Protecting your personal information is a top priority for the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you access our website or use our services. It outlines the types of data we may gather, including personal, non-personal, and technical information, and how this data is used to improve our services, provide accurate property records, and ensure a secure online experience. By understanding our privacy practices, property owners, residents, and visitors can feel confident that their information is handled responsibly, in compliance with applicable laws, and solely for the purposes of providing property appraisal, tax, and related services.
Information We Collect
To provide accurate property information, tools, and resources, the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office may collect different types of information from users. This includes information you voluntarily provide as well as data that is automatically collected when you use our website or services. Understanding what we collect helps ensure transparency and informs users how their data is used and protected.
Data You Provide Voluntarily
This includes any information you actively submit to the Property Appraiser’s Office or website, such as:
- Contact details (name, email address, phone number) when using forms or requesting assistance.
- Property information for inquiries, exemption applications, or tax questions.
- Uploaded documents or supporting files for exemptions, appeals, or filings.
Providing this information allows us to respond accurately to your requests, process filings, and ensure proper communication regarding your property or account.
Automatically Collected Information
Certain information is collected automatically when you visit or interact with our website, including:
- IP addresses and device information (browser type, operating system, device type).
- Website usage data, such as pages visited, time spent on the site, and navigation paths.
- Cookies and similar technologies to improve website performance, user experience, and functionality.
This data helps us monitor website performance, improve usability, and ensure that online services are secure and responsive to user needs.
How We Use Your Information
The Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office collects and uses information responsibly to improve services, ensure accurate communication, and comply with legal obligations. Understanding how your information is used helps users feel confident that their data is handled appropriately and only for intended purposes.
For Service Improvements
Information collected, both voluntarily and automatically, is used to enhance the quality and efficiency of our services. This includes:
- Optimizing website functionality and navigation.
- Identifying areas where users may need additional guidance or resources.
- Improving online tools such as property search, tax estimators, and exemption applications.
- Enhancing overall user experience by analyzing site usage and feedback.
By analyzing this data, the Property Appraiser’s Office can continually refine its offerings and ensure services meet the needs of Sarasota County residents.
Communication & Notifications
Information you provide may be used to communicate important updates or notifications related to:
- Property assessments or tax bill information.
- Filing deadlines for exemptions or Tangible Personal Property returns.
- Responses to inquiries, document submissions, or support requests.
- Educational resources, guides, or changes to county property tax procedures.
This ensures that property owners receive timely, relevant, and accurate information to manage their property responsibilities effectively.
Legal and Compliance Purposes
Your information may also be used to comply with applicable laws and regulations, including:
- Maintaining accurate property records as required by Florida statutes.
- Ensuring proper application of exemptions, assessments, and property tax laws.
- Supporting audits, investigations, or legal processes involving property ownership or tax matters.
These uses ensure that the Property Appraiser’s Office operates transparently and in full compliance with state and county regulations.
Data Protection and Security Measures
The Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office is committed to safeguarding all information collected from users. We employ multiple security measures to protect data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse, ensuring that personal and property-related information remains secure and confidential.
Encryption and Secure Access
All sensitive information submitted to the Property Appraiser’s Office is protected using encryption technologies and secure protocols. This includes:
- SSL/TLS encryption for data transmitted through the website, ensuring secure connections between users and our servers.
- Secure online forms for exemption applications, Tangible Personal Property filings, and other document submissions.
- Protection against unauthorized interception or tampering during electronic communication.
These measures help ensure that your personal and property information is transmitted safely and kept confidential.
Internal Access Restrictions
Access to user information is strictly controlled within the Property Appraiser’s Office. Key practices include:
- Only authorized staff members with legitimate business needs can access sensitive property or personal data.
- Employee access is monitored and regularly reviewed to prevent unauthorized use.
- Internal procedures and training ensure that all staff understand and adhere to privacy and security policies.
By implementing these internal controls, the office maintains a high level of accountability and protects data integrity at every stage of processing.
Opt-Out Preferences
The Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office respects user preferences regarding the collection and use of personal information. While some data is necessary to provide core services, users have options to limit certain uses of their information and manage how they interact with online tools and communications.
How to Limit the Use of Your Data
Users can exercise control over their information in several ways:
- Email Communications: You may opt out of non-essential notifications or newsletters by following the unsubscribe instructions included in the message.
- Online Tools: While using property search tools, tax estimators, or other interactive features, you can limit the sharing of optional information by avoiding submission of personal details when not required.
- Cookies and Tracking: Many browsers allow you to disable or manage cookies, which can limit the automatic collection of non-personal data used for analytics and site performance.
- Direct Requests: For specific inquiries about data use, storage, or removal, users can contact the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office directly via email, phone, or official contact forms.
These options provide users with greater control over how their data is used, while still allowing access to the essential services and tools provided by the Property Appraiser’s Office.
Cookies & Tracking Technologies
The Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to improve user experience, enhance website functionality, and gather analytics. Understanding how cookies work and how they are used helps users make informed decisions about their online privacy while navigating our property information and tools.
Types of Cookies We Use
Our website employs several types of cookies, including:
- Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality, such as logging in to secure areas or submitting forms.
- Performance & Analytics Cookies: Collect non-personal information about how users interact with the website, including pages visited, time spent on the site, and navigation patterns. This helps us identify areas for improvement.
- Functional Cookies: Enable enhanced features such as saving your search preferences or remembering previous inputs on online forms.
- Third-Party Cookies: Some tools or embedded services may use third-party cookies for analytics or interactive features. These are used only to enhance user experience and do not store personally identifiable information unless voluntarily provided.
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
Users can manage cookie settings in several ways to protect their privacy:
- Browser Settings: Most web browsers allow you to block, delete, or restrict cookies. You can adjust these settings according to your preferences.
- Opt-Out Options: Certain third-party services used on the website may provide opt-out tools for tracking and analytics.
- Limited Submission: Avoid submitting optional personal information on forms if you wish to minimize data collection.
By managing your cookie preferences, you can control how information is collected while still benefiting from essential website functions and tools provided by the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office.
Sharing & Third-Party Services
The Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office values user privacy and only shares information when necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, or improve website functionality. This section explains the circumstances under which information may be shared and the use of third-party tools and services.
When and Why We Share Information
Information collected by the Property Appraiser’s Office may be shared in limited situations, including:
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance: To comply with federal, state, or local laws, including property tax regulations.
- Service Provision: When sharing is necessary to process applications, exemptions, or requests submitted by users.
- Research & Analysis: Aggregated, anonymized data may be used to analyze trends, improve website features, or enhance public services.
In all cases, personal information is handled with care, ensuring it is shared only when required or beneficial to providing accurate property-related services.
Third-Party Tools and Services
Certain features on the website may involve third-party tools or services to enhance functionality and user experience, such as:
- Analytics platforms to track website usage and performance.
- Interactive maps or GIS tools for property visualization.
- Form processing services for submissions like exemption applications or inquiries.
These third-party services may collect limited information for their functionality but do not have direct access to your personal property records unless voluntarily provided. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party services for additional information.
Your Rights & Data Control Options
The Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office respects your rights regarding personal information and provides options for accessing, updating, or controlling your data. Understanding these rights helps ensure transparency and allows users to manage how their information is stored and used.
Requesting Data Access or Deletion
Users have the right to request access to personal information collected by the Property Appraiser’s Office. This includes information submitted via online forms or email communications. You may also request deletion of personal data when it is no longer necessary for the purpose it was collected, except where retention is required by law or for official recordkeeping.
To make such requests:
- Contact the office directly via the official email address or phone number.
- Include your property details or account information to help staff locate the relevant data.
- Specify whether you are requesting access, correction, or deletion of your information.
Updating Your Personal Information
Keeping your personal and property information accurate is essential for proper assessments, exemptions, and communication. You can update your information by:
- Submitting corrected details via official forms or online portals.
- Contacting the Property Appraiser’s Office directly for updates related to exemptions, mailing addresses, or ownership records.
- Ensuring that any supporting documents provided are current and valid to avoid delays or errors in processing.
By actively managing your data, you help ensure accurate property records and efficient service from the Property Appraiser’s Office while maintaining control over your personal information.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
The Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in laws, regulations, services, or website functionality. Staying informed about updates ensures that users understand how their data is collected, used, and protected.
Notification of Updates
When significant changes are made to this Privacy Policy, users will be notified through:
- Website announcements or banners highlighting major updates.
- Updated documentation on the Privacy Policy page with clearly indicated revisions.
- Users are encouraged to review this page periodically to stay informed about how their information is handled.
Date of Last Revision
The Privacy Policy includes a “last updated” date at the top or bottom of the page. This date reflects the most recent revision and serves as a reference for users to know when changes were implemented.
Keeping this information visible and current ensures transparency and allows property owners, residents, and business users to make informed decisions about their interactions with the Sarasota County Property Appraiser’s Office.
Contact Us for Privacy Concerns
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:
- Email: PA@sc-pa.com
- Phone: 941-861-8200
- Fax: 941-861-8260
- Mailing Address:
Sarasota County Property Appraiser
2001 Adams Lane
Sarasota, FL 34237