Welcome to the official website of the Levy County Property Appraiser. By accessing and using this site, you agree to comply with the following Terms and Conditions, which govern your use of our online tools, resources, and services. These terms are designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and responsible use of the information provided. The Property Appraiser’s Office maintains this website as a public service, offering access to property records, GIS maps, exemption filing portals, and other property-related resources. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, all content is subject to applicable Florida laws, including the state’s Public Records Law, and may be updated, corrected, or removed at any time. Users are responsible for ensuring that any information they obtain from this site is applied appropriately and in accordance with all legal requirements. By continuing to browse, download, or interact with this website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.
Purpose of These Terms
The Terms and Conditions of the Levy County Property Appraiser’s website serve as a foundation for responsible, lawful, and transparent use of the resources provided. Since this website contains official public records and government information, it is essential to clearly outline the purpose of these terms to protect both users and the integrity of the data maintained by our office.
To Establish a Legal Framework for Website Use
These terms provide a clear legal framework that governs how visitors may access, use, and interact with the Property Appraiser’s website. By setting boundaries and rules, the office ensures that all services — including property searches, tax estimators, GIS maps, and exemption filing portals — are used appropriately and within the scope of Florida law.
To Clarify User Responsibilities
The terms outline what is expected of website users, such as entering accurate information when filing online forms, respecting copyright or intellectual property protections, and avoiding misuse of data. This ensures that individuals understand their role in maintaining the reliability and security of the system.
To Protect the Accuracy and Integrity of Official Public Data
The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office works diligently to provide accurate, up-to-date property data. These terms help safeguard that data from unauthorized alteration, misrepresentation, or misuse, ensuring that property assessments and tax records remain trustworthy and transparent.
To Prevent Unauthorized or Harmful Activities
Like any government website, safeguards are necessary to protect against misuse. These terms prohibit harmful activities such as hacking, scraping data without authorization, submitting false information, or attempting to disrupt services. This protects both the county’s systems and the public users who rely on them.
To Ensure Compliance with Relevant Laws and Regulations
Florida’s Public Records Law, along with other state and federal regulations, governs how property information can be accessed and shared. The Terms and Conditions ensure that all use of the website remains consistent with these laws and that sensitive information (such as redacted personal data) remains protected.
To Set Expectations for the Use of Public Information
While property data is a matter of public record, there are rules on how this information can be used. The terms clarify that data should be accessed for legitimate purposes — such as research, legal documentation, or personal property management — and not for misleading, fraudulent, or commercial misuse.
Acceptable Use & User Responsibilities
When accessing the Levy County Property Appraiser’s website, users agree to follow responsible practices that uphold the accuracy, security, and integrity of public data. To ensure fairness and compliance with Florida law, the following standards apply:
Lawful Use Only
The website and all associated tools (including the Property Search, Tax Estimator, GIS Mapping, and online filing portals) must be used strictly for lawful purposes. Users may not access, download, or share information in ways that violate federal, state, or local laws. This includes—but is not limited to—activities such as identity theft, fraudulent filings, unauthorized resale of public data, or misuse of information for deceptive commercial purposes.
Accurate and Truthful Submissions
When completing forms or filing applications online, users are expected to provide complete, accurate, and truthful information. Submitting false ownership claims, fraudulent exemption requests, or incorrect personal details may result in denial of services, removal of benefits, or legal penalties. The Property Appraiser’s Office relies on the integrity of user submissions to maintain fair and transparent property assessments.
Respect for Website Functionality
Users must interact with the site in a way that does not impair its functionality for others. This means avoiding excessive automated queries, data scraping, or any action that places an undue burden on the system. Interfering with search functions, attempting to overload servers, or tampering with online filing portals is prohibited. The site is intended to serve all Levy County residents equally, and disruptive use undermines public access.
No Unauthorized Access or Manipulation
Attempts to gain unauthorized access to restricted parts of the system, bypass security protections, or manipulate property data are strictly prohibited. This includes hacking, altering source code, injecting malware, or attempting to falsify property records. All property and exemption information is maintained in compliance with Florida law, and unauthorized tampering may result in civil or criminal liability.
Prohibited Conduct
To protect the security, reliability, and integrity of the Levy County Property Appraiser’s website, users are strictly prohibited from engaging in certain activities that could compromise the system, disrupt services, or misuse public information. Violating these rules may result in restricted access, termination of online privileges, or legal consequences under state and federal law.
Unauthorized Access
Users are not permitted to attempt to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas of the website, internal networks, databases, or systems that are not publicly available. This includes bypassing authentication mechanisms, using stolen credentials, or attempting to exploit system vulnerabilities. Unauthorized access may also include altering property records, exemption filings, or other official data without proper authorization.
Automated Data Extraction
The use of automated tools, such as bots, scrapers, or unauthorized scripts, to harvest data from the Property Appraiser’s website is prohibited. While property records are public information, excessive automated extraction can overload servers, disrupt services for other users, and violate data-use restrictions. If you need large datasets, you must follow official procedures for requesting bulk records through the Public Records Request process.
Malicious Software and Code Injection
Uploading, distributing, or attempting to inject malicious code, malware, spyware, or viruses into the Property Appraiser’s website or related systems is strictly forbidden. Any activity designed to alter website functionality, compromise security protections, or collect unauthorized information from users or the office itself constitutes a serious violation and may lead to prosecution.
False Representation
Users may not impersonate another individual, entity, or government official when accessing online services or submitting applications. This includes filing homestead exemptions under false ownership, misrepresenting business assets for TPP filings, or providing fraudulent contact details. False representation undermines the integrity of public records and can result in criminal liability.
Interference with Website Functionality
Any activity that interferes with or disrupts the normal operation of the website is prohibited. This may include denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, intentional server overload, manipulating search functions, or altering the presentation of public data. The website is intended to provide fair and equal access to all Levy County residents, and interference with functionality diminishes public trust and access.
Consequences of Violation
Violating the Terms and Conditions of the Levy County Property Appraiser’s website is a serious matter. Because this website provides access to official public records and government services, misuse or abuse of the system may result in immediate action by the Property Appraiser’s Office, and in some cases, legal penalties. The consequences of violations include but are not limited to the following:
- Restricted or Terminated Access
- The Property Appraiser’s Office reserves the right to suspend or permanently revoke online access for any individual or entity that engages in prohibited conduct. This may include blocking IP addresses, disabling accounts, or refusing future online filings.
- Correction or Rejection of Submissions
- Any false, misleading, or fraudulent applications — such as exemption filings, TPP returns, or property record updates — may be rejected, voided, or corrected by the office. Fraudulent claims may also disqualify you from receiving certain exemptions or benefits.
- Civil Liability
- Users who misuse public data, misrepresent property details, or engage in fraudulent filings may be held civilly liable for damages. This may include repayment of improperly claimed exemptions, fines, or reimbursement of costs incurred by the county to investigate and resolve the violation.
- Criminal Prosecution
- Certain violations, such as attempting unauthorized access, tampering with official records, or submitting fraudulent legal documents, may rise to the level of criminal activity. In such cases, violations may be referred to local law enforcement, the Florida Department of Revenue, or other relevant authorities for investigation and prosecution under applicable laws.
- Loss of Exemptions or Benefits
- Property owners found to have intentionally misused online filing systems or submitted false claims may lose eligibility for exemptions (such as the Homestead Exemption or TPP exemption) and could be required to pay back taxes, interest, and penalties.
- Public Record Notations
- In some cases, violations may be documented in official records. This could impact future filings, appeals, or disputes related to your property or tax status.
Important Note: The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office takes violations seriously to protect the accuracy of the county’s property records and to ensure fairness for all taxpayers. Users are encouraged to contact the office directly if they are uncertain about procedures or requirements, rather than risk violating these terms.
Data Accuracy & Use Disclaimer
The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office makes every effort to provide property data, online tools, and related services that are accurate, timely, and reliable. However, due to the complexity of property records and the frequent updates required by law, users must understand the following limitations:
No Absolute Guarantee of Accuracy
While the office strives to ensure that all property records, assessments, and exemption information are current and correct, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Errors, delays in updates, or discrepancies may occur due to recording delays, clerical mistakes, or information supplied by third parties.
Reference Use Only
The data and tools provided on this website are intended for informational and reference purposes only. They should not be used as a substitute for certified property records, legal documentation, or official communications. For legally binding records, such as deeds or certified assessments, users must request official documents directly from the Property Appraiser’s Office or the Clerk of Court.
No Legal or Professional Reliance
Property data available through this website should not be solely relied upon for legal, financial, or professional decisions. Users such as buyers, sellers, attorneys, surveyors, or financial institutions should verify property details independently through certified records, surveys, or professional consultation. The office does not assume responsibility for actions taken based solely on online property data.
User Responsibility
It is the responsibility of each user to ensure that information obtained from the website is reviewed, verified, and applied correctly. Users must confirm property details before filing exemptions, appealing assessments, or completing transactions. The Property Appraiser’s Office is not liable for damages, losses, or disputes resulting from reliance on unofficial or outdated online data.
Privacy & Data Protection
The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office is committed to safeguarding the personal and property-related information of residents, property owners, and website users. While many property records are public under Florida law, the office takes steps to ensure sensitive information is protected and handled responsibly.
What Personal Information Is Collected
We may collect the following types of information:
- Personally Identifiable Information (PII): Name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other contact information submitted through online forms or applications.
- Property-Related Data: Ownership details, parcel numbers, assessed values, exemptions applied, and other information required for property appraisal and tax purposes.
- Technical and Usage Data: IP addresses, browser type, device information, and website interaction data collected to improve online services and maintain security.
How Your Data Is Stored and Used
Collected information is stored securely in our systems to:
- Maintain accurate property and exemption records.
- Process applications such as Homestead Exemptions or Tangible Personal Property filings.
- Provide access to online tools like Property Search, GIS Maps, and the Tax Estimator.
- Communicate with users regarding official notices, updates, or inquiries.
All data is used strictly for official purposes, in compliance with Florida law, and is not sold or shared for commercial purposes.
Your Privacy Rights Under Florida Law
Residents and property owners have rights regarding their personal information, including:
- Access: Request copies of records maintained by the Property Appraiser’s Office.
- Correction: Request updates to incorrect or outdated information.
- Redaction: In certain cases, sensitive information may be withheld from public records (e.g., for law enforcement officers or other protected individuals).
- Opt-Out: Users may opt out of non-mandatory communications, such as newsletters or notifications.
How We Protect User Data
The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office implements multiple safeguards to ensure data security, including:
- Technical Measures: Secure servers, encryption, firewalls, and monitored access.
- Administrative Policies: Staff training, access restrictions, and compliance with privacy and public records laws.
- Physical Security: Controlled access to offices, filing systems, and records storage.
By combining these measures, the office ensures that information remains accurate, confidential where required, and protected against unauthorized use or disclosure.
Intellectual Property & Content Use
The Levy County Property Appraiser’s website contains a variety of content, including text, images, maps, data, tools, logos, and other materials. This content is the property of the Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office or its licensors and is protected by federal and state intellectual property laws.
Ownership and Rights
All materials on this website are owned or licensed by the Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office. This includes:
- Property data, assessment records, and public documents compiled by the office.
- GIS maps, parcel data, and tax-related tools.
- Logos, graphics, icons, and website design elements.
Users do not acquire ownership rights to any content by accessing the website. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by the Property Appraiser’s Office.
Permitted Use
Users are allowed to:
- Access and view content for personal, educational, or official use.
- Download or print individual property records for personal reference or legally authorized purposes.
- Use maps, data, and information for research, legal, or governmental activities consistent with Florida’s Public Records Law.
All use must acknowledge the Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office as the source of the information.
Restrictions
Users are prohibited from:
- Copying, reproducing, or redistributing content for commercial purposes without explicit permission.
- Modifying, altering, or creating derivative works from the data, maps, or tools.
- Using the content to commit fraud, misrepresentation, or illegal activities.
- Attempting to bypass security controls, extract large datasets automatically, or scrape data without authorization.
Violation of these restrictions may result in loss of access, legal action, or other enforcement measures under applicable intellectual property and state laws.
Communications & Contact
The Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office maintains open lines of communication to ensure that residents, property owners, and website users can access timely information, updates, and support. This section explains the purpose, privacy considerations, and responsibilities related to communications.
Purpose of Communications
Communications from the Property Appraiser’s Office are intended to:
- Notify property owners of important deadlines, including TRIM notices, exemption applications, and TPP filings.
- Provide updates regarding changes to property valuations, tax rates, or public records.
- Offer guidance on using online tools such as the Property Search, GIS Mapping, Tax Estimator, and online filing portals.
- Respond to inquiries, records requests, or support issues submitted through phone, email, or online forms.
Your Privacy and Preferences
All communications respect your privacy and comply with Florida law. Users may specify preferences for receiving notifications (e.g., opting out of optional newsletters or non-mandatory updates). Essential communications related to property taxes, legal notices, or filings cannot be opted out, as these are required by law.
Contact Information for Questions or Support
For inquiries regarding property records, online tools, exemptions, or technical support, you may contact the Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office via:
- Phone: (352) 486-5222
- Email: info@levypropertyappraiser.com
- Mailing Address: 310 School Street, Bronson, FL 32621
- Website Contact Form: Available for submitting questions or records requests online.
Updates to Terms & Conditions
The Property Appraiser’s Office may update these Terms & Conditions periodically to reflect changes in law, technology, or operational procedures. Updates ensure that the website remains compliant, accurate, and secure.
Your Responsibility to Stay Informed
Users are responsible for reviewing the Terms & Conditions regularly. By continuing to use the website after updates are posted, you acknowledge and accept any revisions. This ensures that you remain aware of rules, obligations, and best practices when interacting with our services.
How Updates Will Be Communicated
Significant changes to Terms & Conditions may be communicated via:
- A notice or banner on the official website homepage.
- Updated “last revised” date displayed on the Terms & Conditions page.
- Optional email notifications for users who have provided contact information and opted in for updates.
By staying informed, users can ensure compliance with website policies and avoid potential issues related to misuse or misunderstanding of services.