Charlotte County appraiser says average home reassessments could rise about 50%

Fred Pearson of Pearson’s Appraisal told the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors on March 26 that his firm has completed fieldwork and data entry for the countywide reassessment and is re‑calculating values.

“On average, there will be a 50% increase in home value and a 35–50% increase in real estate value,” Pearson said, calling the uptick the largest he has seen in several years and warning that the county should expect an increase in hearings and appeals. He said there are three ways to appeal: in person, by phone or by email.

Vice‑Chair Hazel Bowman Smith asked whether the range was the same for homes and land. Pearson said homes that have had substantial renovations could see increases around 70%, while vacant or deteriorated properties could show increases well below the countywide average. He said land reassessments depend on timber value, access, utility right‑of‑way and other parcel‑specific factors. Chairman Walter T. Bailey asked how the county’s numbers compared with nearby localities; Pearson said he is seeing similar increases across surrounding localities.

The presentation supplied homeowners and interested residents with an early estimate of how reassessment could affect tax assessments and flagged procedural steps: property owners may request hearings and appeals through the three methods Pearson listed. The board did not take action on reassessment methods or appeals at the meeting; Pearsons’ report was presented for information and to inform next steps.

The board will continue processing reassessment data; officials and property owners can expect hearings as notices are issued and values are finalized.