The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office is committed to protecting the privacy and security of the information entrusted to us. As a government agency, we are required under Florida’s Public Records Law to provide access to many property-related records; however, we also take strong measures to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with state and federal privacy standards. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, manage, and share information, both online and in our offices. It also explains the rights of property owners, businesses, and residents, along with the safeguards we have in place to maintain transparency, accuracy, and confidentiality wherever required.
Information We Collect
To carry out our responsibilities under Florida law and to provide efficient services to the public, the Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office collects and maintains various types of information. This information may come directly from property owners, third-party sources such as government agencies, or through your use of our online tools and resources. Below are the primary categories of information we collect:
Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
We may collect certain details that can be used to identify you as an individual. Examples include your name, mailing address, phone number, and email address when you contact our office, submit an exemption application, or request property records. While Florida’s Public Records Law makes most records available for public inspection, specific sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, and medical details are exempt from disclosure and protected by law.
Property-Related Data
As part of our statutory duties, we collect and maintain detailed property information. This includes ownership history, assessed and market values, parcel boundaries, zoning classifications, exemptions applied, and tangible personal property (TPP) filings. This information forms the basis of the county’s tax roll and is largely available as a matter of public record to ensure transparency in the property tax process.
Technical and Usage Information
When you access our website or use online tools such as the Property Search, GIS Maps, or Tax Estimator, certain technical details may be collected automatically. These can include your IP address, browser type, device information, and usage patterns (such as pages visited or tools accessed). This data helps us improve functionality, maintain security, and ensure that our digital services remain accessible and user-friendly.
How We Use Your Information
The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office collects information for specific purposes tied to our constitutional and statutory responsibilities. Our goal is to ensure fair property valuation, maintain transparency in the tax process, and provide user-friendly services to property owners and the public. Below are the key ways we use the information collected:
Deliver Accurate Property Appraisal and Assessment Services
Your property-related data—including ownership history, parcel dimensions, land use classifications, improvements, and market activity—is used to establish accurate property valuations each year. These valuations form the basis of the county’s tax roll, ensuring that all property owners contribute their fair share of taxes. Using verified information helps us maintain fairness and consistency across all assessments.
Process Exemption and Tax-Related Applications
When you apply for exemptions, such as the Florida Homestead Exemption, senior exemptions, or disability-related exemptions, the information you provide allows us to verify eligibility. We use your data to process applications efficiently, apply exemptions to the tax roll, and ensure that qualifying property owners receive the benefits to which they are entitled. This process also involves maintaining accurate records for future reference and audit compliance.
Enhance Website Functionality and User Experience
Technical and usage data gathered from our website helps us understand how visitors interact with our digital tools, including the Property Search, GIS Maps, and Tax Estimator. This information is used to improve accessibility, resolve technical issues, optimize navigation, and enhance the overall user experience. Our goal is to provide property owners, businesses, and the general public with online resources that are reliable, efficient, and easy to use.
Communicate with You Efficiently
If you contact our office by phone, email, or through online forms, we use the information you provide to respond promptly and accurately to your requests. This may include answering questions, assisting with applications, providing property records, or offering guidance on appeal processes. Communication data also helps us deliver important updates—such as deadlines, changes in tax law, or office closures—that may directly affect property owners.
Ensure Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements
As a government agency, we are required to follow Florida statutes and public records laws. Information collected is used to maintain compliance with these regulations, provide transparency to the public, and respond to lawful requests for records. In cases involving appeals, disputes, or legal proceedings, we may also use property and ownership data to verify facts and ensure proper documentation.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office respects your privacy and does not sell or misuse personal information. However, certain data may need to be shared with trusted entities or disclosed as required by law to carry out our responsibilities effectively. Below is a breakdown of how and why information may be shared:
Government Entities
We may share property and exemption data with other government agencies to fulfill statutory obligations and ensure coordinated services. For example, property assessment and exemption details may be transmitted to the Levy County Tax Collector, Florida Department of Revenue, and other local or state agencies involved in tax roll preparation, collection, and oversight. This information exchange helps maintain accurate records across departments, ensures compliance with state laws, and allows property owners to access consistent and reliable information regardless of which office they contact.
Authorized Service Providers
In some cases, we work with third-party service providers or technology partners who assist us in managing our online tools, data security, and digital infrastructure. These providers may have limited access to certain technical or user-submitted information solely for the purpose of performing their contracted services—such as maintaining the Property Search system, GIS mapping platform, or exemption filing portals. All authorized service providers are required to adhere to strict confidentiality standards and cannot use or disclose data for any purpose outside their official duties.
Law Enforcement and Legal Authorities
Under certain circumstances, we may be required to disclose information to law enforcement agencies, courts, or other legal authorities. This may occur in response to a subpoena, court order, audit, investigation, or other legal process. In addition, information may be shared when necessary to protect the rights, safety, or property of the public, government employees, or the County itself. Such disclosures are always made in compliance with applicable laws, including Florida’s public records statutes, which govern the accessibility and release of certain property-related information. Have questions? Visit our Contact Us page.
Your Privacy Rights
As a resident or property owner in Levy County, you have important rights regarding how your information is collected, used, and shared. The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office is committed to protecting these rights and ensuring you maintain control over your personal and property-related information.
Right to Access
You have the right to access property-related records and certain personal information maintained by our office. Florida’s Public Records Law guarantees transparency by allowing you to request copies of property appraisals, exemptions, and related documentation. While much of this data is available online through our property search tools, certified copies and specific records can be requested directly from our office.
Right to Correction
If you notice that your property details, exemption status, or ownership information are inaccurate or outdated, you have the right to request corrections. Our office will review supporting documentation (such as deeds, tax bills, or exemption forms) and make appropriate updates to ensure records remain accurate and reliable.
Right to Opt-Out of Certain Communications
Although some notices—like TRIM notices or tax-related mailings—are required by law, you may choose to opt out of optional communications such as newsletters or service updates if they are offered. This allows you to control the type of information you receive while still ensuring you remain informed about essential property-related matters.
Right to Request Redaction
Certain personal information may be eligible for redaction from public records under Florida law, particularly for individuals in protected categories such as law enforcement officers, judges, and other public officials. If you qualify, you may submit a formal request for redaction to protect sensitive information like your home address from being displayed in public property databases.
Security Measures
Your privacy also includes the right to expect that the information you provide is safeguarded. Our office employs technical, administrative, and physical security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure. This includes secure online filing portals, encryption protocols, and strict internal policies that limit access to sensitive records only to authorized personnel.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
To provide a smooth and secure online experience, the Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office website may use cookies and other tracking technologies. These are small files or code snippets stored on your browser or device when you interact with our digital services.
- Types of Cookies We Use:
- Essential Cookies – Enable core website functions, such as logging in to the TPP filing portal or submitting online applications. Without these, the site may not function properly.
- Performance and Analytics Cookies – Collect anonymous data on how visitors use the site, such as pages visited, time spent on the site, and error reports. This helps us improve usability and content.
- Functionality Cookies – Store preferences (such as language selection or search filters) to provide a customized user experience.
- Security Cookies – Help protect your data by detecting suspicious activity, preventing fraud, and maintaining secure sessions.
- Third-Party Tools: Some analytics or mapping features (such as GIS data layers or embedded maps) may rely on third-party cookies. These are governed by the third party’s privacy policies, and users can manage these settings through their browser.
- Managing Cookies: You can adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies at any time. However, disabling cookies may limit access to certain tools or reduce website functionality.
Updates to This Privacy Policy
The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in laws, regulations, technology, or internal practices. Updates will be posted on our official website with a “last updated” date at the top of the policy for clarity.
- Why Updates Occur: Updates may be required if Florida’s public records law changes, if new online tools or portals are introduced, or if enhanced security protocols are adopted.
- How You Will Be Notified: Significant changes may be highlighted on the homepage or within relevant sections of the website to ensure residents are aware.
- Your Responsibility: We encourage all users to check this page regularly so you remain informed about how your data is collected, used, and protected.
By continuing to use our website and services after updates are published, you are acknowledging and agreeing to the revised terms of the Privacy Policy.
Contact Information
The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office is committed to transparency and welcomes any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy.
- Mailing Address:
Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office
310 School Street
Bronson, FL 32621 - Phone: (352) 486-5222
- Fax: (352) 486-5155
- Email: info@levypropertyappraiser.com
- Website Contact Form: Available on our official site for submitting inquiries, records requests, or technical assistance.
If you believe your privacy rights have been violated or if you need help exercising your rights (such as corrections or redactions), please contact us directly. Our staff will work with you promptly and professionally to address your concern.