Page 9 - Hobe Sound Reflections - February '24

Hobe Sound, Page 9

lOCal GOvernmenT

A tax certificate, when purchased, becomes an
Martin County Tax Collector, information is required enforceable first lien against the real estate. The certificate
by Florida law and is not
Reminds Taxpayers That intended to be embarrassing holder is actually paying the taxes for a property owner
in exchange for a competitive bid rate of return on his
or intimidating. The notice
Taxes Become Delinquent serves as a reminder investment. They make it possible for the owner(s) of real
to contact this office property to allow ad valorem property taxes to become
The Same Time Every Year – April 1 immediately for payment delinquent and continue to use their property for two years
if your taxes have not (or more) before actually paying the bill (plus interest and
By Ruth Pietruszewski, Martin County Tax Collector been paid for the 2022 tax costs). During this period, investors pay the delinquent tax
Real property taxes become delinquent April 1 of roll. Current law provides bills at negotiated rates of interest lending the delinquent
each year. Please help keep your cost and the cost of that taxes on these listed property owners money in order to continue using their
your government down by paying your property taxes properties will be recovered property before paying the bill or surrendering the title to
on time. At that time, 3 percent interest and advertising through the sale of tax certificates. the property. The payment of property taxes provides the
fees are added to the gross tax. A list of all real estate Beginning on or before June 1, the tax collector county, school board and municipalities the revenue to
property with delinquent taxes is advertised once a week is required by law to hold a tax certificate sale. The provide necessary services for Martin County taxpayers.
for three consecutive weeks in a local newspaper during certificates represent liens on all unpaid real estate Tax certificates assist in funding the government’s
the month of May. The advertisement specifies the place, properties. The sale allows citizens to buy certificates by expenses in the interim time taxes are delinquent. The
date and time of the tax certificate sale. This advertised paying the owed tax debt. The sale is held online. system for collecting delinquent ad valorem property
taxes is defined in great detail in the Florida statutes,
attorney general’s opinions, and Department of Revenue’s
rules and regulations, per F.S. 197.122, F.S. 197.332, F.S.
197.343, F.S. 197.402, F.S. 197.403, F.S. 197.432.
A tax certificate is valid for seven years from the
date of issuance. The holder may apply for a tax deed
YOUR FIRST CHOICE delinquency. If the property owner fails to pay the tax
when two or more years have elapsed since the date of
debt, the property tax deed is sold at public auction. In
order to remove the lien, the property owner must pay the
FOR A tax collector all delinquent taxes plus accrued interest,
penalties and advertising fees. The tax collector then
notifies the certificate holder of any certificates redeemed
SECOND Although it is a secure investment in most cases, there
and a refund check is then issued to the certificate holder.
is an element of risk in purchasing tax certificates. F.S.
197.472(2) states that tax lien certificates are guaranteed
an interest rate return of a flat (nonaccruing) 5 percent or
your bid, on an APR basis, whichever is greater.

OPINION Tuesday, Feb. 20 Is The Last Day

To Change Party Or Register
To Vote For The Republican

Vicki Davis, Martin
Presidential Primary
County Supervisor of
Elections, is reminding
citizens that all new
registrations or party
affiliation changes must
be completed on or before
Tuesday, Feb. 20, for them
CHOOSE A LEADER to be effective for the March

IN CARDIAC SURGERY 19 Presidential Preference
Primary (PPP) election.

The PPP is part of the
presidential nominating process for Florida’s two major
Second opinions save lives. That’s why Cleveland Clinic political parties. The Democratic Party has declared their
Martin Health is your first choice for a second opinion nominee, President Joe Biden. Therefore, this election is
only for voters registered with the Republican Party to
on cardiac surgery. With minimally invasive options determine which candidate will represent the party on the
and shortened recovery times, our heart surgeons General Election ballot in November.
Following these helpful tips will ensure you are ready
provide world class care on the Treasure Coast. From for the upcoming PPP election:
pioneering research to cardiovascular surgery, trust • Florida is a closed primary state. You must be
our heart experts for every care in the world. registered with your political party of choice 29 days
before the election. A voter is not eligible to select a party
on Election Day.
Call 855.881.1972 to schedule an appointment. • If you wish to vote in a partisan primary election,
you must be a registered voter in the party for which the
primary is being held.
• All party changes and new registrations must be made
ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/HeartSurgery on or before Tuesday, Feb. 20.

• Voters are encouraged to check their voter registration
status online by visiting MartinVotes.gov and clicking on
the “Check My Voter Status” tab.
• Citizens may register to vote or update your voter
record online at www.RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov or visit
the Elections Office located at 135 S.E. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Blvd., Stuart. Office hours are Monday through
Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If you need further information or have questions,
please contact the Elections Office at (772) 288-5637 or
visit our website at www.MartinVotes.gov.
Vicki Davis,
Martin County Supervisor of Elections