flowering shrubbery separate traffic. Gentle curves were chosen over harsh corners.
Well-respected builders followed, creating beautiful new neighborhoods, shops and daycare centers. MetroWest Elementary School was dedicated to “miracles in the making” in 1986, and continues today to offer award-winning teaching and leadership to the neighborhood children.
This “Master Planned” community, located just minutes from Orlando’s downtown business district, offers opportunities for retail and commercial growth (always under the watchful eye of the developers and the MetroWest Master Association). MetroWest’s business neighbors include SunTrust, Hilton Grand Vacations, Hard Rock Café Corporate Headquarters, Sunterra Resorts, Mitsubishi Regional Headquarters and more. In addition, Veranda Partners LLC has created Veranda Park, Orlando’s newest mixed-use town center. Referred to as a “Lifestyle Center” by the industry, Veranda Park will feature a combination of signature restaurants, state-of-the-art cinema and top-notch entertainment, brought together in an architecturally distinct, open-air center. Additionally, the town center will feature professional office space, luxury condominium residences, entertainment and specialty retail.
MetroWest business leaders and investors applaud the community’s continuing growth and look to the future with confidence and excitement.
OAKLAND
Surrounded by enormous moss-draped oak trees, the Town of Oakland is located on the southern shores of Lake Apopka. Incorporated in 1887, Oakland now has about 1,800 residents within its quiet, serene, country atmosphere. Due to rapid growth in and around Oakland, maintaining its image of “Nestled Among the Oaks,” has been one of Oakland’s greatest feats. In addition to the residents, Oakland is home to the West Orange Trailhead and the Oakland Nature Preserve. The railhead brings thousands of recreation seekers to the area annually, and the Oakland Nature Preserve provides them with the pristine beauty of Florida’s flora and fauna.
A day spent in Oakland will take you back in time to the old small Florida towns of yesterday. The Town works hard to preserve its classic image and natural appeal. Oakland’s quaint small-town charm will surely win a place in your heart.
Oakland at a Glance…
220 North Tubb Street
P. O. Box 98
Oakland, FL 34760
(407) 656-1117
www.oaktownusa.comIncorporated: 1887
Population: 1800 plus • Mayor: Kathy Stark
OCOEE
The city of Ocoee is a shining example of the notion that growth and history can be
successfully blended. The Ocoee Christian Church and the Withers-Maguire House and Museum are locations where Ocoee’s history is faithfully preserved for future generations. The city’s past culture is observed in the gorgeous parks, brick roads and historic buildings. This past intertwined with the growth and expansion of businesses including the Manheim’s Florida Auto Auction of Orlando, Health Central Hospital, West Oaks Mall and Sysco Foods make Ocoee the “Center of Good Living.”
Ocoee has come a long way since 1881, when Civil War Captain Bluford M. Sims acquired a 74-acre parcel of land in what is now considered downtown Ocoee. Ocoee’s population then totaled only 115 residents. Since then, Ocoee has been inviting people to share in its beauty and good fortune and now is home to more than 30,000 people.
Folklore has it that Ocoee’s pioneers got the name Ocoee from an Indian word meaning “not cold.” The many newcomers to the area would probably say a more appropriate meaning would be “all roads lead here.” With the Florida Turnpike, the East/West Expressway, State Road 50, and the new Western Beltway all leading to or passing through Ocoee, residents can reach downtown Orlando, the airport and all of the major attractions within 20 minutes.
With Ocoee averaging a residential building rate of about one new home a day for the past seven years, “all roads do lead here” to the “Center of Good Living.”
Ocoee at a Glance…
150 N. Lakeshore Drive
Ocoee, FL 34761
(407) 905-3100
www.ci.ocoee.fl.us
Incorporated: 1925
Population: 30,597 plus
Mayor: S. Scott Vandergrift
ORLO VISTA
Orlo Vista means “View of Orlando” in Spanish. In the early 1900s, there were approximately 300 inhabitants of Orlo Vista, including grove workers, winter visitors and native Floridians. Today, Orange County records indicate there are about 7,000 residents who call Orlo Vista home. The Orlo Vista community is defined by Orange County as being south of Colonial Drive with western bounds at Hiawassee Road, eastern bounds at Pine Hills Road to Old Winter Garden Road to Ring Road, southern bounds at the City of Orlando boundaries and Carter Street.
One of the original settlers of Orange County was Aaron Jernigan. He and many of his family and descendants are interred at the Lake Hill Cemetery south of Orlando Winter Garden Road and west of Kirkman Road. In 1927, Orlo Vista was incorporated as a city. The city was abolished by a vote of residents in May 1929 as a result of the Great Depression. Since that time, Orlo Vista has been a part of Unincorporated Orange County.
Today, Orlo Vista is a dynamic, culturally diverse community made up of hard working individuals and families. Orlo Vistans are fiercely proud of their community. Many of the residents work in the tourist industry brought about as a result of the creation of Walt Disney World in the early 1970s. However, there is a mix of individuals living here who work in other fields of endeavor. State Senator Daniel Webster is proud to call Orlo Vista home. Orlo Vista is home to Orange County Fire Station 30, one of the busier stations in Orange County.
Orlo Vista is home to over 30 churches of different faiths. One of the original churches built in 1925, Irwin Memorial Methodist Church is still serving the community as God’s Missionary Church located at 22 South John Street. Another historic church in the community is Lake Hill Baptist Church, built in 1926 and still serving the community today at 301 South Hudson Street.
PINE HILLS
To this day, many Pine Hills families trace their residency here to Martin Marietta’s (now Lockheed Martin) defense facility development. Still others will recount the days when much of Pine Hills were rolling groves of citrus. More recently, a good many residents look to the tourism industry as the magnet for their migration to Pine Hills.
Comprised of some 35,000 households in a four square mile area, Pine Hills is a community of many neighborhoods housing an ethnically and occupationally diverse population. As one of Orange County’s oldest communities, Pine Hills is also the location of quality ranch-style houses, many on over-sized lots, which are especially suited to growing families.
Much of Pine Hills is well positioned to benefit from the dramatic growth of Orange County as the older residents transition into smaller units in other areas. The community has the needed infrastructure and is in close proximity to all employment centers to provide attractive, affordable housing for the generational turnover. Community leaders are also working diligently to affect a town center design plan that will greatly enhance community assets and serve as a retail-commercial-cultural nucleus for this predominantly residential community.
WINDERMERE
For luxury living at its best, look no further than the Town of Windermere. Pristine sand bottom lakes surround this small West Orange community. The largest lake, Lake Butler, is located on the west, Lake Down on the east, and Lake Bessie on the southeast side of town. The boating enthusiast will revel in the system of canals that connects eight lakes known as the Butler Chain of Lakes. This chain of lakes makes waterfront living in Windermere a sight to see.
Windermere was bestowed its name from Dr. Stanley Scott, whose father purchased 160 acres in this picturesque location in 1885. Dr. Scott built his home on the shore of Lake Butler, and it is believed by many that he named this town after England’s famous Lake Windermere.
Today, more than 2,300 people inhabit the Town of Windermere. The community, however, has not based its success on how rapidly it grows, but on how natural and pleasant a community in which it is to reside. Windermere tries to focus on preserving the town’s natural state and strong community atmosphere. The town’s quality of life is its most distinguishing feature. In fact, many of the town streets remain unpaved to continue their commitment to retain the pristine nature of the Chain of Lakes. Windermere has been named “Tree City USA” for its commitment to a natural environment for 10 consecutive years. For luxury living in a small-town atmosphere, look no further than the Town of Windermere, where there is “Luxury Living with a Small-Town Charm.”
Windermere at a Glance…
520 Main Street
Windermere, FL 34786
(407) 876-2563
www.town.windermere.fl.usIncorporated: 1925
Population: 2,300 plus
Mayor: Gary Bruhn
 WINTER GARDEN
On any given day, a stroll down historic Plant Street in Winter Garden will uncover a slice of small-town life at its best. In the heart of this quaint Main Street community, one can see the successful efforts of redevelopment. Antique stores, ice cream shops and cafés line the downtown of this dynamic west Orange County community. The West Orange Trail provides families and the community a place to ride bicycles or jog through Winter Garden and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Winter Garden consists of approximately 17 square miles and is home to over 23,000 residents. The area that used to be known for its vast citrus industries is now home to many new families and businesses. Even with all the new growth in this historic city, Winter Garden has preserved its heritage while moving the community into the 21st century. Over the next three years, the City will continue with its revitalization of the historic downtown area, including building a new City Hall and restoring the old theater and other buildings.
In addition, the City is anticipating the 1.15 million square foot Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves. The complex will include shopping, dining and banking options for West Orange County residents. Winter Garden has proven itself “A City With A Future… Preserving Its Past.”
Winter Garden at a Glance…
251 W. Plant Street
Winter Garden, FL 34787
(407) 656-4111
www.cwgdn.com
Incorporated: 1903
Population: 23,000 plus
Mayor: Jack Quesinberry |
Education: Schools & Universities
Education: Schools & Universities
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PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS
Dr. Phillips High School, Orlando
(407) 355-3200
Dr. Phillips 9th Grade Center, Orlando
(407) 355-3200 x3239
Evans High, Orlando
(407) 522-3400
Evans 9th Grade Center, Orlando
(407) 296-6468
Ocoee High, Ocoee
(407) 905-3000
Olympia High School, Orlando
(407) 905-6400
West Orange High School, Winter Garden
(407) 905-2400
PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Chain of Lakes Middle School, Orlando
(407) 909-5400
Gotha Middle School, Windermere
(407) 521-2360
Lakeview Middle School, Winter Garden
(407) 877-5010
Meadowbrook Middle School, Orlando
(407) 296-5130
Ocoee Middle School, Ocoee
(407) 877-5035
Robinswood Middle School, Orlando
(407) 296-5140
Southwest Middle School, Orlando
(407) 370-7200
Westridge Middle School, Orlando
(407) 354-2640
PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Bay Meadows Elementary, Orlando
(407) 876-7500
Citrus Elementary, Ocoee
(407) 445-5475
Clarcona Elementary, Apopka
(407) 884-2220
Dillard Street Elementary, Winter Garden
(407) 877-5000
Dr. Phillips Elementary, Orlando
(407) 354-2600
Eagle’s Nest Elementary, Orlando
(407) 521-2795
Frangus Elementary, Orlando
(407) 296-6469
Hiawassee Elementary, Orlando
(407) 296-6410
Lake Gem Elementary, Orlando
(407) 532-7900
Lake Whitney Elementary, Winter Garden
(407) 877-8888
Maxey Elementary, Winter Garden
(407) 877-5020
MetroWest Elementary, Orlando
(407) 296-6450
Mollie Ray Elementary, Orlando
(407) 296-6460
Oak Hill Elementary, Orlando
(407) 296-6470
Oakland Avenue Charter Elementary, Oakland
(407) 877-1053
Ocoee Elementary, Ocoee
(407) 877-5027
Orlo Vista Elementary School, Orlando
(407) 296-6490
Palm Lake Elementary, Orlando
(407) 354-2610
Pine Hills Elementary School, Orlando
(407) 296-6500
Pinewood Elementary, Orlando
(407) 532-7930
Ridgewood Park Elementary, Orlando
(407) 296-6510
Rolling Hills Elementary, Orlando
(407) 296-6530
Rosemont Elementary, Orlando
(407) 522-6050
Sadler Elementary, Orlando
(407) 354-2620
Shingle Creek Elementary, Orlando
(407) 354-2650
Spring Lake Elementary, Ocoee
(407) 877-5047
Tangelo Park Elementary, Orlando
(407) 354-2630
Thornebrooke Elementary, Ocoee
(407) 909-1308
Tildenville Elementary, Winter Garden
(407) 877-5054
West Oaks Elementary, Orlando
(407) 445-5475
Whispering Oak Elementary, Winter Garden
(407) 656-7773
Windermere Elementary, Windermere
(407) 876-7520
Windy Ridge School, Orlando
(407) 296-5100 |
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Magnolia School, Orlando
(407) 296-6499
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
University of Central Florida, Orlando
(407) 823-2000
Valencia Community College, Orlando
(407) 299-5000
Lake Sumter Community College/
UCF South Lake Campus, Clermont
(352) 243-5722
University of Florida, Apopka Campus
(407) 834-2034
TECHNICAL SCHOOLS
Westside Technical School, Winter Garden (407) 905-2000
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Calvary Christian School, Winter Garden(407) 656-3001
Central Florida Christian Academy, Ocoee (407) 293-8073
Central Florida Preparatory School, Ocoee (407) 290-8073
Foundation Academy, Winter Garden
(407) 656-3677
Magic Forest Institute, Orlando
(407) 447-5511
The Crenshaw School, Windermere
(407) 876-9122 |
| Property Tax Questions & Answers |
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Common assessment terminology
Millage - The rate charged per $1,000 of taxable value. Each Taxing Authority, such as the County, City, School Board, etc, which has jurisdiction over a given parcel, sets this rate. On a house with a taxable value of $100,000 each mill would equal $100 in taxes.
Tax Base - The total value of land and personal property on which a Taxing Authority, such as the County, can levy property taxes. Because some land is partially or completely exempt from taxes, the tax base is usually smaller than the actual value of the property in the county.
Rolled-Back Rate -The millage that if levied will bring in the same amount of tax dollars as the previous year's millage. The value of new construction is excluded from this calculation.
Ad-Valorem Taxes -A tax levied on the assessed value of real or personal property less any exemptions. Commonly referred to as "Property Tax".
Assessed Value - A value established by the County Property Appraiser for all real or personal property for use as a basis for levying property taxes.
Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU) - A specific taxing unit established by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) via an adopted ordinance which derives a specific benefit for which a levy or special assessment is imposed to defray part or all of the cost of providing that benefit.
Real Property - Land and the buildings and other structures attached to it that are taxable under State law.
Personal Property -Tangible personal property is everything other than real estate that has value by itself. It includes such things as furniture, fixtures, tools, machinery, household appliances, signs, equipment, leasehold improvements, supplies, leased equipment and any other equipment used in a business or to earn income.
Exemptions - Exemptions are granted by the state and either lowers the taxable value of property or removes it from the tax rolls completely. Exemption categories include: $25,000 Homestead Exemption, $500 Widow/Widower Exemption, $500 Disability Exemption, $500 Exemption for Blind People, other disability exemptions, and Limited Income Seniors.
What does Special Assessment mean? What does it include?
A special assessment is a compulsory levy imposed on certain properties to defray part or all of the cost of a specific improvement or service including: street lighting, common area maintenance, paving, and retention pond maintenance. Charges are set by the Board of County Commissioners and are based on a set amount per lot or per foot rather than property values.
How does the Property Appraiser assess my property value?
Every few years, one of our appraisers will visit and inspect each property. However, individual property values may be adjusted between visits to reflect sales activity or other factors impacting real estate values in your neighborhood. Sales of similar properties are a strong indicator of values in the real estate market.
What are some other reasons for changes in assessments and/or taxable value?
- Neglecting to file for Homestead Exemption. Regular filing begins on January 1 and ends on March 1 each year. The exemption is non-transferable. When an individual purchases an existing or new home, they must file in person for the initial exemption, thereafter renewal is automatic unless changes are necessary.
- New development in area/neighborhood that has increased property values.
- Additions to home such as a pool, new rooms, etc.
- Completion of structure on previously vacant property. The first year a home is completed and placed on the tax roll will cause a drastic increase in value over the value of the vacant lot.
- The Save Our Homes exemption limits the increase in Assessed Value to 3% or less each Year. When a property sells the Assessed Value is updated to reflect the current value.
How are property taxes calculated?
The Property Appraiser first accumulates the millage rates from all the Taxing Authorities that have jurisdiction over your parcel. The taxes are then calculated as follows:
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Taxable Value Formula |
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Assessed Value
less: Homestead Exemption |
$80,000
- 25,000 |
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Taxable Value |
$55,000 |
Property Tax Formula
(Taxable Value/1000) X millage rate = property taxes
Example: $55,000/1000 = $55 X 5.1639 = $284.01
Why must I pay school taxes? I have no school-aged children.
Under Florida law, all properties are assessed for school taxes. Public education is seen as the responsibility of society.
Where can I call to ask questions regarding other taxes on my notice?
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School Board |
407-317-3268 |
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Apopka |
407-703-1704 |
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Bay Lake |
407-828-3548 |
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Belle Isle |
407-851-7730 |
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Eatonville |
407-623-1313 |
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Edgewood |
407-851-2920 |
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Lake Buena Vista |
407-828-3548 |
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Maitland |
407-629-5807 |
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Oakland |
407-656-1117 |
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Ocoee |
407-905-3100 x1519 |
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Orlando |
407-246-2358 |
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Orlando Stormwater Utility |
407-246-2370 |
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Windermere |
407-876-2563 |
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Winter Garden |
407-656-4111 |
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Winter Park |
407-599-3292 |
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South FL. Water Mgt. District |
561-686-8800 |
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St. John's Water Mgt. District |
386-329-4500 |
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West Orange Health Central |
407-296-1801 |
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Ranger Drainage |
407-568-5502 |
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Reedy Creek |
407-828-2241 |
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Valencia Drainage |
407-351-2766 |
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Zellwood Drainage |
407-886-1932 |
Who controls or levies millage on the lakes and MSTUs?
The Board of County Commissioners functions as the governing body for all Lake Districts in the County in addition to the County government and Library. They set the millage rates for these Tax Entities as well as the non-Ad Valorem charges for MSTU's.
For more detailed information on Special Assessments (MSTUs) contact Orange County Finance at 407-836-5770 and ask for the Special Assessments.
Categories on the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes
In August of each year the Property Appraiser send each taxpayer a Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (also referred to as a TRIM (TRuth In Millage) notice). This document shows each Taxing Authority and the taxes they are levying against your property. It is broken down into two sections:
- Ad Valorem Taxes: These taxes are based on your taxable value and the millage rate set by each Taxing Entity such as the county, school board, lake districts and others. It shows the Taxing Authority's name, last years taxes (column 1), current proposed taxes (column 2) and the taxes that would be levied if the Taxing Authority adopts the Roll Back Mill Rate. In addition it lists the place and time of each Taxing Authority's public meeting at which they solicit your input of their proposed budget.
- Non-Ad Valorem Assessments: This charge is a flat rate which may be for streetlights, retention ponds, and common area maintenance, etc. These rates are on a per lot or per foot basis rather than property values.
What is included in the county-wide millage?
The county-wide millage of 5.1639 consists of three components: General Fund (4.7299), Parks Fund (0.1840) and Capital Projects Funds (0.2500). The General Fund is the backbone of the County's financial structure. The bulk of Orange County's services are paid for out of this fund.
Given the major infrastructure needs in our ever-growing community, the Board of County Commissioners decided in 1985 to levy a separate millage to pay for major capital projects.
What if I don't agree with my property's market value?
If you believe that the market value appearing on your notice is not correct, you are encouraged to contact the Orange County Property Appraiser's office to speak with an appraiser. The appraiser can show you the information that was used to determine your property's value. It is the responsibility of the Property Appraiser to determine that your property is appraised correctly. The Appraiser's goal is to be fair and accurate, using the most current resources and considering those forces which impact property values in your neighborhood. After meeting with an appraiser and examining the relevant data, you have the right to file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) if you still believe that your property is less valuable. Petition forms are available from the Orange County Property Appraiser's office and the Comptroller's office. The deadline for filing a petition is 25 days from the mailing of your Notice of Proposed Property Taxes. This date appears on the enclosed notice. You must file on or before this date to have your appraisal considered. Follow all instructions provided with the form.
Property information and maps available on the internet
The Orange County Property Appraiser makes available property information on the worldwide web at http://www.ocpafl.org. You can search our property database by criteria such as owner name, address, and parcel identification number and subdivision. Since the first of the year, property assessment maps are available for searching through this site.
Sites of Interest:
| | Government links/Constitutional offices
Special districts
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