Citrus County Property Appraiser

April 2026 | Issue No. 47 Newsletter

Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Why Our Realtor and Citizen Training Sessions Matter


At the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office, education and transparency are at the heart of what we do. Our goal is not only to fairly value property, but also to help the community understand how the property appraisal process works. That’s why we offer two valuable educational opportunities each year: our Realtor Training Sessions and Citizen Training Sessions.


Both programs are completely free and designed to give participants a deeper understanding of how our office operates and how property valuation and taxation work in Citrus County.


Realtor Training: Helping Realtors Better Serve Their Clients

For local real estate professionals, knowledge is one of the most powerful tools they can offer their buyers and sellers. However, when someone becomes a licensed realtor, they typically aren’t taught how a property appraiser’s office functions.


That’s where our training comes in.



Our Realtor Training sessions provide insight into how the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s office determines property values, exemptions that may benefit buyers and homeowners, how to navigate and use our mapping system which is a tool that many realtors rely on daily, and the role our office plays in the property transfer process.

Our office communicates with realtors every day, whether by phone, email, or in person. These trainings help close the gap between questions and answers by giving real estate professionals a clearer understanding of how our processes work.


By attending, realtors gain practical knowledge that helps them better guide their clients and navigate property information more confidently.


Even better, these sessions are free of charge, and our staff dedicates significant time and effort to developing materials that make the training both informative and a valuable use of your time.


Citizen Training: Understanding Property Ownership in Florida

Citrus County continues to welcome many new residents from across the country. One thing we hear often is: "Florida does things very differently from where we came from." Our Citizen Training sessions are designed to help residents better understand those differences. During these sessions, participants gain a better understanding of property exemptions, including homestead, how property values are determined, and how to read and understand their Truth in Millage (TRIM) Notice. We also provide an overview of Citrus County’s taxation structure and explain how the different branches of local government operate independently while working together to serve our citizens. In addition, we take a deeper look at the appraisal process and the key factors that influence a property’s value.


Many first-time homeowners know they need to file for Homestead Exemption, but they may not fully understand what it is, how it benefits them, or what the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office actually does beyond that. Our goal is to change that.

Participants are also given time to ask questions about their own property, file for exemptions, and speak directly with our representatives about anything related to the Property Appraiser’s office that they may not fully understand. Our team is there to help residents navigate the process and leave with the information they need.


Citizen Training also includes a special presentation from our Parcel Records Department where participants learn about property ownership records, the do’s and don'ts when it comes to deeds, and common issues homeowners may encounter with property records.

We also highlight the work of our field staff, the team members who visit properties throughout the county. By introducing them and explaining their role, residents gain a better understanding of why they may see someone from our office at their home or business.


Previous attendees from both the Realtor and Citizen Training Sessions have raved about the experience and often tell us they are thankful they took the time to participate. Many leave with a clearer understanding of how property ownership and valuation work in Florida and a greater appreciation for the resources available through our office.

Both training programs are designed to leave participants feeling more informed, more confident, and more connected to their local government. When residents and professionals understand how the Property Appraiser’s office works, it helps create a smoother experience for everyone, from first-time homebuyers to seasoned real estate professionals.


Our next Citizen Training Session will be held on April 2, 2026 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at our Crystal River Office located at 1540 N. Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429. Our Realtor Training Session will be held at the same location and time on August 11, 2026.


Those interested in attending either session can sign up through our website at www.citruspa.org. On the right-hand side of the homepage under Quick Links, you will find the "Training Session Signup" option.


We take pride in offering these educational opportunities and look forward to continuing to serve Citrus County through transparency, education, and service.



Your Citrus County Property Appraiser,

Cregg Dalton

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Office Closures for April

Both offices will be closed on Friday, April 3rd in observance of the Easter holidays. We will reopen on Monday, April 6th.

Additional Property Tax Exemptions Available in Citrus County

In addition to the Homestead Exemption, Citrus County offers several additional exemptions and discounts that may help reduce your property taxes. Some of the most common include:


General Exemptions

  • Widowed Exemption – $5,000 reduction in assessed value for widowed homeowners.
  • Blind Exemption – $5,000 reduction for residents certified as legally blind.
  • Totally and Permanently Disabled Exemption – $5,000 reduction for qualifying disabled residents.
  • Quadriplegic Exemption – Eligible homeowners may receive an exemption from all property taxes.
  • Certain Totally and Permanently Disabled Individuals – Residents who are hemiplegic, paraplegic, wheelchair-bound for mobility, or legally blind with limited household income may qualify for an exemption from all property taxes.

Veterans & First Responder Benefits

  • Combat-Disabled Veteran Discount (Age 65+) – Property tax discount equal to the percentage of combat-related disability.
  • Veterans with 10% or Greater Disability – $5,000 exemption for veterans disabled during wartime service or by misfortune.
  • Totally Disabled Veteran (Service-Connected) – Full exemption from all property taxes.
  • Veteran Confined to a Wheelchair (Service-Connected) – Full exemption from all property taxes.
  • Surviving Spouse of a Veteran Who Died on Active Duty – May qualify for a full property tax exemption.
  • Florida First Responder Disabled in the Line of Duty – Full exemption from all property taxes for the first responder or surviving spouse.
  • Surviving Spouse of a Florida First Responder Who Died in the Line of Duty – Eligible for a full property tax exemption.

Military Benefit

  • Deployed Military Exemption – Active-duty service members may receive a tax discount based on the number of days deployed during the previous calendar year.


If you believe you may qualify for any of these exemptions, the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office is here to help. Contact our office or visit our website for details about eligibility and required documentation.

Property Combine

Property Owners and Realtors! 


If you're planning to list a property for sale that includes an adjacent vacant parcel, please be aware: most mortgage companies want the parcels to be combined before they will approve the loan.


To avoid delays, submit your combine request as early as possible. Even prior to listing the property. Requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and we cannot prioritize last-minute submissions, even if a closing date is approaching.


Important Deadline: Our office will stop accepting combine requests in June for the current tax roll. After that, we must finalize property valuations as of July 1 and submit them to the seven taxing authorities to aid in their budget preparations. We are shut down from splits and combines from mid-July through October. This is followed by the preparation of TRIM Notices and tax bills to be mailed.


Don’t wait, if a parcel combine is needed, submit your request now to ensure it's processed in time!


Combine Request Form: Click Here

Making Wedding Plans?

Spring is here, bringing a season of renewal and fresh beginnings. Whether you’re planning a beautiful spring wedding or settling into your new home, it’s the perfect time to embrace new chapters and opportunities.


Florida homeowners, remember you can only claim one homestead exemption per married couple.


Keep this in mind as you enjoy the excitement of wedding planning, homeownership, and all the joys this season brings.



Wishing you a wonderful spring filled with love, laughter, and new memories.


Did you forget to file for your 2026 Homestead Exemption?

Did you miss the March 2nd deadline to file for Homestead Exemption or any additional exemptions?



Don’t sweat it, there’s still time to apply! Come in now and let our team help you get filed. We want to make sure you don’t miss out on any exemptions you’re eligible for.


Stop by today or contact our office to get started!

Speaking Events

Youth Leadership Citrus students recently explored careers in public service, hearing from professionals across Citrus County government, public safety, and the school district. Speakers shared insights into their career paths, the many roles that support our community, and the impact of serving others through public service.



A big thank you to all of the local leaders who took the time to invest in the next generation by sharing their experiences and advice with our students.


Speakers included:

  • Veronica Kampschroer, Special Projects Manager – Strategic Initiatives & Cody Maguire, Code Compliance Officer (Citrus County Board of County Commissioners)
  • Mollie Chandler, LPS Principal, and Dirk Trickel, Technology Support Manager (Citrus County School District)
  • Bari Butler, Customer Service Director, and Mary Hamilton, User Support Technician (Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office)
  • Hailey Holm, Education & Benefits Coordinator, and Haley Strickland, Assistant HR Director/Executive Assistant (Citrus County Tax Collector’s Office)
  • Chase Johnston, Field Appraiser I, and Amy Nobile, Customer Service Specialist I (Property Appraiser’s Office)
  • Khantrell Burden, Firefighter/PMD, and Brianna Scotti, Paramedic (Citrus County Fire Rescue)
  • Landon Halverson, Patrol Deputy/FTO, Victoria Gerneth, Latent Print Examiner/Crime Scene Specialist, and Robert Hayden, Communications OIC (Citrus County Sheriff’s Office).


Volunteer Time: Citrus County Blessings

Our Commercial Appraisal Department jumped right in with Citrus County Blessings and packed 200+ bags for local students.


Each month, one of our departments has the chance to step away from the office for some team bonding while giving back to our amazing community, and what better way than helping ensure students have the food they need through Citrus County Blessings?


We are so grateful for this partnership and encourage everyone to check out their new warehouse. It’s absolutely incredible!


Together, we’re building stronger teams and an even stronger community. Every bag we pack means one more child in Citrus County has the food they need to thrive over the weekend. Because hunger doesn’t take the weekend off.

CCPA Training Sessions

Mark your calendars, we have our next training session scheduled for 2026!


Citizen Training Session:

  • Thursday, April 02, 2026, from 9:00 am–12:00 pm at our Crystal River office (1540 N Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429).

Realtor Training Session:

  • Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 9:00 am–12:00 pm at our Crystal River office (1540 N Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429).


Reserve your spot today by clicking HERE.

Staff Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to our April celebrants - Brandy, Hunter, Mike, Ken S, & Chad.



We appreciate all you contribute to our team and organization. Wishing you each a fantastic birthday and a year full of success and happiness.

Join the Friday Leadership Email list

If you enjoy staying connected through our e-newsletter, I think you’ll love something new we’re offering. Property Appraiser Cregg Dalton, sends out a short, thoughtful Friday Leadership email each week with quick insights on leadership, community, growth, and the work we’re all doing together.


These notes are uplifting, practical, and easy to digest, perfect for a Friday morning.

If you’d like to receive them, just click here to sign up and select the "Friday Focus Leadership Email List". We would love to add you to our growing list of leaders all over the United States!