Non-Ad Valorem Assessments

Non-ad valorem assessments are NOT based on value but are set amounts. They are separated from ad valorem taxes on the tax notice by a bold horizontal line.  Non-ad valorem taxes are billed and collected on a fiscal year (October 1st-September 30th).

Non-ad valorem assessments currently collected in Brevard County may include: Solid Waste Disposal, which was implemented in 1977, to operate the County’s landfill facilities that are used to accommodate all trash and garbage that is generated by the property owners throughout the County.

Solid Waste Collection, which was implemented in 1982, for curbside trash and yard waste pick-up service that is provided by the County through a franchise collector for all property located in the unincorporated areas of the County.

Note: In the unincorporated areas of Brevard County, questions relating to Solid Waste Collection, Solid Waste Disposal or the one time Solid Waste Impact Fee on new improved property should be directed to Solid Waste Management at (321) 633-2042.

State Mandated Recycling, which was implemented in 1989, to operate and maintain the County’s recycling program for property located in the unincorporated areas of the County. The County is required by Florida law to achieve and maintain a 30-percent reduction goal in the amount of materials being landfilled. The Recycling program helps to achieve this goal. NOTE: Municipalities within the incorporated areas of the County maintain individual recycling programs for their communities.

Note: In the unincorporated areas of Brevard County, questions relating to Recycling should be directed to Solid Waste Management at (321) 633-2043.

Fire Services Special Assessment was implemented in 2006 to pay for fire protection services provided by Brevard County Fire Rescue. It is a fee charged on the annual property tax bill to all property owners in unincorporated Brevard, West Melbourne, Melbourne Village, Palm Shores, and Grant/Valkaria. The rates charged are based on the primary property use code assigned by the Property Appraiser’s office and the base square footage of the structures on the property.

Note: Frequently Asked Questions about the Fire Services Special Assessment are answered on the Brevard County website at www.brevardcounty.us/ FireRescue, under Education & FAQs. Any other questions should be directed to Brevard County Fire Rescue at (321)633-2056.

Stormwater Utility Fees – When land is converted from its natural state to other uses, such as roads, homes, and shopping centers, many impervious or paved surfaces are created. Rainfall can no longer soak into the ground. Instead it becomes stormwater runoff – rainwater that carries pollutants into our water bodies. Excessive amounts of runoff could result in area flooding. Pollutants carried by stormwater could include sediment from streets/construction/ fertilizers, grass clippings, leaves, pathogens (animal waste), litter, automotive wear (metal fillings), coolants, grease and oils.

Upon entering Brevard’s waterbodies (such as the Indian River Lagoon or St. Johns River) these pollutants decrease water quality and pose a threat to marine life. Stormwater management practices are used to retain, detain, and/or filter the runoff, reducing the pollution hazard, and minimizing downstream flooding.

In 1990 Brevard County established a Stormwater Utility Fee, a non-ad valorem assessment, with a dedicated funding source to address both water quality and water quantity issues. Money collected in each district stays in that district to address stormwater concerns. Brevard County Surface Water Improvement spends approximately $2.5 million annually in construction projects to address these concerns. By establishment of this agency and its dedicated funding source, Brevard County has had a greater impact than any other single agency in reducing the pollutant loading into the Indian River Lagoon.

For further information, please call Stormwater Management at (321) 633-2014.