Florida Gov. Charlie Crist last week signed an executive order authorizing property appraisers in 26 counties to provide interim assessments of properties that may have been adversely affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.
The counties are along the state’s west coast where Crist has declared a state of emergency in response to the crisis.
“Weathered” oil, including tar balls, has appeared in a few northernmost counties where some appraisers believe the value of properties has eroded as a result of perception by the public about the extent of the damage related to the spill.
Crist said property owners could use the intermediate assessments to substantiate claims against BP or other responsible parties.
His action won’t affect property tax bills that are due later this year because only the Legislature can authorize a downward adjustment after the tax roll has been established.
