Appeals / Value Adjustment Board
As a
property owner, you have the right to appeal:
o
The
property appraiser's assessment of your property's value
o
A
denial of your application for an exemption such as homestead, veterans, or
senior citizen.
o
A
denial of your application for property classification such as agricultural or
historic.
o
A
denial of your application for tax deferral.
You may do any or all of the following:
o
Ask for
an informal conference with your county property
appraiser.
o
File a
petition with your local value adjustment board (VAB).
o
File a
lawsuit in circuit court.
Informal Conference with
your Property Appraiser
You
have the right to an informal conference with your property appraiser to
discuss your value or application for a property exemption or classification. By
having an informal conference, you may be able to settle the issue without going
to a hearing or going to court. At this informal conference, you
may:
o Bring
any documentation you have that may support a change in your assessment or
eligibility for an exemption or property classification.
o Ask the
property appraiser to present facts that support his or her assessment of your
property or the denial of an application for an exemption or
classification.
Having
an informal conference with the property appraiser does not extend your
deadline to file a petition with the value adjustment
board.
Petition the Value
Adjustment Board
If you
petition the VAB, you must still pay all your non ad valorem assessments and the
required portion of your ad valorem taxes before they become delinquent, usually
on April 1. For more information, see our Taxpayer Guide on Petitions to the
Value Adjustment Board.
For a
description of the VAB timeline, see the Value Adjustment Board
Calendar.
Many
counties have quick and easy electronic applications. Most counties have posted
appeal forms on their VAB websites or you
can contact your county’s
Clerk of Court.
Petition
forms are also posted on our taxpayer form
site.
To Request a
hearing on: |
File
form: |
Assessment or
denial of exemption or classification |
DR-486 |
Portability of
homestead assessment difference |
DR-486PORT |
Denial of
deferral or penalties |
DR-486DP |
All
forms should be submitted to the local clerk of the VAB, usually in the clerk of
court’s office.
Do not
send petition forms
to the
Florida Department of Revenue or The Columbia County
Property Appraisers Office
|