AppealDesk

Escambia County Property Tax Appeal — Florida

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 27, 2026

Escambia County is the westernmost and oldest county in Florida, with its county seat in Pensacola, the region's largest city. As of the 2020 census, the population was 321,905. The county is part of the Pensacola Metropolitan Statistical Area and includes major communities such as Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Cantonment, and Century. Escambia County has a median effective property tax rate of 0.90%, which is below the national median of 1.02%, making it more affordable for homeowners compared to the average American county. The median annual property tax bill of $1,398 is significantly lower than the national median of $2,400, though property values and tax burdens vary across the county's diverse communities.

Notable cities: Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Cantonment, Century

Median Home

$168,090

Tax Rate

0.90%

Annual Tax

$1,398

Population

321,905 (2020 Census)

2026 Appeal Deadline: September 2, 2026 (25 days from TRIM notice mailing)

Florida law requires petitions to be filed within 25 days of the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice mailing date. For the 2026 tax year, the deadline to file a petition to the Value Adjustment Board is the close of business on September 2, 2026. The TRIM notices are typically mailed in August. Property owners must file by this deadline or show good cause for late filing.

Property in Escambia County, Florida — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Escambia County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Escambia County Property Appraiser

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring (typically mid-April)

In Florida, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value, meaning your assessed value equals your market value before exemptions are applied. For example, if your home's market value is $168,090 (Escambia County's median), at Florida's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $168,090. After applying a standard $25,000 homestead exemption, your taxable value would be approximately $143,090, resulting in approximately $1,288 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.90%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). Hearings are conducted in person by Special Magistrates who are qualified real estate appraisers, personal property appraisers, or attorneys. Most hearings take approximately 15 minutes. The magistrate will review your evidence and the Property Appraiser's evidence, then make a recommendation to the VAB for final approval.

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Step 1: Request an informal review with the Escambia County Property Appraiser by calling (850) 434-2735. This optional step may resolve your concerns before filing a formal appeal, but discussions do not extend the petition deadline.

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Step 2: If the informal review doesn't resolve the issue, obtain Form DR-486 (Petition to the Value Adjustment Board) from the Florida Department of Revenue website or the Escambia County Clerk's office. Complete the form with your property information, parcel ID, and reason for appeal.

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Step 3: Submit your completed petition with the required filing fee (up to $50 for most residential properties) to the Value Adjustment Board Clerk by the September 2, 2026 deadline. Petitions can be filed online, by mail, in person, or by fax to 221 Palafox Place, Suite 110, Pensacola, FL 32502-5843.

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Step 4: Exchange evidence with the Property Appraiser at least 15 calendar days before your hearing. Under legislation effective September 1, 2025, both parties must provide their evidence lists, witness summaries, and supporting documentation to each other. Gather comparable sales data, photographs, repair estimates, or professional appraisals to support your case.

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Step 5: Attend your hearing before a Special Magistrate appointed by the Value Adjustment Board. Present your evidence showing why your property's assessed value should be reduced. The Property Appraiser's assessment carries a 'presumption of correctness,' so you bear the burden of proof.

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Step 6: Receive the VAB's final decision by mail. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to file a lawsuit in circuit court within 60 days of the VAB's final decision, or pursue other administrative remedies if applicable.

Required form: Form DR-486 (Petition to the Value Adjustment Board - Request for Hearing)

Filing Methods

online:File electronically through the Escambia County Clerk's VAB online portal (contact VAB@escambiaclerk.com for online filing access)
mail:Mail to: Honorable Pam Childers, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Clerk to the Value Adjustment Board, 221 Palafox Place, Suite 110, Pensacola, FL 32502-5843
in-person:Deliver to: Escambia County Clerk's Office, 221 Palafox Place, Suite 110, Pensacola, FL 32502
fax:Fax submissions accepted (petitioner assumes full risk of transmission issues per Rule 12D-9.016(4))

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales (recent sales of similar properties in your area showing lower values)Professional appraisal report from a licensed appraiserPhotographs documenting property condition, damage, or defectsRepair estimates or contractor invoices for needed repairsProperty inspection reports or survey documentsDocumentation of any errors in property characteristics (square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, lot size)

Escambia County Assessor Contact

Escambia County Property Appraiser

Phone: (850) 434-2735

Address: 221 Palafox Place, Suite 300, Pensacola, FL 32502-5836

Website: https://www.escpa.org

Online Portal: https://www.escpa.org/cama/Search.aspx

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Escambia County

Homestead Exemption

Up to $50,000

Reduces the taxable value of your primary residence by up to $50,000. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes including school district taxes, and the additional $25,000 applies to assessed values over $50,000 for non-school taxes only.

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence as of January 1 of the tax year. Must be a Florida resident.Deadline: March 1

Additional Homestead Exemption for Senior Citizens (Age 65+)

$50,000 (County); $50,000 (City of Pensacola)

Provides an additional exemption for senior citizens who meet income requirements. In Escambia County, this exemption is $50,000 for county taxes. The City of Pensacola offers $50,000 for city taxes.

Eligibility: Must be age 65 or older by January 1, have a homestead exemption, and meet the household income cap established annually by the Florida Legislature (currently $20,000 adjusted gross income).Deadline: March 1

Veteran Total and Permanent Disability Exemption

Total exemption (100%)

Provides total exemption from property taxes for honorably discharged veterans with service-connected total and permanent disabilities, or veterans confined to a wheelchair due to service-connected injuries.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran with service-connected total and permanent disability as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Must own and use property as homestead. Under certain circumstances, the benefit carries over to surviving spouse.Deadline: March 1

Veteran Partial Disability Exemption

$5,000

Provides a $5,000 property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more.

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran with at least 10% service-connected disability rating from the VA.Deadline: March 1

Disability Exemptions

Total exemption if income qualified

Property used as homestead by quadriplegics is totally exempt. Paraplegics, hemiplegics, or other totally and permanently disabled persons using wheelchairs or who are legally blind may receive total exemption if they meet income requirements.

Eligibility: Must be quadriplegic, paraplegic, hemiplegic, legally blind, or other totally and permanently disabled person requiring wheelchair for mobility. Income cap applies (established annually by Legislature). Must have homestead exemption.Deadline: March 1

Widow/Widower Exemption

Varies by qualification

Additional exemption available for widows and widowers of veterans or first responders who died in the line of duty.

Eligibility: Surviving spouse of veteran who died from service-connected causes on active duty, or first responder who died in the line of duty. Must not remarry and must maintain property as homestead.Deadline: March 1

Official Resources

Escambia County Property Appraiser Official Website →

Search property records, view assessed values, apply for exemptions, and access the online property database for Escambia County.

Escambia County Value Adjustment Board Information →

Official VAB page with petition forms, filing instructions, deadlines, hearing schedules, and contact information for property tax appeals.

Florida Department of Revenue - Property Tax Forms →

Download Form DR-486 for VAB petitions, exemption applications (DR-501), and other official Florida property tax forms and guidance documents.

Florida Department of Revenue - Homestead Exemption Guide →

Comprehensive information about Florida's homestead exemption, Save Our Homes cap, portability, and other property tax benefits available to homeowners.

Check Your Escambia County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to file a property tax appeal in Escambia County for 2026?
The deadline to file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board in Escambia County is September 2, 2026, which is 25 days from when the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice is mailed (typically in August). This deadline is set by Florida law and cannot be extended unless you can demonstrate good cause for a late filing. It's critical to submit your petition by this date, as missing the deadline means you must wait until the following year to appeal. You can file online, by mail to 221 Palafox Place Suite 110 Pensacola FL 32502, or in person at the Escambia County Clerk's office.
How do I file a property tax appeal online in Escambia County?
To file a property tax appeal online in Escambia County, you'll need to contact the Value Adjustment Board Clerk at VAB@escambiaclerk.com to access the online petition portal. Alternatively, you can download Form DR-486 from the Florida Department of Revenue website and submit it electronically. The online filing system allows you to upload your petition and supporting evidence, pay the filing fee by credit card (up to $50 for residential properties), and receive confirmation once your petition is accepted. Make sure to gather all necessary documentation including comparable property sales, photos, and any professional appraisals before beginning the online filing process.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Escambia County?
The homestead exemption in Escambia County is worth up to $50,000 off your property's assessed value. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes including school district taxes, while the additional $25,000 applies only to non-school taxes on assessed values over $50,000. For a home with a $168,090 assessed value (the county median), this exemption typically saves homeowners approximately $450-500 annually in property taxes. Senior citizens age 65 and older who meet income requirements may qualify for an additional $50,000 county exemption, potentially saving over $400 more per year. You must apply by March 1 at the Property Appraiser's office at 221 Palafox Place Suite 300 Pensacola FL 32502.
What happens at a Value Adjustment Board hearing in Escambia County?
At a Value Adjustment Board hearing in Escambia County, you'll present your case before a Special Magistrate who is either a qualified real estate appraiser, personal property appraiser, or attorney. The hearing typically lasts about 15 minutes and is your opportunity to present evidence proving your property is over-assessed. You'll need to show comparable sales, photographs, repair estimates, or other documentation supporting a lower value. The Property Appraiser will also present their evidence, and their assessment carries a 'presumption of correctness,' meaning you bear the burden of proof. After reviewing all evidence, the Special Magistrate makes a recommendation to the VAB, which then issues a final decision you'll receive by mail.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Escambia County?
The amount you can save by appealing your property taxes in Escambia County depends on how much you can reduce your assessed value. With Escambia County's effective tax rate of 0.90%, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves approximately $90 per year in property taxes. For example, if you successfully reduce your assessed value from $200,000 to $180,000, you would save approximately $180 annually. Nationally, about 25% of homes are over-assessed, with property owners paying an average of $1,346 too much in taxes annually. Given that the median tax bill in Escambia County is $1,398, a successful appeal could potentially reduce your bill by several hundred dollars or more, making the $50 filing fee worthwhile.
What evidence do I need for a successful property tax appeal in Escambia County?
For a successful property tax appeal in Escambia County, you need strong evidence showing your property is valued higher than comparable properties or has issues affecting its value. The most compelling evidence includes recent sales of at least three comparable properties in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value, showing similar size, age, condition, and features. You should also provide clear photographs documenting any property damage, needed repairs, or negative features. Professional appraisals from licensed appraisers carry significant weight. Additionally, bring contractor estimates for necessary repairs, documentation of property defects, or evidence of errors in the Property Appraiser's records (incorrect square footage, bedroom count, etc.). Under new 2025 rules, you must exchange all evidence with the Property Appraiser at least 15 calendar days before your hearing.
Can I request an informal review before filing a formal appeal in Escambia County?
Yes, you can and should request an informal review with the Escambia County Property Appraiser before filing a formal appeal. Call the Property Appraiser's office at (850) 434-2735 to schedule a conference to discuss your concerns about your property's assessed value. During this informal meeting, you can present your evidence and potentially reach an agreement on a reduced value without going through the formal Value Adjustment Board process. However, it's critical to understand that these discussions do not extend or toll the September 2, 2026 petition filing deadline. Many property owners file their VAB petition before the deadline to preserve their appeal rights, then withdraw it if the informal review resolves the issue satisfactorily.
What are the senior citizen property tax benefits available in Escambia County?
Senior citizens age 65 and older in Escambia County can qualify for significant additional property tax exemptions beyond the standard homestead exemption. If you meet the income requirements (household adjusted gross income under $20,000 annually), you can receive an additional $50,000 exemption on county taxes, which saves approximately $450 per year. City of Pensacola residents can receive an additional $50,000 exemption on city taxes. Seniors who have owned and lived in their home for at least 25 years with a property value under $250,000 and meet the income cap may qualify for a complete exemption on the property's assessed value. You must apply by March 1 at the Escambia County Property Appraiser's office at 221 Palafox Place Suite 300 with proof of age and income documentation.

For state-wide appeal information including Florida's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our Florida Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

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← All Florida property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.escambiaclerk.com/264/Value-Adjustment-Board-VAB-Information-a | https://www.escpa.org | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/florida/escambia-county | https://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/Taxpayers_Exemptions.aspx | https://escambiataxcollector.com/property-tax/current/ | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escambia_County,_Florida

Last verified: 2026-02-27