Proposed fire assessments by Pace Fire Rescue District

Santa Rosa County has received numerous calls and emails from concerned citizens living within the Pace Fire Rescue Districtdue to the proposed increase in the fire assessmenton their TRIM Notice.

The Pace Fire Rescue District's fire assessments are determined by the Pace Fire Board of Fire Commissioners. The assessments are not determined by the Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners for Pace Fire Rescue District.

House Bill 1573, recently passed by the House and Senate earlier this year, amends the district's charter, effective Oct. 1, 2024, to remove its authority to assess and levy ad valorem taxes. The bill also imposes restrictions on the district's ability to level non-ad valorem assessments, imposing maximum ratesin the following amounts:

• $250 for residential properties up to 1,600 square feet, with an additional $0.1544 per square foot in excess of 1,600 square feet.
• $30.96 for vacant land.
• $500 for commercial properties up to 950 square feet, with an additional amount $0.1544 per square foot in excess of 950 square feet.
• $30.96 for unimproved acreage up to three acres, with an additional $10.32 per acre in excess of three acres.

Pace Fire Rescue District is currently proposing the maximum rates.Residents in this fire district who have concerns about the proposed assessments may attend the upcoming meetings to express their concerns:

• Pace Fire Rescue District Board of Fire Commissioners Meeting Monday, August 19, 2024, at 5 p.m. 4773 Pace Patriot Blvd. in Pace/Pea Ridge

• Pace Fire Rescue District Budget Meeting Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. 4773 Pace Patriot Blvd. in Pace/Pea Ridge

Residents may also contact Pace Fire Rescue District at 850-994-6884.

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