Effect of refinancing on property tax?

[cyberia]

I am thinking of refinancing. However, I am worried that it may somehow affect my house's assessed value.

I bought the house a while back when it was assessed in the $100K range. Now, it is assessed in the $200K range. BUT... Here, in Florida, we have a law that caps assessed value increases to 3% a year, so I am still paying pretty much the same taxes I paid 8 years ago - which is a very good thing.

Now, my question: If I refinance, will I lose the benefit of the capped increases?

Here is what the Property Appraiser says:

The only way your assessment can increase more than this is if there is a change in ownership, or you made physical improvements (built an addition, converted a garage into a new room, etc.) to your property that were not included in last year's assessment.

Can refinancing be somehow considered a change in ownership?

 

[quakefiend420]

i don't see how, you're still you, and you never relinquished ownership

 

[CPA]

no

 

[spidey07]

No

 

[cyberia]

Here is another twist. My wife and I were not yet married when we bought the house. So, both our names are on the deed (my name + her maiden name). We are married now and she has my last name.

Does this affect the situation?

 

[Vic]

In a word, no.

 

[Capt Caveman]

No

 

[cyberia]

Thank you for all the replies. Off to the bank I go tomorrow.