Commissioner Gwen Myers, former Mayor Bob Buckhorn, and Dorsett’s family joined Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan to officially open the upgraded 22,000 sq ft office

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector commemorated the grand opening of the North Tampa branch expansion today, honoring the legacy of Tampa civil rights activist Mary Alice Dorsett in a heartfelt dedication ceremony that celebrated community service, growth, and innovation.

Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan was joined by County Commissioner Gwen Myers, former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn, and family of Mary Alice Dorsett at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the 22,000 sq ft. expanded branch, now the largest Tax Collector’s office in the County.

“Mary Alice Dorsett was a visionary who saw the potential in every individual and every corner of our community. As a Latina woman elected to office myself, I stand here today because of the boundaries that Mrs. Dorsett broke through and her tireless fight for equality and the betterment of our community” said Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan.

“The rededication of the expanded office in Mrs. Dorsett’s honor is a tribute to her remarkable contributions to our community. The Tax Collector’s office serves so many people every day, and we are honored to celebrate her legacy and ensure she continues to inspire generations to come.”

Mary Alice Dorsett was a spirited civil rights advocate, a pioneering businesswoman, and a committed community leader. She blazed trails in education and politics, becoming the first African-American woman to run for public office in Hillsborough County. Her efforts focused on advocating for the rights of African Americans, marginalized groups, the impoverished, and the homeless.

The rededication ceremony took place amidst a celebration of growth and enhanced service offerings at the North Tampa Branch. The recent expansion project added 5000 sq ft, making it the largest branch in the County with more than 22,000 sq ft of service area. The office now features 36 service stations, including 4 driver’ license camera stations, upgraded ADA-height counters for improved accessibility, a separate area for concealed weapon permits and the upcoming introduction of 6 self-service stations and 3 virtual agent stations in the new year.

So far this month, the Tax Collector’s office is serving an average of 700 customers daily at this location, with continued growth expected.

Dedicated initially to Mary Alice Dorsett in 2001 and rededicated in 2011 upon relocation, the expanded North Tampa Tax Collector’s office now stands proudly rededicated to Mrs. Dorsett once more after 12 years, ensuring her remarkable contributions continue to inspire generations.

The expanded North Tampa branch is a full-service location, open Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm. For more information or to make an appointment, please visit hillstax.org.

Building to be dedicated to late Mary Alice Dorsett, Tampa Citizen and Civil Rights Advocate

Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan is hosting a grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the 5000 Sq. ft expansion project at the Tax Collector’s North Tampa branch. The building will be dedicated to the late Mary Alice Dorsett, a Tampa citizen who was passionate advocate for the African American community.

What:             Ribbon Cutting & Building Dedication Ceremony

When:            Wednesday, November 29 at 8:00am

Where:           North Tampa Branch, 3011 University Center Dr, Tampa FL

Who:              Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan

Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers

James Ransom, The Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA)

Members of Mary Alice Dorsett’s family

Why:               The grand re-opening ceremony celebrates the 5000 sq. ft service expansion. Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers and James Ransom from The Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) will join the Tax Collector in rededicating the building to the late Mary Alice Dorsett.  Members of Mary Alice Dorsett’s family will represent her at the rededication ceremony. The event will also include a tour of the new facility and a reception.

 *Media are invited to attend the ceremony, interview guests and tour new facility*

Contact Debra Bellanti at 813.612.6721 [email protected] for more information.

 The newly expanded North Tampa facility offers more lobby seating, customer service stations, and written driving test stations.

“The new and improved office offers more space for our customers and team to accommodate the growing population in Hillsborough County as well as new and innovative service features such as self-service and virtual agent stations launching early next year,” said Tax Collector Nancy Millan.

“We are also honored to rededicate the building to the late Mary Alice Dorsett, a true champion for the people of Tampa.  Dorsett was a civil rights advocate who worked tirelessly for the rights of African Americans, the poor, and the homeless.  We are proud to dedicate this new and improved facility in her honor once again.”

For more information on the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office, please visit hillstax.org.

All Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd, and Friday, November 24th, for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

“Our offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday so that our employees can enjoy time with their families,” said Nancy Millan, Hillsborough County Tax Collector. “We are grateful today, and all year round, for our team and the services they provide our community.”

The Tax Collector’s office will reopen on Monday, November 27th, at 8:00 a.m. for regular business hours. Many of our services are available online, visit hillstax.org to learn more.

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All Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s offices will be closed on Friday, November 10th, in observance of Veteran’s Day.

“On this day of honor and bravery, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by our brave men and women who continue to make our country proud,” expressed Nancy Millan, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our beloved veterans,” she added.

The Tax Collector’s office will reopen on Monday, November 13th, at 8:00 a.m. for regular business hours. To learn more about our services, please visit hillstax.org.

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Tax Collector encourages property owners to pay early for a discount.

Tampa, FL— November 1, 2023 — Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan announced the opening of the 2023 Property Tax Roll on November 1, 2023.  Over 575,000 tax notices have been mailed to property owners in Hillsborough County for their 2023 property taxes.  Tax notices and information are also available online at hillstax.org.

“This year’s property tax collections are expected to total more than $3.3 billion,” said Millan. “The money collected by our office is turned around and distributed to the taxing authorities in Hillsborough County to pay for services including fire rescue and law enforcement, and infrastructure such as schools, roads, parks, and utilities.”

The earlier customers pay, the better the discount. If property taxes are paid by November 30th, a 4% discount is applied.  3% discount by December 31^st, 2% discount by January 31^st, and 1% discount by February 29^th.

Customers do not need to visit an office to make their payments. Taxpayers have easy and convenient online payment options by either credit card or by “e-Check,” which is a free electronic payment from your checking account.

There are also alternative payment options available. Taxpayers can make partial payments towards their 2023 property taxes, but certain restrictions apply. Taxpayers also have the option to plan ahead and apply for the installment plan for the 2024 tax season, which allows taxes to be paid in quarterly increments throughout the year and still take advantage of discounts.

For more details regarding the collection of property taxes, discounts, partial payments, or the installment plan, visit hillstax.org.

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The October program launch coincides with National Teen Driver Safety Month

TAMPA, FL, Tuesday,  October 31^st, 2023 – More than 250 high school students received their learner’s permit or driver’s license from the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office during the Student Saturdays initiative this month. The launch of the new Saturday services, exclusive to Hillsborough County high school students, was designed to make the licensing process more convenient for teens and their parents, eliminating the need to miss school or work to take their written and road skills tests.

Parent Renee Nelson took to social media to praise the initiative and how it made life easier for her family, writing, “This made life so much easier not having to take time off work or school for our teen to get their permit. It was fast and fun. The entire staff was upbeat. They pushed the teens to advocate for themselves and had the parents take a “backseat” as the child navigated the process. Super impressed!”

During the October 14 and 21 launch events, AAA distributed free car safety kits to the new drivers, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office provided them a sweet treat while offering advice on road safety. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, teen drivers represent only 5% of licensed drivers in the state, yet more than 11% of crashes involve teen drivers. The program launch coincides with National Teen Driver Safety Month and the Tax Collector’s efforts to promote safe teen driving during October.

Student Saturdays are just one of a series of initiatives the Tax Collector’s Office has launched to meet the rising demand for driver’s license services.  With more than 1.5 million residents in the County and growing, the Tax Collector’s Office served more than 933,000 customers in their branch offices during the 2023 fiscal year.

To meet the growing demand, the Tax Collector’s Office hired additional driving test examiners and expanded driver license service hours, doubling the number of road tests administered daily. In the three-month period between October to December 2022, they administered close to 5000 road tests. By July to September of this year, that number doubled to more than 10,000 road tests over the course of the same three-month period.

“We are extremely pleased with the success of our Student Saturdays event,” remarked Tax Collector Nancy Millan. “We are focused on enhancing our services and delivering an unparalleled customer experience, and we will continue to find new and innovative ways to deliver.”

For more information on the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office, visit hillstax.org.

Photos and video footage from the Student Saturday event can be found here.

 

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Student Saturdays will take place October 14^th and 21^st, coinciding with National Teen Driver Safety Week

Hillsborough County Tax Collector, Nancy C. Millan is launching a new initiative aimed at making the driver license testing process more convenient for Hillsborough County high school students and their parents.

The Tax Collector’s Office is rolling out a new initiative, Student Saturdays for Teen Drivers on October 14^th and October 21^st, coinciding with National Teen Driver Safety Week and the Tax Collector’s Office’s efforts to prepare teens for safe driving. During these two dates in October, aspiring teen drivers can take their driving skills test on the weekend, eliminating the need to miss school.

“We recognize that obtaining a driver license is a significant milestone for teens and families. We also know that parents may have challenges getting their students in to our office on school days to take their driving skills test.  Student Saturdays is our commitment to making this process more convenient while emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices.” said Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy Millan.

With the significant growth in Hillsborough County’s population, Millan and her team have worked to increase staff resources and expand capacity for driving tests and driver license services to meet the demand for service.  Since May 2023, the Tax Collector’s Office has nearly doubled the number of driving skills tests administered daily.

The driving skills tests for teens are by appointment only, and aspiring drivers are encouraged to reserve their spots promptly as slots will fill quickly. Driving tests will be available from 9 am-2 pm on Saturday, October 14th and October 21^st, at the East Tampa Tax Collector’s office, located at 2814 E. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa FL 33610.

Student Saturday tests are available exclusively for Hillsborough County high school students who meet the eligibility requirements to take their driving tests, including a valid learner’s permit and written test completion.  There are a limited number of written testing spots available as well for students that wish to obtain their learner’s permit.

Hillsborough County high school students and their parents can visit www.hillstax.org/student-saturdays to see if the student meets the eligibility requirements to take the driving skills tests.  Eligible candidates can book an appointment for October 14^th or October 21^st by calling 813-347-4386.

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Hillsborough County Tax Collector Nancy C. Millan will close the Tax Collector’s North Tampa temporary site at 3011 University Center Drive in Tampa on Thursday, September 21, to prepare the newly expanded permanent space in the same building. The permanent location will open to customers on Tuesday, September 26.

Due to the growing demand for service, Millan expanded the North Tampa office by 5,000 square feet.  The newly expanded location will have more lobby seating, customer service stations, and testing stations to serve the public. The Tax Collector’s office on University Center Drive has been open since 2011 and serves about 17 percent of the Tax Collector’s total branch customer base, estimated to be about one million in 2023.

“We are excited to unveil our newly expanded facility to serve the growing population in Hillsborough County. Our team has gone above and beyond to expand the North Tampa facility in record time,” said Millan. “The new and improved office will offer more space for our customers and team and offer new and innovative service features such as self-service and virtual agent stations.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly expanded space will be planned for later this fall.

To learn more about Tax Collector services, information, and other locations, visit hillstax.org.

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The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office proudly announces its successful completion of the Human Trafficking Training program led by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. With an unwavering commitment to public service and social responsibility, every single team member of the Tax Collector’s Office has participated in the comprehensive training, propelling the organization into the esteemed “100 Percent Club.”

The Human Trafficking Training initiative, spearheaded by Attorney General Moody, aims to equip public servants and community members with the necessary knowledge and tools to identify and combat human trafficking. By engaging in this training, the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office has taken a significant step toward preventing and addressing this heinous crime within the community.

“The completion of the Human Trafficking Training by our entire staff at the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office demonstrates our unwavering dedication to public welfare and protection,” stated Nancy C. Millan, Hillsborough County Tax Collector. “We firmly believe that education and awareness play a pivotal role in combating human trafficking, and we are proud to join the 100 Percent Club by ensuring that each employee has received this vital training.”

Human trafficking remains a pressing issue in Florida and across the nation. The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office reinforces its commitment to the community’s well-being by raising awareness and equipping its staff with the necessary knowledge. Through continued collaboration with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and advocates, the office aims to contribute to the prevention and detection of human trafficking actively.

The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office encourages other government entities, businesses, and organizations to follow suit and prioritize comprehensive training on human trafficking for their employees. We can build stronger communities and eradicate this abhorrent crime by joining forces.

For more information on the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, visit floridaallianceendht.com.

For more information on the Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s office, visit hillstax.org.

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