Think Your Property Taxes Are Too High?

Money Matters for Homeowners:

What to Do (and What to Check) Before You File an Appeal in Florida

Think Your Property Taxes Are Too High?

It’s a good thing when your home’s value goes up—until the tax bill shows up.

If you’ve opened your property tax notice and felt a jolt of sticker shock, you’re not alone. Many homeowners accept their assessment as-is, not realizing they can challenge it—and in some cases, they should.

Here’s what to know if you think your tax bill doesn’t match reality.

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Why Your Assessment Matters:

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In Florida, higher assessed value = higher property taxes. But here’s the thing:
Your county assessor isn’t doing an appraisal every year. They may be using mass market estimates, outdated figures, or incorrect info about your home.

That’s why you get a copy of your tax bill—even if your mortgage company is the one paying it. If there’s an error, it’s your responsibility to catch it.

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What to Do if You Think It’s Too High

If your assessment looks off, follow these steps quickly. Most counties have a very short window to appeal.

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1. Review the Details

Check everything listed:

• Square footage
  
• Lot size
  
• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
  
• Type of construction
  
• Additions or improvements

Even small errors—like a porch counted as indoor space, or a half bath listed as a full—can raise your assessed value significantly.

Also: If this is your primary residence, you should be receiving a Florida Homestead Exemption. If not, that’s a separate fix worth addressing right away.

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2. Understand How Your Value Was Calculated

• Recent sales of similar homes
  
• Broad market trends
  
• Or cost to rebuild

But not all areas are reassessed annually. In some counties, values are adjusted with bulk increases—even if your home hasn’t been inspected recently.

Find out:

• When your area was last fully reassessed
  
• Whether the number reflects full market value or a percentage
  
• How your home’s value compares to similar nearby properties

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3. Compare With Caution

Look at homes of similar size, age, and style—especially in your own neighborhood.
Busy street vs. cul-de-sac? Two-story vs. ranch? These details matter.

If you’re not sure what counts as “comparable,” I can run a quick market snapshot to help you figure it out.

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4. File Your Appeal (If It’s Worth It)

If you’ve found errors or believe your home’s value is significantly overstated, it may be worth filing an appeal.

You’ll need:

• Documentation of discrepancies
  
• Sales data or valuation support
  
• A clear explanation of your case

Some homeowners do this on their own. Others ask for help from an appraiser, real estate agent, or tax professional. Either way, know the deadline—most counties will not accept late appeals.

The Bottom Line….

Your tax bill isn’t set in stone. If something feels off, don’t ignore it—check it, question it, and challenge it if needed.

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📩 Need help reviewing your tax assessment or pulling local comps? Just send me a quick message. I’ll help you figure out if it’s worth pursuing and guide you toward the right steps.
→ april@planmyfloridamove.com

You don’t have to navigate this on your own.

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You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just tell me your story – and I’ll help you build a plan that makes sense. SCHEDULE A QUICK CHAT

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