Appraiser has information on 'greenbelt' signup
By MELANIE J. HENSLEY
Published August 11, 2005
Landowners who want to apply for the 2006 agricultural "greenbelt" classification should contact the Property Appraiser's Office for information about the program.
The normal signup period for the agricultural use assessment program runs from Jan. 1 until March 1 each year. In order to qualify, a landowner must use his lands for "bona fide" commercial agricultural purposes on or before Jan. 1, 2006.
For landowners who are planting forest trees and applying for the program in 2006, in order to meet the agricultural assessment date for the new tax year, the trees have to be planted by Jan. 1.
Tree seedlings are available starting July 1 by order through the Florida Division of Forestry, your county forester at 726-3726, or through a private consultant forester.
Tree farm applicants also have to submit certified forest management plans to qualify forest lands for agricultural classification.
It is not as simple as just having the minimum acreage or some livestock on your property. You have to be pursuing an agricultural activity for a reasonable profit or at least upon a reasonable expectation of meeting your investment cost and realizing a reasonable profit.
When applying for the classification, a landowner is asked to submit additional information with the application, including a management plan, land leases, county and state licenses, agricultural sales evidence and related documentation.
The minimum size for timber stands is 10 acres. Different minimum acreages apply to other uses, including but not limited to seed and hay crops, groves, nurseries, orchards, row crops, field and silage crops, and pastures.
Because of the diversity of agriculture in Citrus County, interested people should visit or call the Agricultural Classification Department of the Property Appraiser's Office at 341-6653 to discuss specific guidelines, make an appointment to discuss the program, or request additional information.
The Property Appraiser's Office is in the government annex building at 210 N Apopka Ave. in Inverness and at 801 U.S. 19 SE in Crystal River. Downloadable application forms and other information is available online at their Web site: www.pa.citrus.fl.us
Melanie Hensley is the Citrus County property appraiser.