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Orange County, Florida

How to Appeal Property Taxes in Orange County (2026)

Appeal Deadline

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

County AssessorAppeal Forms

Overview

Orange County, home to Orlando, has approximately 460,000 parcels and a market heavily influenced by tourism, tech growth, and population influx. Florida assesses property at 'Just Value' (fair market value), with the Save Our Homes amendment capping annual homestead assessment increases at 3%. The county mails TRIM notices in August, giving homeowners 25 days to petition the Value Adjustment Board. With Orlando's evolving real estate market, there are opportunities for appeals, particularly for properties purchased during market peaks or in neighborhoods affected by changing market conditions.

Step-by-Step Appeal Process

1

Receive your TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice from the Orange 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 VAB Online Filing portal at vab.occompt.com within 25 days

4

Pay the $15 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
Market data for your specific Orlando-area 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
Orlando market variations — tourist corridor properties vs. residential neighborhoods
Property condition issues not reflected in the assessment
Incorrect property details in county records
Save Our Homes cap reset after a recent purchase at a lower price
Neighborhood changes negatively affecting value

Tips for Success

1The 25-day filing window is tight — file as soon as you receive your TRIM notice
2Orange County charges the standard $15 filing fee per parcel
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 VAB Online Filing portal at vab.occompt.com is the fastest way to file
6Mail paper filings to the Orange County Comptroller, VAB, PO Box 38, Orlando, FL 32802-0038

Frequently Asked Questions

Check Your Assessment in Orange County

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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.