Florida Keys Elected Officials Suspected Of Improperly Claiming Real Estate Tax Exemption For Homestead Property

In Monroe County, Florida, KeysNet.com reports:

• An elected Mosquito Control Board member faces stiff civil penalties for apparently claiming homestead exemptions on houses in both the Keys and Levy County, near the Panhandle. Commissioner Charles Langstaff, who lives on Mahogany Drive in Key Largo, has a 2,088-square-foot mobile home on five acres of land in the town of Morriston. He has received a $25,000 homestead exemption on that home since 2002, Levy County property appraiser records show.

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• Karl Borglum, with the Monroe County Property Appraisers office, said his office sent a letter to Langstaff on Wednesday notifying him that they are aware he is claiming homestead exemptions in both counties. Borglum said both counties could put a lien on Langstaff's homes seeking back taxes and a civil penalty equaling his back taxes plus another 50 percent. He also faces interest payments, which are determined by the county tax collector.

For more, see Mosquito Control commissioner faces stiff fines.

See State Lawmaker Among Many Bagged By Central Florida County Appraisers For Illegal Homestead Exemption Claim for another recent story involving a Central Florida elected public official who was caught this year improperly claiming a tax exemption for homestead property.