PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Effective Thursday, March 19th, 2020 all Alachua County Tax Collector Office lobby locations will be closed to the public until further notice. While our lobbies will be closed to the public, customers can continue to process transactions online at www.AlachuaCollector.com, through the mail, or by phone at 352-374-5236.
According to Tax Collector, John Power, “In light of the current public health situation regarding the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s in the best interest of the office to close to direct public contact until further advised.”
The Alachua County Tax Collector’s office serves over 40,000 customers per month (17,000 in-person), making it one of the largest customer-facing operations within the county. “By closing our office lobbies, it will help limit potential exposure of our staff and the public.” Power continues, “In anticipation of our lobbies being closed, we’ve worked to bolster our phone operations, mail, and on-line processing capabilities” Services that can be completed online or over the phone include, but are not limited to:-Vehicle Registration (Tag) Renewals-Limited Driver License Services, -Property Tax Payments, -Handicap Parking Placards, -Tourist Development Tax Payments, etc.
Customers wishing to reach the Tax Collector by phone should call 352-374-5236. In addition to closing office lobbies to the public, all in-person appointments for Tax, DHSMV, and other related services are canceled until further notice. For updates, please check our website, AlachuaCollector.com and follow us on Facebook. For questions, please call 352-374-5236.
Office Advisories
Advisory 11: June 18th, 2020- Road Test Available by Appointment Only
Driving Skills Road Tests are now available by appointment only. At this time we are not able to offer medical road tests, interpreted tests and other advanced driving skills tests. Make an appointment HERE.
Advisory 10: May 28th, 2020- Concealed Weapon Permit Applications Are Now Available
May 28th, 2020- Concealed Weapon Permit Applications are now available at our Downtown office, by appointment only. Please click here to schedule an appointment.
Advisory 9: March 26, 2020- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Extends REAL ID to October 1, 2021
March 26, 2020- U.S. Department of Homeland Security Extends REAL ID to October 1, 2021
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it is extending the REAL ID Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-13) until October 1, 2021. DHS will accompany the announcement with a notice of the new deadline in the Federal Register in the coming days.
Advisory 8: March 26, 2020- Property Tax Payment Due Date Extended to April 15, 2020
March 26, 2020- Property Tax Payment Due Date Extended to April 15, 2020
Tallahassee, Fla. – On Monday, March 16, 2020, Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Department of Revenue (Department) to provide flexibility on tax due dates to assist those adversely affected by COVID-19. Today, Department of Revenue Executive Director Jim Zingale issued an emergency order to extend the final due date for property tax payments for the 2019 tax year. The Department also extended the due date to file railroad, railroad terminal, private car and freight line and equipment company property tax returns.
Order of Emergency Waiver/Deviation #20-52-DOR-01 applies to all 67 Florida counties. Property tax is normally due by March 31 in the year following the year the taxes are assessed. The Department waives the due date so that payments remitted by April 15, 2020, for the 2019 tax year will be considered timely paid. Property tax returns for railroad, railroad terminal, private car and freight line and equipment company property are normally due by April 1. Returns will be timely filed if filed by April 15, 2020.
Advisory 7: March 19, 2020- Regional Offices for Concealed Weapon Permit Applications Closed
March 19, 2020- Regional Offices for Concealed Weapon Permit Applications Closed
To minimize exposure to COVID-19 and help protect visitors and employees, the Governor has recommended that all Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services offices be closed to the public beginning Thursday, March 19th, until Sunday, April 19th.
Advisory 6: March 19, 2020 – Alachua County Tax Collector Lobby Locations Closed
March 19, 2020 – Alachua County Tax Collector Lobby Locations Closed
Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020 all Alachua County Tax Collector Office lobby locations will be Closed to the Public until further notice. While office locations will be closed to the public, customers can continue to process transactions online at AlachuaCollector.com, by phone at 352-374-5236 or through the mail.
Advisory 5: March 17, 2020 – High Springs Tag Office Closed
March 17, 2020 – High Springs Tag Office Closed
The High Springs Tag Agency will be closed from March 18th through April 5th. You can still renew your vehicle tag via mail or online at www.AlachuaCollector.com.
Advisory 4: March 17, 2020 – Concealed Weapon Permit Applications Cancelled Until Further Notice
March 17, 2020 – Concealed Weapon Permit Applications Cancelled Until Further Notice
Effective immediately and until further notice, our office will not be processing any Concealed Weapon Permit Applications. As of this moment, the Jacksonville regional office of the Florida Department of Agriculture remains open to assist with new applications and renewals. We appreciate your understanding as we continue to modify our services to make the safety of our customers and staff a top priority.
Advisory 3: March 16, 2020 – Road Tests Cancelled Until Further Notice
March 16, 2020 – Road Tests Cancelled Until Further Notice
Effective Monday, March 16th, 2020, and until further notice, the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles has suspended driving road tests. For the protection of our citizens and our staff, the Alachua County Tax Collector’s office is also suspending all driving road tests until further notice. Pre-scheduled appointments are effectively cancelled and future exam appointments are unavailable until further notice. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we do our part of social distancing to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.
Advisory 2: March 16, 2020 – Emergency Order Executed by the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
March 16, 2020 – Emergency Order Executed by the Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
The Emergency Order extends all Florida driver licenses (including Florida Commercial Driver Licenses) and identification cards that will expire in the next 30 days. All Florida driver licenses and identification cards set to expire in the next 30 days will be granted a 30-day extension beyond their current expiration date. This Order extends the effective period of all driver licenses and identification cards that will expire between March 16, 2020, and April 15, 2020, for 30 days. In addition, delinquent fees will be waived during the extension period for these driver licenses and identification cards. FLHSMV recommends Floridians traveling out of the state print the Executive Order and carry it with their driver license. A copy of this Emergency Order is available on the Department’s website.
Advisory 1: March 13, 2020 – For Your Safety, We Encourage You to Utilize Our Online Services
March 13, 2020 – For Your Safety, We Encourage You to Utilize Our Online Services
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, we encourage you to take advantage of our online services at www.AlachuaCollector.com and avoid visiting our offices. Your health and the health of our staff is very important to us. Please know if you must visit us in person, we are taking extra precautions by increasing the frequency and care with which offices & equipment are cleaned. Additionally, we are asking our employees to stay home if they are sick and use our paid time off options.
Common Questions and Answers
With our lobbies closed to the public, our staff is working diligently to assist our customers with mail transactions. Please understand we are operating with a reduced staff level in order to comply with CDC guidelines and keep everyone safe. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Below is a list of common questions:
When I drop off my paperwork, how soon will it be processed?
We check our drop boxes every hour throughout the day. Your transaction will be processed within 1-2 business days.
How long will it take to receive my paperwork back in the mail?
Allow 7-10 days for processing and regular mail. If you need it sooner, please include a Pre-Paid Express envelope with your drop off. Unfortunately you will not be able to pick up your paperwork from our office.
How do I renew or replace my driver license?
While our lobbies are closed you may go online to the state website at www.GoRenew.com.
Is there an extension on vehicle registrations?
No. Your vehicle registration still expires at midnight on your birthday. The Governor has not issued an order to extend them. Please allow enough time to process your renewal by mail or online.