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Citrus County Property Appraiser
May 2026 | Issue No. 48 Newsletter
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The People Behind the Process: The Heart of Our Office
Each month, we take time to highlight the important work happening within our office, including the systems, responsibilities, and departments that keep everything running efficiently. This month, we want to focus on something even more meaningful: the people who make it all possible.
Our staff are truly the nuts and bolts of our organization. While state statutes, Florida Constitution, as well as policies and procedures guide what we do, it is our team that ensures everything comes together smoothly. With 50 dedicated staff members across nine departments, every individual plays a vital role in achieving our shared mission to certify the tax roll each year.
That mission is no small task. It requires accuracy, accountability, and a deep understanding of property values and the responsibility that comes with them. Just as we work to ensure fair and equitable property values for our community, we also recognize the value each employee brings to our organization. Strong work ethic, attention to detail, and integrity are qualities we see reflected across every department, every day.
One of the things that makes our office unique is that no one role is more important than another. Each department holds a key piece of the process, and it takes all of us working together to complete the full picture. From customer service to field work, from administrative support to technical expertise, every contribution matters. This includes the careful and consistent valuation of properties across our community, from residential homes to large commercial properties, ensuring fairness and uniformity across the entire tax roll. Our staff lean on one another daily, sharing knowledge, stepping in to help, and ensuring that the work we produce is something we can all be proud of.
While we are a local government office, we also strive to be something more approachable than what people might expect. We understand that the word “government” can sometimes feel intimidating or impersonal. That is exactly what we work hard to change.
We welcome citizens into our office not just to assist them, but to help them understand what we do. Many people walk through our doors with a certain perception, sometimes even a negative one, about what our role is. By the time they leave, hopefully, that perspective often shifts. They see that we are people too, professionals who care about doing our jobs well and who are willing to take the time to explain processes that may have never been clearly explained to them before.
That connection matters. Transparency matters. Building trust within our community is just as important as the technical work we perform.
We are also excited to continue growing as a team. This month, we were fortunate to welcome a new member to our Customer Service Department. Each new addition brings fresh perspective and energy, strengthening our ability to serve the public and support one another.
At our core, we are an organization built on respect for our work, for our community, and for each other. We recognize that everyone here brings different strengths, experiences, and talents to the table. It is that diversity of skill and perspective that allows us to operate effectively and continue improving year after year.
We are stronger together, and just like our office motto, we value the property that you value.
At the end of the day, our success is not just measured in completed tasks or certified rolls. It is reflected in the way we work together, the pride we take in our responsibilities, and the service we provide to our community.
This month, we are proud to recognize the people who make it all happen.
Your Citrus County Property Appraiser,
Cregg Dalton
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Why is the Property Appraiser Visiting My Property?
You may notice staff from the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office in your neighborhood. These visits are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure property records remain accurate and up to date.
Per Florida Statute 193.023(2), our office is required to conduct a physical review of each property at least every five years. This review may be completed through on-site visits or aerial imagery and helps us verify any changes or improvements to your property.
In addition to these 5-year reviews, our appraisers may visit a property if:
- A building permit has been issued
- A property has recently sold or changed ownership
- Updates or clarifications to property records are needed
Our field appraisers are easy to identify—they wear official Citrus County Property Appraiser attire, carry identification, and drive clearly marked vehicles.
Important Reminder:
Our staff will never enter your home. All inspections are limited to the exterior of the property and are conducted to verify improvements and maintain accurate records.
We appreciate your cooperation as we work to ensure fair and equitable property assessments for all Citrus County residents.
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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
| | Florida Chapter International Association of Assessing Officers (FCIAAO) | |
Our very own Cregg Dalton had the opportunity to speak during the general session at the Florida Chapter IAAO annual conference in Kissimmee. It was an incredible event.
With over 320 professionals representing 41+ Property Appraisers’ offices across Florida, along with IAAO President William Healey joining from Maine, the room was filled with experience, insight, and a shared commitment to excellence in our field.
It was a special moment to be surrounded by so many dedicated members of the appraisal community, people who are not only focused on doing the work, but on continuously learning, improving, and raising the standard of service we provide.
Cregg shared a message that truly resonated:
“Citizens don’t just live in our communities; they deserve a seat at the table.”
That idea goes beyond customer service. It is about intentional engagement. It is about designing systems, processes, and communication strategies that invite participation, build trust, and ensure transparency. It challenges us to move from simply serving the public to actively partnering with them.
From embracing clearer communication, to leveraging technology for accessibility, to fostering a culture of listening, this message is a reminder that our role is not just about property values, it is about people.
Grateful to be part of a profession that continues to evolve, collaborate, and lead with purpose.
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Citrus County YMCA Youth Leadership Citrus graduation.
Over the last six months, Cregg had the opportunity, along with our incredible team at the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office, to spend time with the Youth Leadership Citrus students. These students aren’t just learning about leadership… they’re already stepping into it and learning the ropes. There’s something special about being in a room with young people who are curious, engaged, and thinking about how they can make a positive difference. Who knows… a few of them might be walking through our doors as future CCPA teammates one day. Big thank you to everyone involved in making this program what it is. The future is in good hands.
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Property Appraiser Cregg Dalton had the privilege of speaking to the incredible students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Lecanto High School.
Cregg shared his personal journey and how he got to where he is today, along with powerful insights into his leadership philosophy. He emphasized that true leadership is not about being perfect, but about growth, resilience, and accountability.
One of the key messages that resonated most was that failure and mistakes are part of the process. What matters is how you respond by owning your missteps, learning from them, and having the courage to try again.
He also encouraged students to remain committed to continuous learning, to always strive for personal growth, and to lead with compassion by showing genuine care for others.
The students are on a bright path toward future success, and several asked thoughtful and engaging questions. He was grateful for the invitation to speak to such an impressive group.
Thank you, Lecanto High School, for the opportunity to connect. The future is bright!
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We had such a wonderful time today welcoming the amazing clients from the Key Training Center to our Property Appraiser office!
They joined us for a presentation to learn more about what we do, and their curiosity and enthusiasm made it such a special experience. They asked thoughtful questions, enjoyed meeting our team, and even had fun spotting their homes on the map from our website!
It was truly a joyful and meaningful visit, and we’re so grateful we could open our doors and share a glimpse into our work with them.
Thank you for spending part of your day with us, we loved having you!
| | April was Autism Awareness Month | |
April was Autism Awareness Month, and the Citrus County Property Appraiser’s Office is proud to recognize and celebrate it.
Autism touches lives close to us, and this is our way of showing that no one walks that journey alone. Several members of our team have family members on the autism spectrum, and their strength, resilience, and unique perspectives inspire us every day. We are honored to support them. They are simply amazing.
While April 2nd marked World Autism Awareness Day, the opportunity to support, include, and uplift continues every single day.
If you’re able, join us in spreading awareness, showing kindness, and supporting this incredible cause, because awareness leads to understanding and understanding changes lives.
| Volunteer Time: Citrus County Blessings | | |
Our senior staff and directors 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.
| | Congratulations are in order! | | |
We’re proud to celebrate three outstanding members of our team following the recent FCIAAO Conference in Kissimmee!
Ric Fritz, Director of Land Records & Technology Services, was honored with the Tony Hodge Educational Award. This prestigious recognition from the Florida Chapter of the International Association of Assessing Officers highlights his commitment to excellence in education, demonstrated through his perseverance and dedication in achieving a professional designation from the IAAO.
We’re also excited to recognize Mary Jackson, Assistant Director of Land Records & Technology Services, who was selected to serve on the FCIAAO Board of Directors. This role reflects her commitment to contributing to the continued growth of the association. As a board member, Mary will support conference success, collaborate with vendors, contribute to communications efforts, and help advance educational and networking opportunities for members statewide over her two-year term.
Finally, congratulations to Cregg Dalton on receiving the President’s Award, presented by FCIAAO President Wynta Loughrey. This honor recognizes his outstanding contributions and dedication to the association and the profession.
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Mark your calendars, we have our next training session scheduled for 2026!
Citizen Training Session:
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Wednesday, July 15, 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.
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Happy Birthday to our May celebrants: Amy, Rachel, Alison, Steve & Edwin.
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!
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