How to appeal your Hillsborough County property taxes

Step by step

1. Read your TRIM notice in August It shows your new value, the proposed rates, and — most importantly — your petition deadline, 25 days after the mailing date.
2. Meet with the Property Appraiser first Schedule a meeting with Property Appraiser staff at 813-272-6100 and bring your evidence — comparable sales, photos, repair estimates. Many values get corrected here at no cost.
3. File your petition before the deadline on your notice File online through the Clerk's petition portal. Hillsborough's filing fee is $50 — the highest among large Florida counties, so the free informal review is worth taking seriously first.
4. Exchange evidence before your hearing Follow the VAB's instructions for submitting your evidence ahead of the hearing so the Property Appraiser can respond.
5. Attend your hearing A special magistrate hears your case and weighs your evidence against the appraiser's.
6. Get the decision The VAB issues a written decision; a lowered value flows through to your bill or a refund.

File online: Clerk of Court (online petition portal) online filing · Paper form: Form DR-486

Missed this year's deadline?

If the deadline has passed, you generally cannot appeal this year's value — but next year's window is a fresh start. Watch your mailbox around August for the TRIM notice and file early. Meanwhile, make sure you're not overpaying for a simpler reason: check your Hillsborough County exemptions.