At the Jackson County Property Appraiser’s Office, your privacy and data security are top priorities. We are committed to safeguarding your personal information and ensuring transparency in how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your data. This Privacy Policy outlines our practices when you visit our website, submit forms, or engage with us through any of our services.
As a governmental entity in Florida, we also adhere to applicable state laws including Florida’s Public Records Law, ensuring a balance between transparency and privacy. We encourage you to review this policy carefully. By using our services or accessing our website, you agree to the practices described here. If you disagree with any part of this policy, please refrain from using our services.
Information We Collect
At the JCPA’s Office, we collect specific types of information to effectively carry out our legal and administrative duties, provide property-related services, and maintain accurate tax records. This information is gathered through various channels—including online forms, in-person interactions, and automated tools—ensuring we can serve the public with accuracy, efficiency, and accountability. Understanding what we collect helps foster transparency and allows property owners to make informed decisions when interacting with our office. The data we collect generally falls into three categories: personal information, automatically collected data, and limited location-based metadata.
Personal Information
We collect personally identifiable information when you:
- Complete and submit exemption or classification forms
- Contact our office via email, telephone, or online forms
- Subscribe to email alerts or newsletters
- Use property search tools or estimator calculators
- Participate in surveys or submit public feedback
Examples of personal data include:
- Full legal name
- Mailing and property address
- Parcel ID
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Property ownership documents
Automatically Collected Data
When you browse our website, we may automatically collect technical data including:
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Device information (mobile or desktop)
- Session duration and visited pages
- Date and time of access
- Referring website
- Usage and performance analytics (e.g., via Google Analytics)
Location-Based and Metadata
If you access our website through mobile or location-enabled devices, your general geographic location (city-level) may be captured for statistical purposes.
How We Use Your Information
We use the data collected to:
- Provide and improve property appraisal services
- Process homestead, agricultural, and other exemption applications
- Respond to inquiries and public records requests
- Ensure accurate data entry on the tax roll
- Notify property owners about important updates
- Support fraud detection and service optimization
- Personalize user experience on our website
All personal information is used strictly for official purposes and in accordance with Florida law.
We do not:
- Sell or rent your personal information to third parties
- Use your data for marketing unrelated to the property appraiser’s functions
Legal Basis for Collecting Information
Our authority to collect and maintain data is established by:
- Florida Statutes (e.g., Chapter 119 – Public Records; Chapter 193 – Assessments)
- Federal compliance requirements
- Your informed consent (e.g., when submitting forms)
Disclosure of Your Information
We may disclose your information:
- In compliance with legal obligations (court orders, subpoenas)
- In response to a public records request under Florida Statutes
- To Jackson County agencies such as the Tax Collector or Clerk of Court
- To technology service providers (e.g., IT vendors, secure hosting platforms) under binding data protection agreements
We ensure that third-party access is limited, governed by data privacy terms, and strictly monitored.
Cookies and Web Tracking
Cookies are small text files stored on your device to enhance your web experience. Our site uses cookies to:
- Store user preferences (e.g., saved search filters)
- Track aggregate user behavior via analytics tools
- Ensure secure user sessions (for secure data entry)
Types of cookies:
- Essential cookies: Required for functionality
- Performance cookies: Help us analyze site traffic
- Functional cookies: Remember preferences for easier access
You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies. Please note that disabling cookies may limit some website features.
Third-Party Tools & Links
For the convenience of property owners, businesses, and other users, our website may provide direct links to external platforms and digital tools that assist with property-related research and services. These third-party resources are intended to enhance your experience and include, but are not limited to:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Interactive mapping tools to view parcel boundaries, zoning data, and land use information specific to Jackson County.
Property Tax Estimator Portals:
Tools that allow users to estimate annual property taxes based on assessed values, exemptions, and millage rates.
Florida Department of Revenue Forms & Portals:
Access to official forms, filing instructions, and statutory guidelines related to property taxation at the state level.
Local Government Websites:
Direct connections to related municipal and county agencies, such as the Jackson County Tax Collector, Clerk of Courts, or Planning & Zoning departments.
Please note that these external websites and tools are managed by independent organizations and operate under their own privacy policies, data collection practices, and terms of service. We do not control, endorse, or assume responsibility for the content, accuracy, or functionality of these platforms.
We strongly recommend that you review the privacy policies and user agreements of any third-party sites you visit through our links. Your use of these external resources is entirely at your discretion and subject to the individual terms set forth by their respective operators.
Data Retention and Storage
We retain your personal data:
- As long as necessary to fulfill administrative or legal functions
- In accordance with the State of Florida’s General Records Schedule
For example:
- Exemption applications: retained for 5–7 years
- Contact form submissions: 2–3 years
- Archived digital records: retained indefinitely as required
Records are securely stored digitally and physically, with controlled access and scheduled purging when no longer needed.
How We Protect Your Data
To prevent unauthorized access, loss, or misuse of your information, we implement several security measures:
- Secure socket layer (SSL) encryption across the website
- Password-protected databases with role-based access
- Physical security in offices and archives
- Firewall-protected IT systems
- Regular system audits and vulnerability scans
- Staff training in cybersecurity and public records compliance
Despite these efforts, no system is entirely immune to breaches. Should a security incident occur, we will respond promptly and notify affected parties in accordance with legal requirements.
Your Rights Under Florida Law
As a resident of Florida, you have certain rights, including:
- Access to public records under Florida Statute 119.01
- Requesting the redaction of exempt personal information (e.g., for law enforcement personnel, judges, or domestic violence victims)
- Right to challenge or correct inaccurate information
- Requesting removal or amendment of outdated or incorrect records (if eligible)
Submitting a Redaction Request
Please provide:
- A written request
- Applicable documentation showing eligibility
- Specific details on the records you wish to have redacted
Requests can be submitted via the official contact form or in person.
Children’s Privacy
Our services and website are intended for use by adults. We do not knowingly collect information from individuals under 13 years of age. If we learn that a child has submitted personal information, we will take steps to delete that data promptly.
Updates to This Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this policy at any time without prior notice. Updates reflect changes in laws, technology, or operational procedures. The “Last Updated” date at the end of this document indicates when the policy was last revised.
We recommend reviewing this page periodically to stay informed of any changes.
FAQ’s
To help you better understand how your information is handled, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about our privacy practices. These FAQs cover topics such as data collection, online security, information sharing, and your rights under Florida law. If you need additional clarification, please contact our office directly.
Does this privacy policy apply to in-person visits?
Yes. Any personal data collected through in-person services, forms, or appointments is governed by the same principles.
Can I request deletion of my data?
Under Florida law, most public records must be retained, and deletion is only permitted under specific legal circumstances.
Does the Jackson County Property Appraiser share my data with third-party marketers?
No. We do not sell or share data for commercial marketing purposes.
Is my data secure when I submit online exemption forms?
Yes. All online submissions are protected through encrypted SSL protocols and handled under strict data security policies.
Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or data access requests, please contact:
Jackson County Property Appraiser
Main Office: 4445 Lafayette St, Marianna, FL 32446
Phone: (850) 482-9646
Website: jacksoncountyfl.gov/property-appraiser