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Hillsborough County, Florida

How to Appeal Property Taxes in Hillsborough County (2026)

Appeal Deadline

25 days after TRIM notice mailing (TRIM notices mailed in August)

County AssessorAppeal Forms

Overview

Hillsborough County, home to Tampa, has approximately 537,000 parcels and is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida. Florida assesses property at 'Just Value' (fair market value), and homesteaded properties benefit from the Save Our Homes amendment, which caps annual assessment increases at 3%. The county mails TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices each August, and homeowners have just 25 days to file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board. With Tampa's dynamic real estate market, many homeowners find their assessed values exceed current market conditions.

Step-by-Step Appeal Process

1

Receive your TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice from the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser in August

2

Review your Just Value, assessed value, and exemptions on the TRIM notice

3

File your petition online via the AXIA portal at hcvab.hillsclerk.com within 25 days of the TRIM notice mailing

4

Pay the $50 filing fee per parcel

5

Gather evidence: comparable sales, photos of property condition issues, market data

6

Submit evidence in writing at least 15 days before hearing, or present at the hearing

7

Attend your hearing with the Special Magistrate (in-person, by phone, or written evidence)

What Evidence Do You Need?

3-5 comparable sales within 1-2 miles, sold within the last 12 months
Photos showing property condition issues (deferred maintenance, storm damage, etc.)
Market data showing declining values in your specific Tampa neighborhood
Independent appraisal from a Florida-licensed appraiser
Evidence of incorrect property characteristics in county records

Common Reasons for Successful Appeals

Comparable sales show a lower market value than the county's Just Value
Tampa market fluctuations — some neighborhoods declining while others rise
Property condition issues not reflected in the assessment (hurricane damage, flooding, etc.)
Incorrect property details (wrong square footage, bedroom count, or condition rating)
Save Our Homes cap reset after a recent purchase at a lower price
Commercial or environmental factors negatively affecting neighborhood values

Tips for Success

1The 25-day filing window is tight — mark your calendar when you receive your TRIM notice
2Hillsborough charges $50 per parcel, higher than the $15 fee in most Florida counties
3You can attend hearings by phone or submit written evidence — in-person attendance is not required
4For homesteaded properties, focus on whether the Just Value (not the assessed value) exceeds market value
5The AXIA online filing portal at hcvab.hillsclerk.com is the fastest way to file
6Bring 7 copies of all evidence if attending in person

Frequently Asked Questions

Check Your Assessment in Hillsborough County

Enter your address to see if you're overpaying and get a professional appeal packet for $49.

Free Assessment Check

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Deadlines and procedures may change. Always verify current information with your county assessor.