Tax roll value estimates for islands increase
The initial property tax valuations for Sanibel and Captiva have increased over 2024.
The Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office released its preliminary estimated tax roll values on June 1, which indicate a 1.05% increase for the city of Sanibel and a 4.84% increase for Captiva as part of unincorporated Lee County. The initial valuations for the fire districts varied, depending on the island.
County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell reported in a statement that the value estimates provide a starting point to taxing authorities for their annual budget and property tax rate process.
“As expected, the changes in taxable value were relatively modest as our market continues to recover from the effects of the recent hurricanes at the same time that overall demand has returned to more historically normal levels,” he said.
According to the estimates, the city’s taxable value rose about $49.23 million, from $4.69 billion — 1.05% — to $4.74 billion. Assessed value increased 1.10% to $5.08 billion, up $55.35 million from $5.02 billion. Just value dropped 0.51% to $6.03 billion, down $31.08 million from $6.07 billion.
Also for Sanibel, taxable new construction decreased from approximately $23.34 million to $21.61 million. A drop was estimated for just new construction from $431.61 million to $168.04 million.
County estimates, including Captiva, show about a $6.68 billion rise in taxable value, from $138.13 billion — 4.84% — to $144.81 billion. Assessed value increased 4.85% to $167.28 billion, up $7.73 billion from $159.55 billion. Just value decreased 3.72% to $211.30 billion, down $8.17 billion from $219.47 billion.
Also for the county, taxable new construction increased from approximately $4.59 billion to $4.96 million. Just new construction dropped from $9.41 billion to $5.68 billion. As for the county’s taxable school value, it decreased $247.88 million to $162.08 billion, dipping 0.15% from $162.33 billion.
In addition, the initial estimate for the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District increased year-over-year, while the valuations for the Captiva Island Fire Control District and Upper Captiva Fire District decreased.
The Sanibel fire district experienced a 1.05% rise to about $4.74 billion, up $49.25 million from $4.69 billion. The Captiva district saw a 0.50% drop to $1.56 billion, dipping $7.91 million from $1.57 billion, and Upper Captiva decreased 13.50% to $279.61 million, down $43.64 million from $323.25 million.
Caldwell reported that his office will continue to refine the values.
The final numbers will come out on or before July 1, then be sent to Tallahassee for approval.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email