Appeal property tax increase in FL

[Grace Chee]

Hello BP community, does anyone have experience (or know people who have) in appealing property tax increase in Orlando FL? How is the appeal process like, and has anyone had success or non-success with the appeal? 

Much thanks!

[Shawn McCormick]

@Grace Chee The process for this is time sensitive, you should have gotten a TRIM notice around late August, early September. That will show what proposed tax increase you will see. Since we pay taxes in arrears, the appeal process must move along quickly as they are payable in November (at a discounted rate). If you go to your counties property appraiser website, you can find the process and forms. It is too late for you to contest 2024, so you'll have to wait for your 2025 TRIM notice next year. 

As for your neighbors, they could have exemptions like Homestead, widow, military disability and many others that can reduce the amount of taxes. They could have owned the home for many years and if homesteaded, are limited to up to a 3% increase each year. Since you recently purchased, yours was reassessed at todays values and theirs are still working off assessments from years ago (possibly) and the people you bought from likely had an old assessment as well. Hopefully this makes sense, but sounds like you are got caught in an assessment when you purchased. Make sure you have filed for Homestead exemption at the very least (this can only be done if you the home is your primary residence, not an investment home). You have until the end of February to file that to have it count toward your 2025 tax bill. 

Hope this helps, best of luck!