City of Fort Walton Beach

Important Health Information

Some individuals may be more vulnerable to water impurities than the general population. People with compromised immune systems—including those undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS or other immune disorders, elderly residents, and infants—face higher risks from potential infections. These residents should consult healthcare providers about their tap water consumption. The EPA/CDC provides guidelines on reducing Cryptosporidium and microbial contaminant risks through their Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Special Note About Lead in Tap Water

Elevated lead levels can pose serious health risks, particularly for pregnant women and young children. While the City of Fort Walton Beach delivers quality municipal water, they cannot control materials used in household plumbing components. If water has been sitting in pipes for several hours, reduce potential lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for consumption or cooking. Those concerned about lead can have their water tested. Additional information is available via the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Source Water Assessment

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection conducted a Source Water Assessment on our system in 2017. This evaluation identified 18 potential contamination sources near our wells, with low to moderate susceptibility ratings. Assessment details are available on the FDEP Source Water Assessment and Protection Program website at www.dep.state.fl.us/swapp.

Community Participation

Residents are welcome to attend Fort Walton Beach Council meetings held on the second and fourth Tuesday monthly. Contact the city clerk at 833-9511 to confirm meeting details.

Potential Water Contaminant Sources

Municipal water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive materials, and can pick up substances from animal or human activities.

Possible contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage plants, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) occurring naturally or resulting from urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, mining, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, runoff, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants that occur naturally or result from oil/gas production and mining

To ensure safe tap water, EPA regulations limit certain contaminant levels in public water systems. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water to provide equal public health protection. All drinking water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

1. Why did my taxable cost increase if my SEV remained unchanged?

   By law, assessors and the Board of Review must increase taxable values by the applicable inflation rate (CPI). Setting any other amount would violate regulations. However, your taxable value cannot exceed your SEV.

2. Why doesn't the assessor's market value match what I recently paid for my property?

   Sale price doesn't necessarily equal market value. Michigan law (MCL 211.27(5)) explicitly states that "beginning December 31, 1994, the purchase price paid in a property transfer is not the presumptive true cash value." Assessors conduct comprehensive sales studies for each neighborhood to determine fair and equitable values.

3. How are properties assessed during construction?

   Unfinished buildings are assessed based on the portion completed as of December 31st.

4. What is a Property Transfer Affidavit?

   This mandatory form must be filed whenever ownership changes, as transfers may affect taxable value. It reports sales information to the assessor, with penalties up to $200 for non-filing.

5. Why might I see Township employees photographing or measuring my property?

   Annual property inspections including photography and measurements are statutory requirements that help maintain accurate assessment records.

6. Can I view my assessment records?

   Yes. These public records are available for viewing during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

7. Is there a property tax exemption for households without school-age children?

   No. All residents pay school taxes regardless of whether they have children enrolled. However, those who own and occupy a home as their primary residence pay reduced school tax rates through the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE).