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Citrus County Property Appraiser
August 2026 | Issue No. 50 Newsletter
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Your 2026 TRIM Notice Is Coming Soon: Here's What You Need to Know
Beginning August 14, 2026, the Citrus County Property Appraiser's Office will begin mailing Truth in Millage (TRIM) Notices to property owners throughout Citrus County. We will also put them on our website www.citruspa.org the same day.
Every year, once TRIM Notices arrive in mailboxes, we receive many of the same questions: "Why are my taxes so high?", "Why did my property's value increase?", or "Who decides how much I pay in property taxes?"
The TRIM Notice is designed to answer many of those questions. It provides an opportunity to review your property's value, exemptions, and the proposed taxes before tax bills are mailed later this year. Understanding what you're looking at can help you determine whether your property's value is accurate and why your estimated taxes may have changed.
What is a TRIM Notice?
TRIM stands for Truth in Millage. Florida law requires every property appraiser to mail this notice each August to ensure property owners have the opportunity to review their property information before tax bills are issued.
Think of your TRIM Notice as a preview of how your property taxes are calculated. It includes your property's market value, assessed value, and taxable value, along with any exemptions or classifications applied to your property. It also shows the proposed tax rates from each taxing authority, an estimate of your property taxes based on those proposed rates, and the dates, times, and locations of the public budget hearings where those tax rates will be discussed.
Remember: We Do Not Set Your Taxes
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that the Property Appraiser's Office determines how much property owners pay in taxes.
We do not.
Our responsibility is to determine the fair market value of property as of January 1 and apply any exemptions or classifications allowed by Florida law.
The tax rates, also known as millage rates, are established by the various taxing authorities, including the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, Citrus County School Board, Southwest Florida Water Management District, municipalities, and other independent taxing districts. Those agencies determine their budgets and proposed tax rates, which are reflected on your TRIM Notice.
Why Did My Value Change?
Property values are based on the real estate market as of January 1, 2026.
Our appraisers analyze thousands of sales and review market conditions throughout the county to determine just value. Depending on your property and neighborhood, your value may increase, decrease, or remain relatively stable.
If your property receives a Homestead Exemption, your assessed value may be limited by the Save Our Homes assessment cap, even if the market value increased significantly.
Review Your Exemptions
Your TRIM Notice is also the perfect time to verify that all eligible exemptions are listed.
Take a moment to review your notice and confirm that any exemptions or classifications you qualify for, such as Homestead, Disabled Veteran, Disability, or Widow/Widower exemptions, are correctly reflected. If something doesn't look right, contact our office as soon as possible so we can review your account with you.
Compare Last Year to This Year
Your TRIM Notice allows you to compare the previous and current years information on one document.
You'll be able to see how your property's taxable value has changed from last year, compare last year's taxes with this year's proposed taxes, and better understand how changes in value, assessment limitations, exemptions, or proposed millage rates may affect your estimated tax bill.
Important Deadlines
After reviewing your TRIM Notice, if you have questions about your property's market value or realize you may have missed applying for an exemption or classification for which you qualify, contact our office as soon as possible. Florida law provides a limited timeframe following the mailing of the TRIM Notice to address these matters, and the applicable deadlines are printed directly on your notice. Reaching out early gives our staff the opportunity to answer your questions and help you understand the options available to you before those deadlines pass.
We Are Here to Help
Your TRIM Notice is one of the most important documents you'll receive regarding your property each year. Taking a few minutes to review it can help ensure your property information, value, and exemptions are accurate before tax bills are mailed.
At the Citrus County Property Appraiser's Office, we are committed to providing fair, accurate, and transparent assessments while delivering exceptional customer service. If you have questions after reviewing your notice, we're here to help.
For more information, visit www.citruspa.org, give us a call, or stop by one of our offices. We look forward to assisting you.
Your Citrus County Property Appraiser,
Cregg Dalton
| | Florida Property Tax Amendment | | |
What's possibly changing?
2027
- Proposed increases to homestead exemption (non-school taxes only) $150,000
- Limits annual increases in assessed value for non-homestead property. 10% to 5%. (Commercial property, rental property, non-homestead residential property)
New Florida Residents (after January 1, 2027)
- For individuals who were not Florida residents on December 31, 2026.
- School Exemption: $25,000
- Non-School Exemption: $50,000
- Enhanced Exemption Eligibility: Additional residency requirements apply.
- Eligibility is determined by the amendment and implementing law.
2028
- Proposed increases to homestead exemption (non-school taxes only) $250,000
School taxes exemption remains $25,000
The increased exemption applies to all levies except school district levies.
| | Suncoast Business Masters Group | | |
Property Appraiser Cregg Dalton recently had the pleasure of serving as the guest speaker for the Suncoast Business Masters Group.
During the presentation, Cregg covered several topics that impact our community. He shared recent county statistics, highlighted Citrus County's new construction growth, reviewed the 2026 taxable property value, and explained the constitutional responsibilities of the Property Appraiser's Office. He also talked about the importance of the separation of powers, and the proposed constitutional amendment that will appear on the November ballot.
We always appreciate the opportunity to connect with local business owners, professionals, and community members who are invested in the future of Citrus County. Thank you to the Suncoast Business Masters Group for the invitation and the warm welcome. We truly value the opportunity to educate, engage, and serve our community.
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Property Appraiser, Cregg Dalton had the privilege of participating in Summer Rise, spending time with an incredible group of students preparing to take their next steps into adulthood.
On Day One, Cregg and Shaunda Burdette, Executive Director of the Citrus County Education Foundation, led a session titled "Ready for the Real World? Get Ready for Real People." Together, they explored topics that aren't always found in a textbook, including effective communication, emotional intelligence, accountability, handling difficult people, and the importance of character. Our hope was to equip students with practical skills they can carry into college, the workforce, and every relationship that follows.
On Day Two, Cregg was joined by Tobey Hunter, Legislative Aide to State Senator Ralph Massullo, for a session on Thank You Cards & Gratitude. In a world where a quick text has become the norm, students were reminded of the lasting impact a handwritten note can have. They each took time to write thoughtful thank you cards to people who have made a difference in their lives, including teachers, mentors, coaches, family members, and friends.
During lunch on Day Two, Cregg also had the honor of moderating a panel discussion with two outstanding public servants, Khantrell Burden of the Citrus County Fire Rescue and Haleigh Perez of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Their honesty, authenticity, and willingness to share their personal journeys made a lasting impression on our students. Their stories served as a powerful reminder that life doesn't always go according to plan, but every unexpected turn can still lead to a meaningful purpose.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make these two days so impactful, especially Shaunda Burdette, Tobey Hunter, Khantrell Burden, Haleigh Perez, Darrick Buettner, Patrick Simon, Meghan Maguire, and so many others for sharing their time, wisdom, and experiences with the next generation.
| | | Manatee County Clerk of Court & Comptroller | | |
Cregg Dalton was honored to present at the Manatee County Clerk of Court & Comptrollers office. He was asked to speak on behalf of "Play the Hand You're Dealt," a leadership message centered on a simple but powerful truth: you may not control the hand you're given, but you always control how you play it.
Life doesn't deal everyone the same cards. Some people begin with advantages, while others face obstacles from the very start. Great leaders don't spend their time wishing for a different hand, they focus on making the most of the one they have.
Throughout the presentation, we explored how leadership is built through resilience, accountability, and mindset. Every challenge presents a choice: complain or grow, quit or persevere, make excuses or move forward with purpose.
Some of the key reminders from the discussion included:
-Lead with courage, even when the path isn't easy.
-Choose growth over excuses.
-Turn challenges into opportunities by betting on yourself and adapting.
-Play every hand with grit, gratitude, and purpose.
The biggest takeaway? Leadership isn't defined by the cards you're dealt. It's defined by how you choose to play them.
| | | Leadership Citrus: Local Government Day | | |
Property Appraiser Cregg Dalton shared an inside look at what our office does and how our work impacts every property owner in Citrus County. He also shared his own leadership journey, reminding the class that leadership is rarely a straight path. It's built through a willingness to learn, serve others, and continue growing.
The conversation also focused on the incredible value of the relationships being built within this class. The connections made through Leadership Citrus create opportunities for collaboration, networking, and strengthening our community for years to come.
To wrap up the session, participants took time to reflect on their own leadership styles, discuss the importance of personal accountability, and identify areas where they can continue to grow as leaders.
Thank you to Leadership Citrus for spending part of your Local Government Day with us. We are excited to see the positive impact each of you will make in Citrus County!
| | CCPA Citizen Training Workshop | | |
We had an awesome turnout of Citrus County residents who came ready to learn, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of Florida's property tax system at our last Citizen Training Workshop.
During the session, attendees learned about:
• Property ownership and deeds
• What our office reviews when transferring ownership
• How different types of tenancy affect not only ownership, but also Homestead Exemption eligibility
• Homestead Exemption, portability, and additional exemptions available to qualifying property owners
• Why neighboring properties can have different property taxes
• Buyer Beware: why a property's assessed value may reset after a sale
• How our office determines property values
• The different ways property owners can discuss their values with our appraisal staff
• Citrus County growth trends and market data
• A detailed overview of the 2026 TRIM Notice, which will be begin mailing on August 14
And much, much more!
We appreciate everyone who took the time to attend and ask such thoughtful questions. An informed property owner is an empowered property owner, and we're always happy to help explain the process. If you missed out on the workshop, you can sign up for the next one below!
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Mark your calendars, we have our next training sessions scheduled for 2026!
Citizen Training Session:
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Wednesday, October 7, 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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Employees of the Quarter – Q3 Recognition
Crystal River: Mike Farrington
Inverness: Cathy Brusko
As department managers, Cathy and Mike each lead teams that play a vital role in serving the citizens of Citrus County. Cathy's leadership helps ensure ownership records remain accurate and up to date through the timely processing of property transfers, while Mike leads the Residential Appraisal team in the complex responsibility of valuing residential properties throughout the county.
Their commitment to their teams, their departments, and the mission of our office makes them deserving recipients of this quarter's Employee of the Quarter recognition. Congratulations, Cathy and Mike!
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Happy Birthday to our August celebrants - Heather & Kim!
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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