Request for Pre-Storm Building Value Reconsideration (BVR)
How can I get my pre-storm building value reconsidered?
If your property is located with a Special Flood Hazard Area (A or V flood zones) and received storm damage to the main structure, you may request that our office conduct a Pre-Storm Building Value Reconsideration (BVR). In making application for this Reconsideration of Value please provide the following:
- Photographic evidence of the property's interior (dated pre-storm). Images should be the original source and at least 1 MB in size.
- Contractor invoices of work done pre-storm within prior 24 months.
- Any other inspection reports or other documents supporting the condition and quality of the structure pre-storm damage.
Note: We are unable to provide this service for condominium properties at this time since the entire building must be valued (please see FAQ #13).
This information is necessary for us to make any factual changes to your structure's value and will not impact your 2024 taxes. Our value estimates for 2025 will be based on the condition of properties as of January 1, 2025. Should we determine that a factual change is justified our office will issue an updated FEMA letter indicating a revised Structure Value and 50% calculation.
Application to the Property Appraiser for a Pre-Storm Building Value Reconsideration does not remove the property owner's right to hire an independent state-certified appraiser to conduct a retrospective Actual Cash Value appraisal to present to their respective building department.
Understanding why the Property Appraiser's structure value differs from an independent appraisal
The structure value presented on the Property Appraiser's FEMA Letter is one of the two methods allowed by FEMA to obtain the market value (aka Actual Cash Value) of your structure. The purpose of the Property Appraiser's value estimate is for tax assessment purposes and not for arriving at Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the structure. A retrospective (pre-storm) Actual Cash Value appraisal performed by a state-certified appraiser has a very specific scope of work, intended use/users, includes a detailed interior and exterior inspection, and review of owner-provided documentation that demonstrates the home's quality and condition before the damage. Therefore, it is not uncommon for an independent ACV appraisal to produce a higher structure value as several of the above-mentioned items are not typically available to the Property Appraiser. A copy of Pinellas County’s Appraisal Review Checklist is available at: https://pinellas.gov/appraisals/. Other jurisdictions (Cities) may have their own review checklist.
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