Since taking the reins of the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s office on January 8, 2013, Bob Henriquez has used his experience in both the private and public sectors to develop innovative ideas and ground-breaking technologies. This has not only reduced the HCPA's operating costs and saved thousands of dollars, but Henriquez's vision has also resulted in strategies and policies that have transformed the HCPA into a model for other appraiser’s offices around the country. Henriquez has done this while always focusing on his ultimate responsibility to the citizens of Hillsborough County: fair, equitable and accurate property assessment. 

"It's relatively easy to change an organization, but it's a far more difficult task to transform one," said Henriquez, who since taking office has earned his Certified Florida Appraiser (CFA) designation. "During these past three years, our office has experienced a profound transformation as we continue to stride toward our goal of becoming the nation's leading property appraiser office. It's humbling that we've quickly become a model agency for other property appraisers, both around the state and across the country. And it's an honor to serve the people of Hillsborough County." 

In 2016, Henriquez has several other projects he expects to complete, including another first for his office -- a mobile website. To date, here is a quick overview of Henriquez's notable achievements after just 36 months in office:

• Office earned prestigious CEAA (Certificate of Excellence in Assessment Administration) Award, the International Association of Assessing Officers’ highest designation and one that fewer than 50 appraisers offices in the nation have won.

• Awarded national Digital Government Achievement Award (DGAA) in recognition of HCPA's cutting-edge desktop appraisal system.

• Developed and launched a new, state-of-the-art website to aid both real estate professionals and everyday citizens with research and analysis, while also offering greater office transparency.

• Developed and launched a desktop appraisal software that dramatically reduced assessment review costs, added thousands of dollars to city and county revenues and improved assessment accuracy.

• Replaced aging, inefficient HCPA car and truck fleet with leased, "green" hybrid vehicles to reduce fuel and maintenance costs while also limiting the office's carbon footprint.

• Partnered with County Commissioner Al Higginbotham to pass a county sinkhole ordinance for registry and tracking.

• Created a separate HCPA website to track and map county sinkholes.

• Developed a long-range strategic plan for total office development and reorganization.

• Added online filing system for tangible personal property (fixtures, machinery, etc.) returns and completely revamped and updated the online filing process for Homestead Exemption.

• Consolidated office from two floors to one at County Center to save tax payer dollars and provide better customer service.

• Added social media for public outreach and education.

• Appointed a citizen/stakeholder fact-finding committee for improved communication with tax payers and greater office transparency.

• Started office's first-ever high school internship program.

• Conducted a cost-saving audit of all office phone, data and communication lines.