Hillsborough County Property Tax Appeal — Florida

Rob Hartley·Updated February 15, 2026

Hillsborough County, Florida encompasses the city of Tampa as its county seat and has a population of nearly 1.4 million residents. The county includes major population centers such as Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace, making it one of Florida's most populous counties. With a median home value of $294,900 and an effective property tax rate of 0.82%, Hillsborough County property owners typically pay around $3,453 annually in property taxes, which is above both the Florida state median and the national median of $2,400 .

Notable cities: Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace

Median Home

$294,900

Tax Rate

0.82%

Annual Tax

$3,453

Population

1.4 million

2026 Appeal Deadline: 25 days after the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM notice) is mailed, usually in mid-August

In most Florida counties, including Hillsborough, you get about 25 days from the date your TRIM notice is mailed to submit a petition to the county's Value Adjustment Board. The exact property tax appeal deadline for your county will be printed on the notice, and the deadline is strict .

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

How Hillsborough County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Hillsborough County Property Appraiser

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: spring, typically by the middle of April

Properties within the County are valued by the Property Appraiser's office as of January 1 each year . Florida uses a 100% assessment ratio, meaning your assessed value equals your market value before any exemptions are applied. For example, if your home's market value is $294,900 (the county median), at Florida's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $294,900, resulting in approximately $2,417 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.82%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). The Value Adjustment Board is comprised of two members of the Hillsborough County Commission, one member of the School Board and two private citizens, and is administered by the Clerk of the Circuit Court as a neutral body .

Contact the Property Appraiser's Office first for an informal review with a member of their staff

Gather supporting evidence such as recent comparable sales, independent appraisals, or repair estimates

If unsatisfied after the initial review, file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board through the Clerk of the Circuit Court

Attend the scheduled hearing in person, by phone, or online to present your evidence

If your appeal is denied, you can re-appeal the decision or appeal your tax assessment in court if no further administrative appeals can be made

Required form: Petition to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB)

Filing Methods

online: https://www.hcpafl.org/Home/Value-Review-Application-Form

mail:Submit to the Clerk of the Circuit Court

in-person:File with the Clerk of the Circuit Court

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable salesIndependent property appraisalPhotos of property conditionRepair estimates

Hillsborough County Assessor Contact

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser

Phone: (813) 272-6100

Address: 601 E. Kennedy Boulevard, 15th Floor, Tampa, Florida 33602-4932

Website: https://www.hcpafl.org/

Online Portal: https://www.hcpafl.org/Home/Value-Review-Application-Form

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday

Tax Exemptions in Hillsborough County

Homestead Exemption

Up to $50,000

Florida law allows up to $50,000 to be deducted from the assessed value of a primary/permanent residence. The first $25,000 of value is entirely exempt, and the additional $25,000 does not apply to school taxes

Eligibility: Must own and reside in the property as primary residence as of January 1Deadline: March 1 (statutory deadline, with some late-filed applications reviewed thereafter as permitted by law)

Save Our Homes Cap

3% cap on annual assessment increases

Limits the increase in assessed value to no more than 3% or the CPI (Consumer Price Index), whichever is less, for homesteaded properties

Eligibility: Properties with approved Homestead ExemptionDeadline: Automatic with Homestead Exemption

Senior Exemption

Varies by income level

Additional exemption for qualifying senior citizens

Eligibility: Age 65 or older with income limitationsDeadline: March 1

Disabled Veteran Exemption

$5,000 or more depending on disability percentage

Ex-service members who are permanent residents of Florida and are disabled at least 10% in war or by service-related misfortune

Eligibility: Veterans with service-connected disabilitiesDeadline: March 1

Widow/Widower Exemption

$500

Additional exemption for qualifying widows or widowers

Eligibility: Surviving spouse who has not remarriedDeadline: March 1

Official Resources

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Website →

Official website for property searches, exemption applications, and assessment information

Hillsborough County Tax Collector →

Pay property taxes online, view tax bills, and find information about payment plans

Florida Department of Revenue - Property Tax →

State-level information about property tax exemptions and benefits available to Florida homeowners

Value Adjustment Board Appeal Form →

Online form to begin the property tax appeal process with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser

Check Your Hillsborough County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Hillsborough County property is overassessed.

✓ All 50 states✓ Instant results✓ $49 flat fee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Hillsborough County?

The deadline to file a property tax appeal in Hillsborough County is typically 25 days after the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM notice) is mailed, which usually occurs in mid-August . The exact deadline date will be printed on your TRIM notice, and this deadline is strictly enforced. Missing this deadline means you'll have to accept the county's assessment for that year, even if it's incorrect, so it's crucial to review your notice as soon as it arrives and act promptly if you disagree with your property's assessed value.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Hillsborough County online?

You can begin the appeal process online by visiting the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser's website at https://www.hcpafl.org/Home/Value-Review-Application-Form . However, if you're not satisfied after the initial review with the Property Appraiser's office, you'll need to file a formal petition with the Value Adjustment Board through the Clerk of the Circuit Court. The online review request is just the first step in what may become a more formal appeal process if you and the appraiser cannot reach an agreement.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Hillsborough County?

The homestead exemption in Hillsborough County can reduce your property's assessed value by up to $50,000. The first $25,000 of value is entirely exempt from all property taxes, while the additional $25,000 exemption applies to non-school taxes only . For a home valued at the county median of $294,900, this exemption could save you approximately $545 per year in property taxes. You must apply by March 1st and prove the property is your primary residence as of January 1st to qualify.

What happens at a Value Adjustment Board hearing in Hillsborough County?

At a Value Adjustment Board hearing in Hillsborough County, you can attend in person, by phone, or online depending on local rules. This is your opportunity to explain why your property's value is too high and provide supporting evidence such as recent sales, repair costs, or professional appraisals. County staff will present their data, and a VAB magistrate or board member will review both sides before making a decision . The board consists of two county commissioners, one school board member, and two private citizens who review cases as a neutral body.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Hillsborough County?

The amount you can save by appealing your property taxes in Hillsborough County depends on how much your property is overassessed. Statistics show that about 25% of homes in America are unfairly overassessed, and pay an average of $1,346 too much in property taxes every year . If your appeal is successful and your property is reassessed at a lower value, your tax bill will be reduced accordingly. For example, if your assessment is reduced by $50,000, you could save approximately $545 annually at the county's effective tax rate.

What evidence do I need for a Hillsborough County property tax appeal?

Evidence for a property tax appeal may include recent sales data of comparable properties, appraisals, or any other relevant documentation. This evidence might consist of recent comparable sales, repair costs, or professional appraisals . You should gather at least three to five recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value. Photos showing property defects, contractor estimates for necessary repairs, and a professional appraisal can significantly strengthen your case before the Value Adjustment Board.

Can I file a property tax appeal after the March 1st homestead deadline in Hillsborough County?

The March 1st deadline is for homestead exemption applications, not property tax appeals. For property tax appeals, the deadline is typically 25 days after the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM notice) is mailed, usually in mid-August . These are two completely different deadlines for different purposes. If you miss the homestead exemption deadline, you may still be able to file a late application as permitted by law, but for property tax appeals, the 25-day deadline from your TRIM notice is strictly enforced with very limited exceptions.

How does Save Our Homes protection work for my Hillsborough County property?

The Save Our Homes amendment places a limitation of 3 percent, or the percentage change of the Consumer Price Index — whichever is less — on any annual assessment increase on homestead properties in Florida. For property owners who are Florida residents and have qualified for homestead exemption, this important benefit limits the increase in the assessed value . This protection can result in significant savings over time, especially in areas with rapidly appreciating property values, but remember that this cap is removed when the property is sold or ownership changes.

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 →

More Florida Counties

Brevard County (Titusville)Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)Duval County (Jacksonville)Lee County (Fort Myers)Miami-Dade County (Miami)Orange County (Orlando)

← All Florida property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.hcpafl.org/ | https://www.tax-rates.org/florida/hillsborough_county_property_tax | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/florida/hillsborough-county | https://smartasset.com/taxes/florida-property-tax-calculator | https://www.hillstaxfl.gov/

Last verified: 2026-02-15