12D-9.032. Final Decisions

(1)(a) For each petition not withdrawn or settled, the board shall produce a written final decision that contains findings of fact, conclusions of law, and reasons for upholding or overturning the property appraiser’s determination. Conclusions of law must be based on findings of fact. For each of the statutory criteria for the issue under administrative review, findings of fact must identify the corresponding admitted evidence, or lack thereof. Each final decision shall contain sufficient factual and legal information and reasoning to enable the parties to understand the basis for the decision, and shall otherwise meet the requirements of law. The board may fulfill the requirement to produce a written final decision by adopting a recommended decision of the special magistrate containing the required elements and providing notice that it has done so. The board may adopt the special magistrate’s recommended decision as the decision of the board incorporating the recommended decision, using a postcard or similar notice. The board shall ensure regular and timely approval of recommended decisions.

(b) Legal advice from the board legal counsel relating to the facts of a petition or to the specific outcome of a decision, if in writing, shall be included in the record and referenced within the findings of fact and conclusions of law. If not in writing, such advice shall be documented within the findings of fact and conclusions of law.

(2) A final decision of the board shall state the just, assessed, taxable, and exempt value, for the county both before and after board action. Board action shall not include changes made as a result of action by the property appraiser. If the property appraiser has reduced his or her value or granted an exemption, property classification, or “portability” assessment difference transfer, whether before or during the hearing but before board action, the values in the “before” column shall reflect the adjusted figure before board action.

(3) The board’s final decision shall advise the taxpayer and property appraiser that further proceedings in circuit court shall be as provided in Section 194.036, F.S.

(4) Upon issuance of a final decision by the board, the board shall provide it to the board clerk and the board clerk shall promptly provide notice of the final decision to the parties. Notice of the final decision may be made by providing a copy of the decision. The board shall issue all final decisions within 20 calendar days of the last day the board is in session pursuant to Section 194.034, F.S.

(5) For the purpose of producing the final decisions of the board, the department prescribes the Form DR-485 series, and any electronic equivalent forms approved by the department under Section 195.022, F.S. The Form DR-485 series is adopted, and incorporated by reference, in Rule 12D-16.002, F.A.C. The Form DR-485 series, or approved electronic equivalent forms, are the only forms that shall be used for producing a final decision of the board. Before using any form to notify petitioners of the final decision, the board shall submit the proposed form to the department for approval. The board shall not use a form to notify the petitioner unless the department has approved the form. All decisions of the board, and all forms used to produce final decisions on petitions heard by the board, must contain the following required elements:

(a) Findings of fact;

(b) Conclusions of law; and,

(c) Reasons for upholding or overturning the determination of the property appraiser.

(6)(a) If, prior to a final decision, any communication is received from a party concerning a board process on a petition or concerning a recommended decision, a copy of the communication shall promptly be furnished to all parties, the board clerk, and the board legal counsel. No such communication shall be furnished to the board or a special magistrate unless a copy is immediately furnished to all parties. A party may waive notification or furnishing of copies under this subsection.

(b) The board legal counsel shall respond to such communication and may advise the board concerning any action the board should take concerning the communication.

(c) No reconsideration of a recommended decision shall take place until all parties have been furnished all communications, and have been afforded adequate opportunity to respond.

(d) The board clerk shall provide to the parties:

1. Notification before the presentation of the matter to the board, and

2. Notification of any action taken by the board.

(7) Copies of the forms incorporated in Rule 12D-16.002, F.A.C., may be obtained at the Department’s Internet site: http://floridarevenue.com/dor/property/forms/.

Rulemaking Authority 194.011(5), 194.034(1), 195.027(1), 213.06(1) FS. Law Implemented 194.011, 194.032, 194.034, 195.022 FS. History–New 3-30-10, Amended 9-19-17.