ORLANDO, FL – October 28, 2014 – On October 22, 2014, GrayRobinson’s Orlando office hosted a Community Leader Forum featuring Rick Singh, CFA, Orange County Property Appraiser. Clients, attorneys and friends of the firm listened to him discuss "Orange County’s Property Tax Base – A Story of Resilience, Growth and Prosperity."
Singh discussed his successful efforts to generate revenue to the community by pursuing millions of dollars owed by so-called "tax cheats," or people who allegedly wrongfully filed for a homestead tax exemption. His department has recovered $72.8 million thus far.
He also noted that property values in Orange County grew in value and has done so year after year, with Winter Garden increasing the most. City property increased around 10%, the largest percentage increase of any municipality in the county. Orange County’s total property value is greater than $125 billion, with $90 billion of that value being taxable.
Singh launched a paperless initiative in his office that included creating a mobile app, so property appraisers could provide information to property owners on the spot. His office is now active on social media and invited the audience to like/subscribe to them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Singh was sworn into office as the Orange County Property Appraiser (OCPA) in January 2013. During his first year in office, OCPA returned more than $51 million to the Orange County Tax Roll by vigorously pursuing fraudulent claims through improved compliance investigation work. In August 2014, that number reached $73 million and continues to grow.
Singh is a State-Certified Real Estate Broker and a State-Certified Residential Appraiser with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and his extensive experience in real estate, government and civic activities is a perfect fit for his duties as Orange County Property Appraiser. Prior to his current position, Singh was a field appraiser for OCPA where he assessed thousands of properties and defended the office’s position on assessments at the Value Adjustment Board. Singh has successfully completed more than 100 hours of professional appraisal courses with the International Association of Assessing Officers and earned both the Certified Florida Appraiser and Certified Florida Evaluator designations from the Florida Department of Revenue. He is qualified in a wide range of valuation applications, including financial reporting, tax compliance, corporate finance, restructurings and litigation support. Singh is also a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Through its Community Leader Forums, GrayRobinson brings together clients, attorneys and friends of the firm to hear high-profile business and community leaders and elected officials discuss issues of importance to the state of Florida.
View a picture from the event.