Fire Assessment

Special Assessments are used by many local governments throughout Florida to assure that this essential service is adequately funded. Unlike a tax, a special assessment must be developed to recover each property’s proportionate share of the costs and can only be used to fund fire services.

Fire Assessment Memorandum

The City Commission adopted FY25 Preliminary Rate Resolution No. 2024-437(PDF, 4MB) to update the City of Gainesville's Special Assessment for Fire Services.  Details of the assessment methodology can be found in the June 2023 Fire Assessment Memorandum(PDF, 636KB).

Hardship Assistance  

The City of Gainesville offers a hardship assistance program for low-income seniors and residents. The application period opens February 15 and closes April 30 prior to the preliminary calculation of taxes and assessments in August.  Check your August TRIM insert for details for late applications. Applications must be submitted each year that the program is available. Eligibility requirements may be viewed in the application packet.

2025 Application for Fire Assessment Hardship Assistance(PDF, 293KB)

Sprinkler Credits - Discontinued for 2023 (FY24)

On March 23, 2023, the City Commission General Policy Committee approved the adoption of an updated methodology for the City of Gainesville Fire Special Assessment.  The new methodology does not include a credit for fire flow mitigation / sprinkler systems.   

Mobile Home/RV Park Vacancy Adjustments

Mobile Home or RV Park Vacancy Adjustment applications must be submitted annually by May 1.  See the form for instructions.

Mobile Home or Recreational Vehicle Park Vacancy Adjustment FORM(PDF, 288KB)

Fire Assessment Disputes 

Property owners who believe their buildings are a different size than indicated on their assessments should check their parcel information and building footprint on the Alachua County Property Appraiser’s website.  The assessment is based on total square footage, including garages, drive-throughs, covered walkways, and similar "under-roof" sections. If the “total” square footage still appears to be different than the actual building, please call Fire Administration at 352-334-5078

Frequently Asked Questions