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Brendan Lynch Comments on Property Taxes in Palm Beach County

August 13, 2020

Shareholder Brendan Lynch discussed property taxes with Mansion Global, addressing a reader's question: "My parents have retired to West Palm Beach, Fla., and I have heard that property taxes are supposed to decrease next year for them. Is it true?"

Lynch commented that property taxes are more likely to increase since property valuations have risen. He further explained that since the assessment date in Florida is January 1, values are based on the 2019 market. Potential changes to property values caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will not be recorded until January 1, 2021.

“Folks are probably going to be surprised that they’re seeing increases in value for 2020,” he said. “And then they are going to have to hold their breath again and hope that the millage rates...aren’t being increased.”

Lynch advised that homeowners appeal valuations this year, rather than waiting until next year. He also noted Florida's homestead exemption program and exemptions for low-income senior residents of the state. 

Read the article: Are Property Taxes Decreasing in West Palm Beach, Florida?



S. Brendan

A Virginia native originally with aspirations to become a journalist, Brendan Lynch fell in love with Florida and has made it his home since 2005. He represents both commercial and residential property land owners, as well as tenant business owners, in issues of property tax valuation and eminent domain/condemnation.

Brendan assists property owners throughout Florida with their property tax appeals, including assessment reviews, direct negotiations with county property appraisers, appeals to the Value Adjustment Board, and trial and appellate court proceedings. His clients include apartment projects, big box stores, condominiums, commercial strip centers, hotels, residences, student housing, vacant land, and other retail buildings.

With broad experience handling many different types of exemption applications, Brendan often assists clients from the application stage through challenges, to denial of any exemption, through trial and appellate court proceedings. These exemption applications include agricultural, conservation easements, healthcare, homestead, military housing, non-profit, religious, and senior living.

Typically, the eminent domain cases involve a governmental entity (Florida Department of Transportation, county, city, expressway authority, or other state agency) or private utility with condemnation powers seeking to take land from the property owners. Interestingly, Brendan has also represented condemning authorities on special projects – bringing a perspective from both sides of the table.

Brendan’s love for his adopted hometown of Orlando is reflected in his commitment to the community and its cultural diversity. A long-time advocate for the arts and former chair of the United Arts of Central Florida’s Board of Directors, Brendan helped steer the largest Collaborative Campaign in the organization’s history (over $3 million). He has also served in leadership roles for the Adult Literacy League, the Orange County Teen Court, and the Heart of Florida United Way.

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