Rotary Happenings: Rotarians hear from Lee County property appraiser
Have you ever met a seventh generation Florida native? Do they even exist? Recently, the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club heard from Matt Caldwell who is just that, as well as the Lee County Property Appraiser. He brings with him a deep understanding of our lands, as well as plenty of experience for his elected position.
In 2020, Caldwell was elected by the people of Lee County to serve as the property appraiser, following the retirement of 40-year incumbent Ken Wilkinson. He now oversees a very efficient office that was put in place by Wilkinson and his fiscal prudence. The constitutional office of the property appraiser retains a clear and distinct separation from the county government aside from its inclusion in the county charter. The office is not a county department under the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, but it receives oversight and annual approval, for both the assessment of property and the budget, exclusively from the Florida Department of Revenue.
Caldwell’s office uses an innovative 3-D technology to improve its property appraisal processes which allows for more equitable appraisals. If a resident disagrees with their appraisal, they can work with the office to have a reassessment done.
While in college, Caldwell began his career as a real estate appraiser, ultimately joining the firm of Maxwell, Hendry, Simmons in 2004, where he remains of counsel. He has attained the highest state certification in his field and is qualified as an expert witness in multiple states and federal court. In 2019, he become a partner at TM Strategic Consulting, focused on candidate and political consulting.
Prior to running for public office, Caldwell volunteered for appointment to various governmental committees regarding financial oversight, audits, Everglades restoration, land use and transportation, as well as the 2008 constitutional review of the Lee County Charter.
Caldwell was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2010-18, serving on and chairing several committees including: tax policy, redistricting, insurance and banking, agriculture and natural resources/public lands, transportation and infrastructure, local, federal, and military affairs, and oversight of government operations, such as pensions and elections. He is proud to have sponsored, and have the governor sign into law, dozens of bills, including those related to agriculture, natural resources, public safety, cannabis reform, medical care, criminal justice reform, pensions and term limits, among others.
Caldwell is proud to continue Wilkenson’s legacy as an advocate for the taxpayer, using the platform as a constitutional officer to support good government at the local, state, and federal level.
The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary Club holds a meeting on Fridays at 7:30 a.m. at The Community House, at 2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, and via Zoom; doors open at 7 a.m. To attend in person, email Bill Harkey at William.Harkey@gmail.com by the Tuesday before the meeting. For more information, visit sanibelrotary.org or www.facebook.com/sancaprotary.