lee county

FAQs

• Are local business tax receipt regulated by the Lee County Tax Collector?

  No, “receipts” are neither regulatory nor a guarantee of quality of work performed.

• Are tax notices sent to "fee exempt" local business tax accounts?

  No. Local business tax accounts that are exempt from the fee, due to age, non-profit, charitable etc are not sent a tax notice. These accounts receive an updated Local Business Tax Receipt in early August each year

• Are walk in driving skills tests available?

  An appointment is necessary in order to take the driving test in our offices. Schedule an appointment or call our office at 239.533.6000.

• Can expired passports be accepted as primary identification?

  Expired United States Passports may be accepted as primary documentation provided the expired passport does not have holes punched in it. (The holes indicate a more recent passport was issued.)

• Can I apply for multiple positions?

  Yes.

• Can I have a valid Florida driver license and a valid Florida identification card?

  No. You are no longer permitted to hold both. If you currently have both a valid license and identification card you will only be eligible to renew one or the other at your next office visit. This applies to licenses and identification cards from other states as well.

• Can I make a partial payment on my Real Estate taxes once they are delinquent?

  Once taxes are delinquent, the full amount is due and no partial payment can be made. Partial payments are accepted on current year taxes before they become delinquent.

• Can I make payment arrangements for my delinquent Tangible Personal Property taxes?

  Yes, the amount of delinquent taxes, interest and charges owed by the property owner must be $40.00 or more.

• Can I pay a traffic fine with the Lee County Tax Collector?

  No, traffic fines are collected by the Clerk of Courts in the county that you were ticketed in. If your traffic fine is in Lee County, please contact the Lee County Clerk of Courts at 239.533.5000, or online, for more information.

• Can I sell goods on the roadside or right of way in unincorporated Lee County?

  No, Lee County Ordinance 08-07 states that "It is unlawful to make any commercial use of the right of way of any road , street, or highway within the county road system of Lee County."

• Do I have to have a Florida driver license to title and register my car?

  No, vehicles can also be registered in Florida with a Florida ID, a valid out-of-state driver license or ID, a valid U.S. passport, or a military ID.
  
  Note: Expired passports, driver license, or IDs cannot be accepted.

• Do I need a freshwater or saltwater fishing license or both?

  In general, you need a freshwater license to take freshwater fish and a saltwater license to take saltwater fish, unless one of the exemptions applies to your situation.

  
  

  However, when you get into estuarine type areas where salt and fresh water commingle and fish of both types can be found the issue becomes less clear. The interpretation of the rule is:

  1. You need either a freshwater, saltwater or combination license (or appropriate exemption) to take fish (take is legally defined as taking, attempting to take, pursuing, molesting, capturing, or killing any fish, or their nests or eggs by any means whether or not such actions result in obtaining possession of such fish or their nests or eggs).
  2. If you are using species specific gear, your license should be appropriate (e.g., freshwater or saltwater) to the species you are targeting.
  3. Otherwise you need an appropriate type license to keep your catch and must immediately release any species for which you are not licensed. License requirements follow the species of fish, regardless of where they are caught. In other words, if you only have a freshwater license and are primarily fishing for largemouth bass or bream (freshwater species) in a river, but happen to catch a red drum (a saltwater species), you must immediately release the red drum.

  
  _{Information provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. More information is available at MyFWC.com.}

• Do I need a saltwater fishing license to fish from a shore?

  Unless they are a member of a group that is exempted from the license requirements, Florida residents are required to order a saltwater fishing license before attempting to take saltwater species from the shore or a pier, bridge or jetty attached to the shore.

  
  

  Residents who only saltwater fish from the land or a structure attached to land, may get the resident recreational saltwater shoreline fishing license at no cost (except for convenience fees that apply on telephone and Internet orders).

  
  

  Nonresidents must purchase a 3-day, 7-day or annual nonresident saltwater fishing license when saltwater fishing from the shore or a pier, bridge or jetty attached to the shore unless fishing on a pier with a pier license.

  
  _{Information provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. More information is available at MyFWC.com.}

• Do you provide interpreters for the driving skills test?

  No, you must provide your own interpreter.

• Do you provide vehicles for the driving skills test?

  No, you must provide your own vehicle with valid registration and insurance.

• Does the Lee County Tax Collector issue birth certificates?

  The Lee County Tax Collector is capable of issuing birth certificates for individuals born in the state of Florida. View our birth certificate page for more information.

• Does the Tax Collector provide an orientation program for new employees?

  New employees will participate in an On-Boarding orientation process that provides information on the organizations history and culture, benefits, safety and quality, products and services and department meetings. On the job training in your specified department is also included to ensure a successful transition to the Tax Collector organization.

• Does the Tax Collector's Office provide benefits for their employees?

  Yes, the Tax Collector’s Office has a very comprehensive benefits package for their employees.

• How can I check on the status of my Concealed Weapon license application?

  Go to the Florida Department of Agriculture website to check the status of your application.

• How can I pay my delinquent taxes?

  Cash, cashier’s check, money order, credit card or wire transfer made payable to Lee County Tax Collector. Personal checks are not accepted.

• How do I apply for an open position?

  Once you visit our Candidate Self-Service, you will be able to register and create a candidate profile which will allow you to apply for any of the open positions available.

   

  Open positions are posted as they become available. An applicant must submit an online application and resume through our Candidate Self-Service. Candidates should only apply for a position that he/she is interested in and qualified for. Candidates will receive communication from the Tax Collector office as to the status of their application and whether we are interested in moving forward with them as an applicant. The timeline for the interview process varies depending on the position. Typically, there will be an initial interview and if selected there will be a second interview. Once hired, all new employees will go through an Onboarding and Orientation session which will ensure a successful transition to the Tax Collectors office.

• How do I apply for or check the status of my Homestead Exemption and other exemptions?

  Exemptions are filed with the Lee County Property Appraiser. Contact their office at www.leepa.org, or via phone at 239.533.6100 for information.

• How do I change my address on my tax bill?

  You must contact the Lee County Property Appraiser in order to change the address on the tax roll. The Lee County Property Appraiser can be reached online at www.leepa.org, or via phone at 239.533.6100.

• How do I change my billing address on my vehicle registration?

  If you have a Florida driver's license you can access the state's virtual office to update your address record online.
  
  Alternatively, the registration address can be updated by contacting our office at 239.533.6000, walking in, or completing our address change form.

• How do I change or remove a name on my tax bill?

  Ownership of property is based on recorded deed information with the Lee County Clerk of Courts. This information is provided to the Lee County Property Appraiser who maintains the tax roll and provides the name and address to the Lee County Tax Collector for mailing the tax bill. To change the name and record a new deed, contact the Lee County Clerk of Courts at www.leeclerk.org, or via phone at 239.533.5000.

• How do I change the address on my Florida license or identification card?

  You can change your address online or in any driver license office. If you go into an office for the address change you will be required to bring in two proofs of the new address and take a new photo. If you are not Real ID compliant other documents will also be required.
  
  View our driver license page to determine document requirements.

• How do I file a tangible personal property tax return?

  Contact the Property Appraiser’s office for more information at www.leepa.org, or via phone at 239.533.6140

• How do I find an open position and the requirements for that position?

  Visit the Open Positions section on our Candidate Self-Service website and click on the desired position to view the job listing and job description.

• How do I import the search result file?

  The downloadable data provided to the Public is in standard, industry accepted, either Tab or Comma Delimited format.

• How do I obtain a duplicate decal, license plate, or parking permit?

  Duplicate decals,license plates, or parking permits can be obtained by filling out an Application for Replacement License Plate. If the decal, license plate, or parking permit was stolen, provide us with the police report number when you come in so we can issue a no charge replacement.
  
  View our replacement license plate page for more information and fees.

• How do I obtain a duplicate title?

  If the title has previously been printed and is in a paper title status, it will be necessary for you to submit an Application for Duplicate title. View our duplicate title page for more information on obtaining a duplicate title from the Lee County Tax Collector.

• How do I obtain a motorcycle endorsement on my Florida driver license?

  In order to get a motorcycle endorsement on your Florida license you are required to take an approved motorcycle safety course.

  
  

  List of providers

  
  

  Customers who have a motorcycle endorsement on their license from another state (with the exception of Alabama) can have their motorcycle endorsement reciprocated and will not have to take the safety course.

• How do I transfer a driver license or learner permit from another state?

  Customers who surrender a valid driver license or learner permit from any US state or territory can have all required driver license exams reciprocated. (Exception: CDL holders with hazmat will need to retest for that endorsement. Details on obtaining a hazmat endorsement.)
  
  If you reciprocate a learner permit you will be required to take a driving skills exam when you’re ready/eligible to upgrade to a regular Class E driver license. Additionally, you will be required to show documents to prove your identity. 
   
  Specific document requirements.

• How long does it take to process my Concealed Weapon license application?

  The state is allowed 90 days from the date of receiving a complete application to process the application and either issue a license or deny the application. An incomplete application (application not signed, unanswered questions, etc.), not submitting required supporting documents, illegible fingerprint submissions, or an applicant’s criminal history may result in extended processing times.  

• How will I know if my application and resume have been received?

  You will receive communication from the Human Resources Department advising you of the status of your application.

• I am eighteen (or older) and have never had a driver license. Do I have to hold a learner permit before I can get my driver license?

  No. Customers 18 or older are not required to hold a learner’s permit for any amount of time. However, they are still required to do the same testing as all first -time licensees.

• I did not file a tax return and I received a tax bill. How does the Property Appraiser know what assets I have?

  There is certain criteria that they follow in order to determine the estimated value of assets. Contact the Property Appraiser’s office for more information at www.leepa.org, or via phone at 239.533.6140.

• I have a complaint, who can I talk to?

  Please call our main office at 239.533.6000 to speak with a representative. Otherwise, fill out our online contact form, and someone will reach you by email.

• I have a license from another country. What tests are required to obtain a Florida driver license?

  All customers with licenses from another country are exempt from taking the traffic law and substance abuse education course. The remaining required tests depend on where your license is from. Below is a list of countries whose exams we can reciprocate. If your country is not on this list you will be required to take the general knowledge, road signs, and driving skills exams.

  
  

  Canada:

  
  

  Canadian citizens who wish to surrender their Canadian license will not need to do any testing. Citizens who do not want to surrender their Canadian license will be required to complete the Class E General Knowledge and driving skills exams.

  
  

  Germany or Taiwan:

  
  

  Customers who present a German or Taiwanese driver license will be required to take the Class E General Knowledge. The driving skills exam will be reciprocated.

  
  

  France, Republic of Korea (South Korea), and all United States Possessions or Territories:

  
  

  Customers who present a license from any of these places can have all exams reciprocated.

  
  

  View our Out-of-Country driver license page for more information.

• I have gone out of business, what do I do?

  Complete and submit an Out-of-Business Affidavit via mail, in-person, or via fax at 239.533.6032.
  
  If you have a tangible tax account, you should contact the Property Appraiser at 239.533.6140.

• I have never had a license anywhere before. What tests are required to obtain a Florida driver license?

  All first-time drivers are required to take the traffic law and substance abuse education course (commonly referred to as the “4-hour drug and alcohol course”).
  
  List of providers for this course
  
  (Note: customers who can prove they had a license in any other state or country are exempt from this requirement.)
  
  Once that course is completed you will need to take the Class E general knowledge exam. This exam can be done in any of our offices. The first try at each test will be included in the fee for your license. Retakes will be an additional $10 per test.
  
  View our First Time Drivers page for more information.

• I have sold my vehicle or moved out of state, do I need to notify you?

  Yes, it is important that you return the license plate along with a copy of your out of state registration, or the notice of sale portion of the certificate of title.
  
  If you have lost your plate and cannot return it, please contact our office at 239.533.6000.

• I just bought this property, is this bill for my portion only?

  The tax notice covers the calendar year as described on the bill. If you check your closing statement you will find the taxes were probably pro-rated at closing and the purchase price is adjusted accordingly. Therefore, the tax bill is due in full. If you have any further questions, contact your closing agent for assistance.

• I just purchased this business and I received a bill for the old owner’s taxes. What should I do?

  The tax liability follows the assets of the personal property, not the owner. Contact the Property Appraiser’s office for more information at www.leepa.org, or via phone at 239.533.6140.

• I need to change my name on my driver license or identification card. What documents are required?

  First, you need to change your name at the social security office and wait at least one day before visiting a driver license office to give time for your name to update in our computers. You will also need to provide certified court documents or a certified marriage certificate. Customers who are not yet Real ID compliant will be required to provide additional documents as well. 
  
  Visit our driver license page for more information.

• I need to renew my Florida driver license/identification card. What documents do I need?

  Customers who are Real ID compliant only need to provide documents to make changes to the information already on file. Customers who are not Real ID compliant or unsure if they’re Real ID compliant should view our driver license page to find out specific document requirements.

• I own a business but I rent the location from my landlord. Why did I receive a tax bill?

  The tangible personal property assessed against a business is on the furniture, fixture and equipment used in the operation of the business.

• I received a letter saying that I have a stop on my registration. What does this mean?

  A stop can be placed on a customer or registration for multiple different reasons. Common reasons for registration stops can be found on our stop identification sheet.
  
   For more information about your specific stop, please contact our call center at 239.533.6000 or come into one of our six locations.

• I received a regulatory license suspended letter, what do I do?

  You must contact Contractor Licensing at 239.533.5895 for information.
  
  If you have a DBPR license, fax it to us at 239.533.6032 along with an application to change their category on the business tax receipt.

• I sold this property, what should I do with this bill?

  Forward the notice to the new owner(s).

• I went out of business. What should I do?

  If you were in business as of January 1st of the assessment year, your tax bill is valid and must be paid. However, you will need to notify Property Appraiser’s office that you are no longer in business, so they do not assess you for the next year in error. Contact the Property Appraiser’s office for more information at www.leepa.org, or via phone at 239.533.6140.

• I would like to have multiple business types, can I put them all on one Local Business Tax Receipt?

  No, you must have a Local Business Tax account issued for each business type. For more information contact our customer support department at 239.533.6000.

• If a tax certificate is sold on my property, am I still the owner?

  Yes. The purchase of a tax certificate does not give the certificate owner any rights to the property. The property owner has two years from the date of delinquency to pay the taxes before a tax deed can be applied on the property.

• If I have a mortgage on my property, how does this work?

  When taxes are escrowed, the mortgage holder will request the tax notice and payment is generally remitted around the end of November by the mortgage company or agent. The property owner is sent an Informational Tax Notice showing the taxes levied and tax amount due to keep for their records.

• If I pay the property Taxes or purchase a tax certificate for someone else’s property will I own the property?

  No. You are just paying their taxes for them.

• Is the Lee County Tax Collector Hiring?

  The Lee County Tax Collector posts all available positions on our Candidate Self-Service website under Open Positions.

• Is there a way for me to see all the businesses of a certain business type in Lee County?

  You can search our business tax records with a business name, start date, address, municipality, account number, or owner name. Requests for other information should be directed to the Lee County Tax Collector Customer Support department at 239.533.6000.

• My driver license/identification card was stolen. Do I have to pay full-price for a replacement?

  No. If you have filed a police report and bring in a copy of it or the case number on an official police document you will only be charged $6.25 for a replacement license or ID card. However, if you did not file/bring a police report, if your police report indicates the license was “lost”, or if you need to make changes to the name/address on the card the full $31.25 replacement fee will be required.

• My property has a status of REDEEM, what does that mean?

  A status of REDEEM means that a certificate was previously issued for delinquent taxes, then subsequently was paid off by the property owner or other party. This redeemed the tax certificate.
  
  A description of each status is accessable by clicking on the status of your property when viewing your property details.

• What does a youth need to do to fish legally?

  Youth under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license, although they must abide by all other fishing regulations such as gear type, bag and size limits. They may, however, be asked to provide proof of age.

  
  _{Information provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. More information is available at MyFWC.com.}

• What happens after an offer is made?

  After going through the interview process, and if an offer is made, we will verify everything you provided on your application, which includes your employment history, education, references, etc. Your employment is contingent on the outcome of this process. This process will be more thoroughly explained by Human Resources during your recruitment process.

• What is a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License?

  A concealed weapon or firearm license (CWL, also sometimes called a concealed/carry permit) allows individuals with valid licenses to carry weapons (as defined in Chapter 790, Florida Statutes) or firearms concealed on their persons.

• What is a search result file layout?

  When searching records on the Tax Collector's website there is an option to download the search result file when searching records. The search result file layout shows the layout details for the data contained in the downloaded search result file.

• What is eNotify?

  eNotify is a free service to the public designed to increase efficiency as well as provide you with an email reminder when taxes are ready for collection as well as Local Business Tax renewals.
  
  Sign-up for eNotify

• What is your typical hiring process?

  Open positions are posted as they become available. An applicant must submit an online application and resume through our Candidate Self-Service. Candidates should only apply for a position that he/she is interested in and qualified for. Candidates will receive communication from the Tax Collector office as to the status of their application and whether we are interested in moving forward with them as an applicant. The timeline for the interview process varies depending on the position. Typically, there will be an initial interview and if selected there will be a second interview. Once hired, all new employees will go through an Onboarding and Orientation session which will ensure a successful transition to the Tax Collectors office.

• When will I receive my tax bill?

  Unless you are a part of the installment plan, your tax bill will be sent out by our office on or before November 1st of each year.

• Where are your open positions located?

  Locations vary depending on the needs of the office and the position being applied for. The job posting will provide further detail as to the location of the position.

• Where can I apply for a Concealed Weapon license?

  You can apply at the Lee County Tax Collector office by appointment only. More information can be found on our other services page.

• Where can I find regulations, bag limits, and seasons for hunting?

  Please view our Hunting & Fishing rules and regulations page for basic information.

  
  

  Detailed information can be found at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation commission website.

• Where do I get a license?

  Some hunting and fishing licenses are available from the Lee County Tax Collector offices. Likewise, many bait-and-tackle shops and sports retailers (e.g., Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Sports Authority) sell licenses, for a small additional fee. Licenses are also available via the Internet or a toll free call to credit card users, for an additional convenience fee.

  
  

  Contact us for more information on obtaining a license from the Lee County Tax Collector.

  
  _{Information provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. More information is available at MyFWC.com.}

• Where do I mail my payment?

  The address to send your payment to depends on what the payment is for. Please view our contact page for detailed mailing information.

• Where is the Lee County Tax Collector located?

  The Lee County Tax Collector has six locations throughout Lee County. Please view our locations and wait times for more information.

• Who can get a concealed weapon license?

  Requirements are outlined in state law. You must be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident alien and 21 years of age (service members as defined in Florida Statute 250.01, and honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces can apply at 18) and meet certain requirements regarding criminal history. Felons are not eligible.

• Who do I contact about the assessed value of my property?

  The Lee County Property Appraiser’s office is responsible for the yearly assessment of property for the tax value. Contact their office at www.leepa.org, or via phone at 239.533.6100.

• Who do I contact about Tourist Development Taxes (Bed Tax)?

  Tourist Development taxes are handled by the Lee County Clerk of Courts, please contact the Clerk of Courts at 239.533.2190.

• Who needs a recreational hunting or fishing license or permit?

  Florida Residents and Visitors need a Florida hunting, freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing license unless they are a member of a group that is exempted from the license requirements. Your license is required to be with you when you are engaged the licensed activity.

  
  

  A fishing license is required to attempt to take fish. If you cast your line, catch nothing, catch and release, or catch and keep and you are not a member of one the groups listed below; you need a license. A saltwater fishing license is also required to attempt to take any native or nonnative marine organisms, such as crabs, lobsters, and marine plants.

  
  

  Licenses and permits are required to help or assist in the take. Someone who is passively participating (setting decoys, calling birds or baiting hooks), whether actively fishing or hunting or not, must have a license.

  
  _{Information provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. More information is available at MyFWC.com.}

• Why is my Tax Bill higher than my TRIM Notice?

  The TRIM (Truth In Millage) Notice is sent by the Property Appraiser's Office to inform you of the proposed taxes, and provides hearing dates for taxing authorities to meet and set the final tax rate. The TRIM notice does not include any non-ad valorem assessments that may be levied for the property and shown on the Tax Bill. Changes to any qualified exemptions may also increase the tax amount due.

• Why would the mortgage company request my tax notice when I do not have an escrow?

  A number of variables could come into play as to why a tax notice was requested by the mortgage company. 

  Examples:

  1. The property was purchased after the mortgage company requested their file information.
  2. Since taxes are paid in arrears, there may have been money held in escrow from the previous owner’s account and the mortgage company requested the file for payment.
  3. A bank had a claim on the property due to delinquent taxes or foreclosure procedure.
  4. The incorrect account number or address may have been requested.

  If you receive an Informational Notice and you are responsible for payment, remit the coupon portion of the Informational Notice with your payment to our office.