The Hagen Law Firm

2011 AGRICULTURAL EXEMPTION PROCESS

   New 2011 AG applications were due on March 1, 2011. If you missed this deadline, you are untimely but you should still apply immediately as you may be able to show "good cause" for untimely applying and thereby still obtain the 2011 exemption.
   The Lee County Property Appraiser issued approximately 200 parcels a tax year 2011 AGRICULTURAL EXEMPTION DENIAL on or about June 27, 2011. Owners of denied parcels have just 30 days from the denial date to file a 2011 VALUE ADJUSTMENT BOARD petition to contest that determination and to attempt to obtain the AG exemption. Based upon a June 27, 2011 notice of denial mailing date, THE 2011 PETITION DEADLINE FALLS ON JULY 27, 2011.
    Petitions may be filed online (leeclerk.org) or by mail or in person, but in either case must be RECEIVED by the deadline date, not just sent or postmarked by that date. The failure to timely petition typically operates as a waiver of the right to administratively appeal (unless the untimely petitioner can demonstrate legally sufficient "good cause" to the satisfaction of the Board) and only leaves such untimely owner with the right to file a much more expensive, time consuming Circuit Court lawsuit as his sole remaining remedy.
   The Hagen Law Firm has 18 years of agricultural exemption law experience, both as the in-house attorney for the Lee Co. Property Appraiser and, for the last 8 years, representing AG property owners. See also our "More Ag Exemptions Info" web-page for more details, or call or email us today for assistance.   We offer hourly consultations or complete representation on a flat fee basis. Call the firm today at 239-275-0808 for a confidential, in-person review of your case.