Add passports to the list of services offered at the Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office. Beginning Monday, March 15, residents can stop by the office inside the Harvey Government Center to apply.
On Feb. 3, the office became an official passport acceptance facility after receiving final approval from the U.S. departments of Homeland Security and State in Washington, D.C. Newly-elected Tax Collector Sam Steele said the office became the second tax collector’s office in Florida to provide this service.
“It is very exciting,” Steele said, “I have been working with the U.S. Department of State on receiving approval for this high-demand service since November. Jennilyn, Patti, Carmen, Mercedes and Christina have successfully completed the 10-hour certification course and are now official passport acceptance agents.”
This service will currently only be offered at the Key West Main Office in the Harvey Government Center. Depending on the program’s success, Steele said his office will explore the opportunity of implementing the service at the Plantation Key Office in the future.
Customers looking to get a passport at the Key West office must call for an appointment (only applications for original passports will be processed, not renewals). The passport agent will verify the identity of the customer, ensure the proper forms have been filled out correctly and the required documents have been submitted.
The customer will write a check or money order directly to the U.S. Department of State for their fees and a separate payment to the Tax Collector’s Office (check or credit/debit card only). The agent will mail the applications daily to the Department of State via priority mail with a tracking number and the agent has a responsibility to track the package for seven days until it is received at the lockbox.
The Tax Collector’s Office will charge a required $35 processing fee, an optional $20 photograph fee, and an optional $25.50 expedite fee. Steele said that, “with the potential of collecting up to $80.50 per transaction, this is a great way to grow our bottom line, generate more revenue for the county, and provide an essential service for the public. We are now a one-stop-shop for original passports.”
Original passport services will be offered in the Harvey Government Center, located at 1200 Truman Ave., Suite 101. To make an appointment or for any questions, please call (305) 295-5000.
