▼

Animal Control

Show All Answers

1. What are the leash laws in Sumter County?

County Code 4-10 states that all dogs must be confined on owners property at all times or under direct control or on a leash when off the owners property.

Otherwise a citation will be issued for the animal running free.

2. What can I do about my neighbor's dog barking all night long?

It is a violation of County Code 4-7 to allow any dog to bark continuously.

When we are notified of a violation we will dispatch an Animal Control Officer to issue a verbal warning.

3. How do I get my pet released from the Animal Control shelter?

1. You will need to show proof of a current rabies vaccination.

2. You will have to show a current county animal tag if you are a resident of Sumter County.

3. You will have to pay any fine or fees due.

▼

Assessment Programs

Show All Answers

1. What is an "improved property" under assessment guidelines?

"Improved Property” is a parcel that has a structure/building on it,(it is no longer a vacant piece of land). This does not relate to improvements (window replacements, additions) made to the any of the structures located on the parcel.

2. Why is Sumter District assessment normally higher than The Villages District?

Each district receives money through fire assessment fee collection and from the County’s general fund. The Villages Fire District has a third funding source, each Village resident pays an amenities fee that also goes toward thier fire services budget.

▼

BOCC

Show All Answers

1. Is an agenda for meetings available?

An advanced agenda is available for each meeting after 2:00 pm on Friday afternoon prior to the meeting.

View all available agendas.

For more information, please contact County Administration at (352) 793-0200.

2. How can I express my concerns on an issue to the Board

• Write or call the department you are concerned about


• Write or call the County Administrator


• Write the Board of County Commissioners
  910 N. Main St.
  Suite 201
  Bushnell, FL 33513


• Use the public forum during Board meetings

3. When does the Board of County Commissioners meet?

The Commissioners have regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 5:00 pm.

They have workshops on the third Tuesday of every month at 5:00 pm.

The Board may schedule additional workshops and special meetings as needed.

Locations:

Sumter County Government Offices
910 N Main Street
Room 142
Bushnell, FL 33513

Colony Cottage Regional Recreation Center
510 Colony Blvd.
The Parlor Room
The Villages, Fl 32162

▼

Budget Department

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find a copy of the budget for the Board of Sumter County Commissioners?

The proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year is available for viewing during August and September, in the County Administration Office, 910 North Main Street, Room 201, Bushnell, Florida 33513.

The approved budget is available for viewing after October 1 of the fiscal year in the in the County Administration Office, 910 North Main Street, Room 201, Bushnell, Florida 33513.

2. When and where are the public budget hearings?

State law requires that two public hearings be held to discuss the budget. These hearings normally occur in September. The date, time, and place of the first hearing is always listed on your TRIM notice for each taxing authority. The second hearing is advertised in the newspaper with the date, time, and place.

3. What is an ad valorem tax?

It is a tax based upon the value of the property. It is commonly referred to as "property tax".

4. What is a special, or non-ad valorem assessment?

A special assessment is a charge levied on properties within a certain district to defray part or all of the cost of providing a certain service or improvement, such as street lighting, garbage collection, or fire/rescue. It is called a non-ad valorem assessment because it is on the property tax bill but is not based upon property value.

5. What is the millage rate?

The millage rate is the amount of property tax charged per $1,000 of taxable property value.

6. What is a TRIM notice?

TRIM is an acronym for the Truth In Millage Law, passed in 1980 by the Florida state legislature. It was designed to keep the public informed about the taxes as proposed by local taxing authorities. The TRIM notice is the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes required by this law. Property owners should receive a TRIM notice each August.

7. How do I calculate my property tax?

The taxes due on a property are calculated by multiplying the taxable value of the property by the millage rate. For example, the property taxes on a home with a homestead exemption of $25,000 and a total tax rate, from all taxing authorities, of 20 mills can be calculated in this manner:

Determine the taxable value of the property:
assessed value of home: 100,000
homestead exemption: -25,000
taxable value: 75,000

Divide the taxable value by 1,000 and multiply by the millage rate:
(75,000/1,000) X 20 = $1500

8. What is a Taxing Authority?

A Taxing Authority is a unit of government that levies taxes for operational expense. Each Tax Authority must hold public hearings on their proposed budget. The most common authorities are: Board of County Commissioners, School Districts, Municipalities, Water Management Districts, and Basin Boards.

9. When do I receive my tax bill and when is payment due?

Tax bills are mailed by November 1, and payment is due on or before March 31 of the following calendar year. Discounts are available for early payment. For more information on making property tax payments, please call the Tax Collector's Office at (352)793-0260.

10. My taxes are delinquent. Whom should I contact?

The Tax Collector's Office is responsible for collecting tax payments, which become delinquent after April 1 of each year. Please call the Tax Collector's Office at (352)793-0260.

11. What is the rolled-back rate?

The rolled-back rate is the millage rate, based upon updated property value assessments, that would provide the same amount of revenue as the previous year's millage rate. New construction is excluded from this calculation.

12. What are the fire rescue assessments based upon?

Fire rescue assessments are non-ad valorem assessments based on the development status of a parcel. Parcels that have improvements (or constructed structures/buildings) are assessed an annual rate. Parcels that have no improvements will not be assessed.

13. Why have my property taxes increased?

Your tax bill may increase for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons are:

Loss of homestead exemption or other change in exemption status

Increase in assessed property value (i.e. increase in market value)

Increase in millage rate by one or more taxing authority

Column 2 on your TRIM notice contains the amounts you paid last year for each component of your property tax. Comparing this amount to the proposed amount for the upcoming year should help you to locate an item that may have increased.

14. Why is the assessed value of my home different from its market value?

The assessed value of your home is based upon the market value of the entire property. However, there is a limit on the amount a residential property's assessment can increase each year. If the market value of your home has increased substantially in the last few years, it is likely that your assessed value will indeed be lower than your current market value. For more information on how your assessed value is determined, contract the Property Appraiser's Office at (352)793-0210.

15. I have questions about my property's assessment. Whom should I call?

Property owners should first contact the Property Appraiser's Office at (352)793-0210. Property owners may decide to file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board to have the assessment adjusted. These petitions must be received by the VAB before the deadline in mid-September, 25 days after the TRIM notices are mailed by the Property Appraiser's Office.

16. How can I apply for a homestead exemption?

You can apply for a homestead exemption at the Property Appraiser's Office. There is no fee to apply for the homestead exemption. As long as ownership does not change and you continue to use this residence as your primary residence, the exemption will remain in effect.

17. What are bonds?

Bonds are "loans" that a government takes out to pay for the acquisition and construction of public facilities and infrastructure. Bonds are financed by funds from private investors who "purchase" a portion of a bond issue in exchange for interest and principal that the government pays to the investors for the term of the bonds. A government issuing bonds for a new public facility, like a library, is much like an individual taking out a mortgage to pay for a new home. Bonds are used to finance long-term capital projects.

18. Where can I obtain a copy of the millage rates?

The County millage comparison chart can be found below.

Millage Rates

19. Where can I obtain information on the County's fire assessment program?

More information about the County Fire Assessment Program can be found below.
Fire Assessment Program

20. How are my tax dollars spent?

The Budget Summary can be found below.
Budget Summary

21. Where can I obtain a copy of the millage rates?

The County millage comparison chart can be found below.

Millage Rates

▼

Building Services

Show All Answers

1. What is needed to pull a permit?

Because this information varies depending on the scope of your project, view a complete listing of all submittal requiements.

2. How long does it take to obtain my permit?

Unless there are unusual circumstances, permits are issued within 3-7 days of application. If there is a problem, you will be contacted by email or phone.

3. Do I need to file a Notice of Commencement for my job?

If your project value exceeds $2,500 (mechanical projects-$7,500) a Notice of Commencement is required to be filed with the Clerk of Court.

▼

City of Center Hill and Webster

Show All Answers

1. Where do I get a permit to build?

Contact the Sumter County Building Services Department. Building Services

▼

Code Enforcement

Show All Answers

1. How do I file a complaint?

Complaints may be submitted in person at:
Code Enforcement
910 N. Main St.
Suite 301
Bushnell, FL 33513

By phone at (352) 793-0270 Ext. 2352.
By submitting the following form. Code Compliance Complaint Form

2. What happens after I file a complaint?

Complaint Process

3. Can I remain anonymous when filing a complaint?

All anonymous complaints must be filed with County Administration.

4. How many letters are sent regarding a code violation before the case is brought to a public hearing?

The first letter is a Courtesy Notice of Violation, the second letter is a Notice of Violation, and the final letter is a Request for Hearing.

5. Can I request an extension of time if I receive a Notice?

Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis.

▼

Contractor Licensing

Show All Answers

1. How do I apply for a local competency card with Sumter County?

You may download the competency card application.

2. How much is the application fee for a competency card?

The competency card application fee is $100.

3. When does my application need to be submitted?

Your completed application package must be received in our office three weeks prior to the scheduled Contractor Licensing Board meeting.

▼

County Administration

Show All Answers

1. Who do I need to speak with regarding Property Taxes Homestead Exemption?

You need to call the Property Appraiser at (352) 793-0210.

2. Who do I need to speak with regarding Fire Assessments?

You need to call the Fire Assessments Department and speak with Tina Chavez at (352) 793-0200 ext. 2487.

3. Who do I call for a business license?

On January 9, 2007, The Board of County Commissioners passed Ordinance 2007-01 to repeal the Sumter County Occupational License Tax as set forth in Section 14-16 of the Sumter County Code providing an effective date of July 31, 2007.

4. Who do I call to pay a ticket?

You need to call the Clerk of Court at (352) 793-0211 and speak with a clerk in the traffic department.

5. Who do I call for a passport?

You need to call the Clerk of Court at (352) 793-0211.

6. Who do I call for a code enforcement case?

You need to call Code Enforcement at (352) 753-0848.

7. Who do I call for food stamps?

You should call Department of Children and Families at (352) 330-2162.

▼

Development Review

Show All Answers

1. What are the development classification criteria?

View a list of criteria.

2. How do I determine my road impact fees?

View Road Impact Fees

3. What do I need to provide to receive a final site inspection for a certificate of occupancy?

View Record Drawing Inspection Requirements.

▼

Employee Services

Show All Answers

1. How do I apply for a job?

Applications are only accepted for open positions. To view current vacancies select the Employment Opportunities link located on the Employee Services page.

2. Will I be notified when a position has been filled?

When the position has been filled, the successful applicant will be notified via phone. The unsuccessful applicant/s will receive a letter of notification in the mail.

3. When will the position be filled?

2-3 weeks after the closing date.

▼

Fire Rescue

Show All Answers

1. How is Sumter County Fire Rescue Funded?

Sumter County Fire Rescue is funded by the County’s General Fund along with revenue from the Fire Assessment Fund. The Fire Assessment Fund goes directly to fund the fire service. By Florida Statute, these funds cannot be co-mingled with other funds, nor can they be used for any other government purpose. The Fire Assessment Fund helps decrease reliance on the County’s General Fund to provide emergency response readiness of the County’s Fire Service.

2. How Does the Fire Assessment Benefit Me?

Revenue from Fire Assessments has been used to improve your local fire station’s equipment, apparatus and training levels, thereby increasing their ability to serve your needs and making your property eligible for lower fire insurance rates through improved Insurance Service Office (ISO) ratings. Future Fire Assessment funds will be utilized to help improve staffing in fire stations throughout Sumter County. Sumter County citizens, visitors and businesses receive the benefits of full service Fire Rescue capabilities including: Medical First Response, Extrication, Hazardous Materials Operations, Disaster Response Mitigation, Fire Prevention, Public Education and Fire Suppression, regardless of where you live. Fire Assessments provide for accountability in tracking revenue and expenditures for fire service within the community.

▼

Fire Rescue Assessment

Show All Answers

1. Fire Rescue Assessment

This is a placeholder

▼

GIS

Show All Answers

1. Can I purchase paper maps from the GIS Department?

Yes, check the pricing o the GIS fee schedule.

Pre-made maps are available for download at no charge. Custom maps vary depending on size and time spent creating the map.

2. If I notice issues with parcel boundaries on the County's online mapping application, who do I call?

The Sumter County Property Appraisers office maintains the county parcel (ownership) layer and therefore should be contacted if there is a possible discrepancy.

Most other layers in the map are maintained by the Sumter County GIS Department.

▼

Housing Department

Show All Answers

1. How do I get on the Section 8 waiting list?

The Section 8 program has been transferred to Citrus County Housing Services effective October 1, 2011. All administrative responsibilities of the program will be under the direct control and supervision of Citrus County. For further information or questions, please contact their office at 1-352-527-7520. Rental Assistance.

2. How do I get a new house built for free?

New homes are built to replace substandard housing within the community. To see if you qualify, please visit Housing Repair.

3. How do I apply for Down Payment Assistance?

First, get pre-approved by a lender, then fill out an application and call to make an appointment to return the application. For program guidelines, please visit Down Payment Assistance.

▼

Impact Fees

Show All Answers

1. What is an impact fee?

An impact fee is a one time charge applied to new construction.

The purpose of the fee is to fund capital projects for roads (such as construction, land acquisition,) and fire services (such as station construction, engines).

Impact fees can be charges for parks, schools, jails, ambulances and other infrastructure needs that may occur due to new development. Funds collected cannot be used for operation, maintenance, or repair to capital facilities.

2. Why were impact fees created?

Impact fees were adopted by the Board of County Commissioners in order to collect money from new development to pay for the new facilities required by growth. New development brings more traffic on our roads, and need for fire / rescue services.

Development impact fees are a financial tool to help reduce the gap between the money required to build new public facilities to serve new residents and the money available for that purpose.

3. What impact fees are collected within Sumter County?

Sumter County collects impact fees for Road Improvements and Fire Services.

4. When are impact fees paid?

The total amount of the impact fees are required to be paid at the time the permit is issued.

5. Do I have to pay an impact fee for an addition or remodel of my existing residence?

No, remodeling, alterations, and minor expansions to residential structures are exempt from the payment of an impact fee, as long as side changes do not create an additional dwelling unit.

Only changes to structure usage and/or major addition of square footage may incur additional impact fee charges to an existing structure.

6. Do I have to pay an impact fee if I am changing the use of an existing structure?

Yes, impact fees are imposed and calculated for the alteration or expansion of an existing building if the usable square footage is increased, or if a change in the use constitutes a different impact fee land use category.

The amount of the fee is imposed and calculated based on the applicable impact fee for the new use less the impact fee that would be imposed prior to the alteration or change in use.

7. If I am building within the City limits or a DRI, do I have to pay the impact fees?

Yes, impact fees are charged for all new development within each development area.

▼

Library Services

Show All Answers

1. How can I obtain a library card?

You may visit any of the seven libraries in the Sumter County Library System, and show appropriate identification.
Patron Registration

2. What is my PIN number?

You can request a PIN Number or change your existing PIN Number.

3. Have a reference question?

Email us your question.

▼

Misdemeanor Probation

Show All Answers

1. What about cost of supervision?

Sumter County charges a monthly supervision fee for all supervised cases. Payments are only accepted in the form of money orders made out to Sumter B.O.C.C., and mailed to Sumter County Probation, 115 N. Florida Street, Bushnell, FL 33513. Ensure that your name and case number are clearly printed on the money order. The probation office will not accept hand-delivered money orders.

2. What about my appointments?

All monthly appointments with your officer are scheduled during your previous appointment. Normal appointments are scheduled for 15 minutes. If you feel you need additional time, your officer will schedule longer times upon your request.

3. What about missed appointments?

Only your assigned officer can change your appointment. You are required to arrive on time for your appointments, but if an emergency arises, contact your officer immediatley so that appropriate action can be taken. Lack of communication can result in a warrant being issued for violation of probation.

4. What is a Pre-Trial Intervention contract?

A contract offered by the State Attorney's office for a specific period of time, with preset conditions to be completed by the defendant. Upon successful completion of all conditions, no criminal prosecution of the specified charges will be pursued.

5. How do I pay court costs?

Court costs and fines are paid directly to Sumter County Clerk's office, as outlined on your payment plan, and must be paid in full no later than 30 days prior to your probation ending. If court costs and fines have not been paid 30 days prior to the term date, a warrant can be issued for violation of probation.

6. Can I leave the area?

If you will be gone from your home more than 24 hours, and the travel is within the State of Florida, you will need to call your officer for permission before you travel, AND provide an addresss, telephone number (preferably a landline), and the name of the person with whom you will be staying; advise when you plan to leave and return; mode of travel and who is traveling with you.
If you work outside the county, speak to your officer and keep your officer updated as to your location.

7. Can I leave the State of Florida?

You are not allowed to leave the state or move out of the state. Special travel permits can be authorized for out-of-state travel due to emergencies. Only your assigned officer can prepare a travel permit and the supervisor must be available to approve all travel permits. As travel permits can take from 1 to 30 days to process, contact your officer as soon as possible to arrange permission.

8. What can violate my probation?

There are several factors that can violate your probation or revoke a Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) contract. Some examples include, but are not limited to, missed or late appointments, failing to show for weekend work detail, new law violations, leaving the area without permission, failing to complete all terms of probation or PTI 30 days prior to term date, and failing to comply with any condition of probation or PTI. If you feel you might be in violation, contact your probation officer immediately to discuss the situation.

▼

Mosquito Control

Show All Answers

1. Why do we need mosquito control programs?

Without control programs the mosquito population would flourish and cause potential health and comfort problems.

From a health standpoint, mosquitoes are known carriers of encephalitis, malaria, yellow fever, and dengue viruses.

Mosquito-borne diseases cause more than one million deaths each year around the world. Mosquito bites can infect a pet with the deadly canine heartworm.

2. Is it necessary to spray for adult mosquitoes?

Yes. A well planned, integrated program involves stopping mosquitoes in both the larval and adult stages.

Mosquitoes can migrate up to 15 miles, which overrides local larval control efforts. This results in the need for adult mosquito control.

3. Are the insecticides being used for controlling mosquitoes dangerous?

No. Industry and government testing procedures are so advanced and so demanding that it is virtually impossible to use a control product which could have an adverse effect upon people, animals, or plant life.

The insecticides being used today are not only highly effective, but also degrade rapidly.

▼

Parks & Recreation

Show All Answers

1. Are dogs allowed in the county-maintained parks?

Dogs are only allowed at Lake Miona Park, Lake Okahumpka Park, and Marsh Bend "Outlet" Park.

Pet stations are located at these parks in order to keep the parks clean and sanitary.

2. Can I reserve a pavilion at a county-maintained park?

All pavilions are on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. How do I reserve a county-maintained community building?

You may reserve a county-maintained community building by coming into the Public Works office or completing the online Facility Usage Agreement.

When you return the completed agreement to the Public Works office, the reservation will be confirmed (if available), or denied (if already reserved).

▼

Planning

Show All Answers

1. What is the Sumter County Comprehensive Plan?

The Sumter County Comprehensive Plan is a document that establishes the basic framework for development within Sumter County. All development within Sumter County must be consistent with the goals, objectives, and policies of the Sumter County Comprehensive Plan.

2. How is the Sumter County Comprehensive Plan amended?

Florida law allows the Sumter County Comprehensive Plan to be amended through a public hearing process with the Board of County Commissioners and final review and approval by the State of Florida. Contact Sumter County Planning at (352) 793-0270 for more information regarding the amendment process.

▼

Purchasing

Show All Answers

1. How do I become a vendor with Sumter County?

The Sumter County BOCC has contracted with Onvia, Inc. to automate its procurement process and maintain a vendor information system on the Onvia DemandStar website.

Vendors may register to receive notification of solicitations for bids, proposals, and quotes from Sumter County, free of charge.

If you would like more information about Onvia DemandStar services, please call (800) 711-1712 or visit the Onvia DemandStar website.

2. How do I find out what work Sumter County has for bid?

For a list of current projects, please visit our bid website.

▼

Solid Waste

Show All Answers

1. Why doesn't the County recycle?

Although the County does not provide curbside recycling, recyclables are accepted at the Solid Waste Facility.

Recycling bins are located just to the south of the scale house and are for pre-sorted recyclable household items.

No fee is charged for recycling

2. What items can be recycled at the Solid Waste Facility

The following items (ONLY) are accepted at the Solid Waste Facility at no cost to the citizens, if the citizen sorts them and place them in the designated recycling bins:

• Cardboard


• Plastic milk containers


• Plastic soda and water containers


• Newspapers


• Aluminum cans


• Tin cans


• Used motor oil


• Automotive batteries

3. What do I do with my household hazardous waste?

In conjunction with Marion County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the County co-hosts an annual Amnesty Day (usually in the spring). This event provides an opportunity for residents and businesses of Sumter County to dispose of household hazardous waste.

▼

Transit

Show All Answers

1. Who do I call for a ride?

To reserve your ride, please call (352) 568-6683 between 8:00 am - 1:00 pm.

2. Where can I go?

From your door to your destination door anywhere in Sumter County. Medical trips extend to the Leesburg and Villages areas. Services are provided Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to the VA and Shands Hospital in Gainesville.

3. What is the cost?

Door to Door - $1.50 each way

Gainesville Trips - $8 each way

Shuttle Routes - $.50

▼

Veteran Services

Show All Answers

1. Am I entitled to VA health care?

Maybe, eligibility is determined by several factors.

Veterans with a service connected disability or in-country Vietnam service are entitled to enroll via VA Form10-10EZ (available at our office).

Other veterans may qualify based on a financial means test.

Reserve or National Guard veterans must have served on active duty for other than training purposes.

2. Do I need an appointment to see a counselor?

It is highly recommended. Please call either our Villages office at (352) 753-2686, or the Bushnell office at (352) 793-0235.

3. Does the Veteran Services office serve only Sumter County veterans?

No, our offices are open to all veterans.

▼

Zoning

Show All Answers

1. What are the Sumter County Land Development Regulations?

The Sumter County Land Development Regulations establish specific zoning classifications and development standards for property in Sumter County.

All development activity and use of property must be consistent with the Sumter County Land Development Code.

2. How do I apply for a rezoning, special use, temporary use, or other zoning approval for my property?

Contact Sumter County Zoning at (352) 793-0270 for the specific requirements and process for rezonings, special uses, temporary uses, and other zoning approvals.

Typically, the zoning approvals take approximately 30-45 days. Depending upon the specific zoning approval request, the review and approval may be by staff, the Zoning and Adjustment Board, or the Board of County Commissioners.