Owners don’t see paying taxes as a priority
Charlotte, Manatee and Sarasota counties saw a sharp spike in the number of landowners failing to pay their property taxes this year, another sign of a sagging real estate market and struggling economy.
The number of parcels with delinquent taxes soared more than 70 percent in Sarasota County, while Charlotte County saw a 50 percent increase and Manatee County nearly 45 percent.
Combined, the three counties had more than $55 million worth of unpaid taxes this year, a record total.
Statewide figures are not yet available, but the results are expected to be similar elsewhere. Local officials and economic analysts said the increase in delinquent taxes is not surprising given the combination of declining property values in a depressed real estate market, soaring taxes and insurance rates, and higher costs for gas, electricity and other expenses.