CS/HB 265 - Property Taxation Summary

• Tolls the statute of limitations for tax lien certificate and tax deed proceedings by the period of any intervening bankruptcy.

• Requires property appraisers to physically inspect property upon request of a certificateholder and allows county tax collectors to establish branch offices.

• Allows ad valorem tax exemptions granted by counties or municipalities to be renewed for multiple 10-year periods upon approval by referendum.

• Revises tax certificate sale procedures to allow electronic sales, proxy bidding, and random number generators to resolve tied bids; increases tax deed application fees and establishes new notice requirements for homestead property sales.

• Creates property tax deferral programs for homestead property, recreational and commercial working waterfront property, and affordable rental housing; allows purchase of county-held tax certificates and clarifies surviving liens after tax deed issuance.