The Terms & Conditions for the Highlands County Property Appraiser website outline the rules, responsibilities, and legal obligations that govern the use of the site and its services. These terms are designed to ensure that all users access, utilize, and share property information responsibly, ethically, and in compliance with Florida law. By using this website, you agree to adhere to these guidelines, including respecting intellectual property rights, using the data for lawful purposes only, and understanding the limitations of the information provided. The terms also clarify the legal framework for liability, data usage, privacy, and user conduct, helping to protect both the user and the Highlands County Property Appraiser’s Office. Users are encouraged to review these terms regularly, as continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of any updates or modifications.
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the Highlands County Property Appraiser website, users are entering into a binding agreement to comply with all stated terms and conditions. These terms are established to ensure that the information, tools, and resources provided are used legally, ethically, and responsibly, protecting both the users and the Office from misuse or misinterpretation of public data.
Agreement to Use
All users must agree to use the website solely for lawful purposes. This includes accessing property records, tax information, GIS maps, and other resources for personal, educational, or professional purposes that comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Users are prohibited from reselling, redistributing, or misrepresenting the data, attempting to bypass security measures, or using the website for any commercial or unauthorized purposes without explicit written consent from the Highlands County Property Appraiser.
Updates to Terms
The Office reserves the right to modify, update, or revise these terms at any time. Changes may be implemented to reflect new legal requirements, technological improvements, or policy adjustments. Users are responsible for reviewing the terms regularly, as failure to comply with updated rules may result in restricted access, legal consequences, or other enforcement actions. Updates are effective immediately upon posting on the website unless otherwise stated.
Continued Use Constitutes Acceptance
Continued access to or use of the website after changes to the Terms & Conditions constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. Users are encouraged to stay informed about updates to ensure that their use of the website remains compliant, responsible, and consistent with the Office’s guidelines. Ignorance of updates does not exempt users from compliance or potential liability.
Website Usage Guidelines
The Highlands County Property Appraiser website is provided as a public resource to access property information, tax data, maps, and other tools. To ensure that all users can safely, fairly, and effectively use the website, it is important to understand the proper guidelines for permitted and prohibited activities. Following these guidelines protects both the integrity of the website and the users’ legal compliance.
Permitted Uses
Users may access the website to:
- Search property records, ownership information, and tax data for personal, educational, or professional purposes.
- Utilize tools such as GIS maps, parcel lookups, and tax estimators to research properties or plan financial decisions.
- Reference content for informational purposes, including understanding exemptions, assessment processes, and Florida property tax laws.
- Contact the Highlands County Property Appraiser for assistance, guidance, or official verification of property records.
All permitted uses must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and respect the intellectual property rights of the Office.
Prohibited Activities
Users must not engage in activities that compromise the security, accuracy, or integrity of the website. Prohibited actions include:
No Unauthorized Data Scraping
Automated collection, scraping, or harvesting of property data without explicit permission is strictly prohibited. This includes using scripts, bots, or software to download large volumes of data or to circumvent site limitations.
No Commercial Use Without Permission
Property data or website content may not be used for commercial purposes—such as marketing, resale, or business intelligence—without written authorization from the Highlands County Property Appraiser.
No Misrepresentation of Affiliation
Users may not claim affiliation, endorsement, or partnership with the Highlands County Property Appraiser when using the website or its content. Misrepresentation can lead to legal consequences or restricted access.
User Responsibilities
All users are responsible for:
- Ensuring that their use of the website aligns with these guidelines.
- Keeping login credentials secure, if applicable.
- Reporting any security vulnerabilities, errors, or misuse of data to the Highlands County Property Appraiser.
- Using information obtained from the website responsibly, understanding that it is for informational purposes and may not always reflect real-time updates.
Adhering to these guidelines ensures a safe, reliable, and legally compliant experience for all users accessing Highlands County property records and resources.
Intellectual Property Rights
The Highlands County Property Appraiser website and its contents, including text, images, maps, databases, reports, and software tools, are protected under intellectual property laws. These protections ensure that the information is used responsibly and that the Office retains control over the distribution and representation of its data.
Ownership of Content
All content on the website is the property of the Highlands County Property Appraiser or its authorized partners. This includes, but is not limited to, property records, GIS mapping tools, valuation guides, tax calculators, and educational materials. Users are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and use this content for personal, educational, or professional research purposes only.
Use of Website Materials
Users may view, download, or print content from the website for personal, non-commercial use. Any redistribution, modification, or public display of website materials requires prior written consent from the Highlands County Property Appraiser. The materials may not be used in a manner that misleads, misrepresents, or implies endorsement by the Office.
Restrictions on Republishing
Content from the website may not be republished or reproduced on other websites, in printed materials, or in any digital format without explicit permission. Republishing property records, maps, or statistical data without authorization is considered a violation of the Office’s intellectual property rights and may lead to legal action.
Attribution Requirements
When using information for educational or research purposes, users must provide proper attribution to the Highlands County Property Appraiser. This includes citing the source of the data, maps, or reports and ensuring that any derivative work clearly acknowledges the original source. Attribution helps maintain transparency and credibility while respecting the Office’s ownership rights. Visit Disclaimer to see legal limitations and understand that information provided is for guidance purposes only.
Limitation of Liability & Disclaimers
The Highlands County Property Appraiser website is provided as a public informational resource to assist users with property records, tax data, and related services. While the Office strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date content, users must understand the limitations and disclaimers associated with the information provided.
No Warranty on Accuracy or Completeness
The Highlands County Property Appraiser makes no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content on the website. Information may change over time due to updates in property assessments, legal requirements, or administrative adjustments. Users should not rely solely on the website for critical legal, financial, or professional decisions.
Use at Your Own Risk
Accessing or using the website and its tools is done at the user’s own risk. The Office is not liable for any consequences, losses, or damages arising from the use of information, reports, or tools provided. Users are responsible for verifying any information independently before acting on it.
Errors, Omissions & Outdated Information
Despite regular updates, the website may contain errors, omissions, or outdated content. Property details, valuations, or tax information may not always reflect real-time changes. Users are encouraged to contact the Highlands County Property Appraiser directly for official verification and confirmation of records before making decisions.
External Links Disclaimer
The website may include links to third-party websites or resources for convenience. These links do not constitute endorsement or approval by the Highlands County Property Appraiser. The Office is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or security of any external sites, and users access these sites at their own risk.
User Accounts & Security (If Applicable)
For certain services on the Highlands County Property Appraiser website, users may need to create accounts or log in to access specialized tools, personalized records, or secure features. Maintaining the security and integrity of these accounts is essential to protect sensitive information and ensure safe use of the website.
Account Responsibility
Users are solely responsible for all activity that occurs under their account. This includes accessing property records, using online tools, or submitting forms through secure portals. Users must ensure that their account information is accurate and that they comply with all website terms of use. The Highlands County Property Appraiser is not liable for any losses resulting from unauthorized use of a user’s account.
Protecting Your Login Credentials
To maintain security, users must keep their login credentials confidential. Passwords should be strong, unique, and not shared with others. Users are encouraged to update passwords regularly and avoid storing login information in unsecured locations. This helps prevent unauthorized access and protects personal and property-related data.
Unauthorized Access Reporting
If a user suspects that their account has been compromised or detects any unauthorized activity, they should immediately contact the Highlands County Property Appraiser. Prompt reporting allows the Office to investigate, secure the account, and minimize potential risks to personal information and property records.
Data Collection & Privacy
The Highlands County Property Appraiser website is designed to provide public access to property information and related tools while safeguarding user privacy. Understanding how data is collected, used, and protected is essential for users to make informed decisions while interacting with the site.
Information We May Collect
The website may collect information voluntarily provided by users, such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and property details submitted through online forms. Additionally, certain data may be automatically collected during visits, including IP addresses, browser types, device information, pages visited, and usage patterns. This data helps improve the website experience and ensures functionality for all users.
Use of Cookies & Analytics
Cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies may be used to enhance website performance, track navigation patterns, and analyze user interactions. Analytics tools help the Office understand which features are most useful and identify areas for improvement. Users have the option to disable cookies through their browser settings, though some features may become unavailable as a result.
How We Handle Your Data
All collected data is handled in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection laws. Information is used for purposes such as improving services, responding to inquiries, providing notifications, and ensuring legal compliance. The Highlands County Property Appraiser takes reasonable steps to secure data from unauthorized access or misuse, including internal access restrictions, encryption for sensitive information, and secure storage practices.
Refer to Our Privacy Policy for Full Details
For a complete overview of data handling practices, privacy rights, and security measures, users are encouraged to review the full Highlands County Property Appraiser Privacy Policy. This policy provides in-depth guidance on how personal information is collected, processed, protected, and shared.
Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
All users of the Highlands County Property Appraiser website agree that the site and its services are governed by the laws of the State of Florida. Understanding your legal rights and the procedures for resolving disputes is essential for responsible and lawful use of the website.
Jurisdiction – State of Florida
Any disputes, claims, or legal issues arising from the use of this website, including access to property data or related services, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Florida state courts. By using the site, users consent to the personal jurisdiction of Florida courts and agree that venue for any legal proceedings will be in Highlands County, Florida, unless otherwise specified by applicable law.
Legal Remedies and Arbitration
The Highlands County Property Appraiser may offer alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as arbitration or mediation, for certain types of disputes. Users are encouraged to attempt resolution through these means before pursuing formal litigation. Legal remedies may include seeking declaratory relief, injunctions, or damages in accordance with Florida law. Arbitration, where applicable, may be binding and conducted under rules mutually agreed upon by the parties.
Waiver of Class Actions
By using the Highlands County Property Appraiser website, users agree to waive the right to participate in any class-action lawsuit arising from the use of the website or the information provided therein. Any disputes must be resolved on an individual basis, and users cannot consolidate claims with others or act as a representative in a class action.
Changes to Terms & Conditions
The Highlands County Property Appraiser website reserves the right to update, modify, or revise its Terms & Conditions at any time to reflect changes in services, legal requirements, or operational policies. Users are responsible for understanding and adhering to the most current terms to ensure compliant and safe use of the website.
Right to Modify Terms
The Office maintains the sole discretion to change these Terms & Conditions without prior notice. Modifications may include updates to website usage policies, intellectual property guidelines, liability disclaimers, privacy practices, or dispute resolution procedures. These changes become effective immediately upon posting on the website unless otherwise specified.
Notification of Changes
While users are encouraged to check the website regularly, the Office may provide notifications of significant updates via email or website banners where applicable. However, users are ultimately responsible for reviewing the posted Terms & Conditions and staying informed about any revisions.
Your Responsibility to Stay Informed
Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of all updated terms, even if the user has not received direct notification. Users should routinely review the Terms & Conditions page to ensure compliance with current rules, obligations, and legal guidelines. Failure to adhere to updated terms may result in restricted access or other consequences under Florida law.
Contact Us
The Highlands County Property Appraiser encourages users to reach out with any questions or concerns regarding the website, its Terms & Conditions, or related services. Clear communication ensures that users understand their rights, responsibilities, and the proper use of property information provided online.
Questions About These Terms
If you have questions or require clarification about any aspect of the Terms & Conditions, including website usage, intellectual property, liability disclaimers, or dispute resolution, you are encouraged to contact the Office. The staff can provide guidance, explain specific provisions, and help ensure your compliance with the rules governing the use of the site.
Contact Information
Users may reach the Highlands County Property Appraiser through the following methods:
Phone: (863) 402-6659
Office Address:
Highlands County Property Appraiser
560 S. Commerce Avenue
Sebring, Florida 33870-3899
Online Contact Form: Available on our Contact Page for inquiries, feedback, or assistance.
Our office hours are Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. Please note that under Florida law, email addresses are considered public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact us by phone or in writing.