A Grand Opening and Dedication Ceremony is planned for December 4, 2015 from 11:45am – 2pm at the new Niceville location of the Tax Collector Professional Centre. Tax Collector Ben Anderson says, “In honor of our local neighbors, we are going to have a ribbon cutting ceremony and want those interested to stop by and tour the new facility.” The Niceville Chamber of Commerce will help host this event and area dignitaries are expected to attend.
“The purchase of this facility by the Tax Collector is significant for a number of reasons,” Anderson says. “First and foremost, we are getting out of the rental business – our current lease with a 10 year extension, (21 years total) would cost millions.” He continues, “With this purchase we will save over $6.5 million for the Citizens of Okaloosa County. Our goal is to have this building paid for and “free and clear” in 8 years…the savings will continue! Second, this is a “Cornerstone” location in the Twin Cities community; as we celebrate 100 years for Okaloosa County, we are also pledging the Tax Collector’s Office to serve another 100 years in this location for the Citizens of Niceville, Valparaiso and all of Okaloosa County.”
The Tax Collector’s Office provides State and County services, including the collection of Property Taxes, Tourist Development Taxes, BTRs (occupational licenses), Driver Licenses, Vehicle/Vessel Registrations, Hunting and Fishing licenses, Birth Certificates for those born in Florida, Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) applications and other services. Anderson says, “We are looking forward to being a visible partner in the community from our new location.”
The Niceville Branch is now located at 701 East John Sims Parkway on the corner of John Sims Parkway and Partin Drive, across from Crosspoint Church. The phone number remains the same: 850-651-7300. Hours of operation are 8:30am to 5:00pm with Driver License services ending at 3:30 each day.