At the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office, we are committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all visitors, property owners, and business users who access our website or utilize our services. This privacy policy outlines the types of information we collect, how it is used, and the measures we take to safeguard your data. By providing transparency about our practices, we aim to ensure that users can confidently interact with our online tools, submit applications, or request property information, knowing that their personal information is handled securely and responsibly.
Information We Collect
To provide effective services and maintain accurate records, the HCPA’s Office collects certain information from users. Our collection practices are designed to balance the need for operational efficiency with respect for your privacy. We categorize the data we gather into information you provide voluntarily and information that is automatically collected when you use our website or services.
Data You Provide Voluntarily
When you interact with our website or office, you may voluntarily provide personal or property-related information. This can include names, addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, property details, exemption applications, and supporting documentation. Providing this information allows us to process applications, respond to inquiries, and deliver services such as property searches, tax estimation tools, and exemption processing efficiently.
Automatically Collected Information
Some information is collected automatically to help improve the functionality and security of our website. This can include IP addresses, browser type, device information, pages visited, time spent on the site, and other usage data. Collecting this information helps us analyze site performance, identify technical issues, improve user experience, and maintain cybersecurity measures to protect your personal data.
Data Protection and Security Measures
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office is committed to safeguarding the personal and property-related information of all users. Protecting your data is a top priority, and we employ a variety of technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to ensure that your information remains secure and confidential.
Encryption and Secure Access
We use industry-standard encryption protocols to protect sensitive data transmitted through our website, such as exemption applications or property inquiries. Secure access measures, including HTTPS connections and secure login systems where applicable, help prevent unauthorized interception of information and ensure that your data is protected during online transactions.
Internal Access Restrictions
Access to personal and property data is strictly limited to authorized personnel within the Property Appraiser’s office who require the information to perform their duties. Employees are trained on privacy policies, data protection procedures, and confidentiality requirements. This ensures that your information is handled responsibly and is not accessed or shared without proper authorization.
Data Protection and Security Measures
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office takes the protection of personal and property-related data seriously. We have implemented robust security protocols and internal controls to ensure that all information collected through our website or in person remains confidential and is used responsibly.
Encryption and Secure Access
All data transmitted to and from our website is protected using industry-standard encryption technologies, such as HTTPS and SSL certificates. This ensures that sensitive information—including property details, exemption applications, and personal identification data—is secure from unauthorized interception or tampering during transmission. Additionally, secure access measures, such as password-protected portals and multi-factor authentication for authorized users, help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Internal Access Restrictions
Within the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office, access to personal and property-related data is strictly controlled and limited to authorized personnel who require the information to perform their official duties. Employees undergo training on privacy policies, data handling best practices, and legal compliance requirements, ensuring that all data is handled responsibly. Internal audits and monitoring procedures are also in place to detect and prevent unauthorized access or misuse of information, further enhancing the security of the data we manage.
Opt-Out Preferences
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office respects your right to control how your personal and property-related information is used. Users who wish to limit the collection, use, or sharing of their data have several options to exercise greater control over their information while still accessing essential services.
How to Limit the Use of Your Data
Users can opt out of certain data collection or communications by following the procedures outlined on our website or by contacting our office directly. This may include:
- Disabling optional cookies or analytics tracking on our website to limit automatically collected usage data.
- Requesting restrictions on marketing or notification emails, ensuring you only receive communications essential to property assessments, exemptions, or filings.
- Submitting written requests to the Property Appraiser’s office to limit or restrict the public display of certain personal details where permissible under Florida public records laws.
It is important to note that while opting out of certain data uses can enhance privacy, some services may be limited as a result. For example, restricting certain communications may prevent timely notifications about exemption deadlines or assessment updates. Users are encouraged to review their preferences carefully and contact the office for guidance on how to maintain access to essential property services while protecting their data. Read Terms & Conditions for detailed guidance on using this website and understanding user responsibilities.
Sharing & Third-Party Services
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office takes the privacy of your personal and property information seriously. While most data remains confidential, there are circumstances in which information may need to be shared or integrated with third-party tools to provide services efficiently and comply with legal requirements.
When and Why We Share Information
Information may be shared in limited situations, such as:
- Legal obligations: To comply with Florida statutes, court orders, or other regulatory requirements.
- Service delivery: To enable processing of property assessments, exemption applications, and tax filings.
- Public records: Certain information, like property ownership and assessed values, is considered public under Florida law and may be shared or accessible through official public records.
We ensure that any data shared is strictly limited to the purpose for which it is required and handled according to privacy and security standards.
Third-Party Tools and Services
We may use trusted third-party services to enhance website functionality, provide analytics, or support online applications. Examples include mapping tools, payment processing platforms, or document submission systems. When interacting with these tools:
- Data shared with third-party services is used solely for the specific service requested.
- We carefully vet third-party partners to ensure they follow privacy and security practices that align with our policies.
- Users should be aware that third-party websites or services have their own privacy policies, and we recommend reviewing those policies before sharing additional personal information.
By combining responsible data sharing with secure third-party integrations, we aim to provide users with convenient, accurate, and safe access to property services.
Your Rights & Data Control Options
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office recognizes that users have the right to access, manage, and control their personal information. These rights are designed to provide transparency and empower individuals to ensure their data is accurate and used appropriately.
Requesting Data Access or Deletion
Users may request access to the personal information we hold about them to review what data has been collected. If you believe certain data is incorrect, outdated, or no longer necessary, you can also request its deletion or restriction where permitted under Florida law. Requests can be submitted via our official contact channels, and our office will respond in a timely manner while balancing legal and operational obligations.
Updating Your Personal Information
It is important to maintain accurate and up-to-date information with the Property Appraiser’s Office to ensure proper processing of exemptions, tax assessments, and communications. Users can update personal details such as address, phone number, email, or property-related information by submitting updated documentation either online, by mail, or in person at our office. Regularly reviewing and updating your information helps prevent errors and ensures that notifications and services are delivered accurately.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in laws, regulations, technological advancements, or updates to our internal processes. These updates ensure that our privacy practices remain transparent, secure, and compliant with applicable standards while providing clarity to users about how their information is collected, used, and protected.
Notification of Updates
When substantial changes are made to the Privacy Policy, we take steps to inform users in a clear and timely manner. Notifications may be provided via prominent messages on our website, email alerts, or other official communications when possible. This helps users stay aware of updates that could impact how their personal and property-related information is handled or their rights regarding that data.
Date of Last Revision
Each version of the Privacy Policy displays a “last revised” date. Users should regularly check this date to confirm they are reviewing the most current version. This ensures that you are fully informed about any changes in the way data is collected, processed, stored, or shared and can adjust your privacy preferences or opt-out settings accordingly. Staying informed helps maintain control over your information and ensures compliance with Highlands County requirements.
Contact Us for Privacy Concerns
The Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office is committed to addressing any questions or concerns regarding the collection, use, and protection of your personal and property-related information. We encourage users to reach out if they need clarification on privacy practices, wish to exercise their data rights, or need assistance with opting out of certain data uses.
How to Reach the Highlands County Property Appraiser
You can contact our office through multiple convenient channels:
- Email Support: Send your privacy inquiries to the official email address provided on our website. This ensures a direct and documented communication channel with our staff.
- Phone Support: Call the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s office to speak directly with a representative who can provide guidance on privacy concerns and data requests.
- Office Visits: Visit the main office in Highlands County for in-person assistance with privacy-related questions or to submit formal requests regarding your personal information.
- Online Contact Form: Use the online contact form on our website to submit detailed inquiries or requests about your data. This allows for tracking and efficient handling of your concerns.
We aim to respond promptly to all inquiries and provide clear guidance on how your data is handled, how to exercise your rights, and how to ensure your information is secure.