Lake County Property Tax Appeal — Florida

Rob Hartley·Updated February 27, 2026

Lake County, Florida is located in Central Florida with Tavares as the county seat and a 2026 estimated population of approximately 479,000 residents. Major cities include Clermont (the largest), Leesburg, Eustis, Mount Dora, and Groveland. The county is part of the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford Metropolitan Statistical Area and features over 1,000 lakes and gently rolling hills. With a median home value of $277,646 and an effective tax rate of 0.95%, Lake County's median annual property tax bill of $2,400 matches the national median. Property tax appeals are crucial here as homeowners can challenge assessments that may not reflect true market conditions, potentially saving hundreds or thousands of dollars annually in a rapidly growing market.

Notable cities: Clermont, Leesburg, Eustis, Mount Dora, Tavares, Groveland

Median Home

$277,646

Tax Rate

0.95%

Annual Tax

$2,400

Population

479,000

2026 Appeal Deadline: 25 days from the mailing date of the TRIM Notice (typically mid-September)

Property owners must file their Value Adjustment Board petition within 25 days of receiving their Truth in Millage (TRIM) Notice, which is mailed in mid-August. The VAB must receive the petition by the 25th day; postmarks are not sufficient. For 2026, if TRIM notices are mailed around August 20, the deadline would be approximately September 14, 2026.

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

How Lake County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Lake County Property Appraiser

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: mid-August (TRIM Notices)

In Florida, properties are assessed at 100% of market value as of January 1 each year. However, the assessed value may differ from market value due to the Save Our Homes cap (3% annual increase limit for homesteaded properties) and exemptions. For example, if your home's market value is $277,646 (the county median), at Florida's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $277,646 before exemptions. With a standard $50,000 homestead exemption, your taxable value becomes $227,646, resulting in approximately $2,163 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 0.95%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). Hearings are conducted by Special Magistrates who review evidence and make recommendations to the VAB. All testimony is given under oath in a quasi-judicial proceeding. Most hearings can be resolved based on written evidence without in-person appearance.

Step 1: Request an informal conference with the Lake County Property Appraiser's office by calling (352) 253-2150 to discuss your assessment concerns before filing a formal appeal. This informal review may resolve your issue without needing to proceed to the VAB.

Step 2: If unresolved, gather evidence to support your appeal, including recent comparable property sales (within 6-12 months), photographs showing property condition, repair estimates for defects, a recent independent appraisal, and documentation of any assessment errors.

Step 3: Complete and file the DR-486 petition form with the Value Adjustment Board within 25 days of receiving your TRIM Notice (mailed in mid-August). Include a $15 filing fee per property and submit online, by mail, or in person. The VAB must receive it by the deadline—postmarks do not count.

Step 4: Attend your scheduled hearing before a Special Magistrate. You'll receive written notice at least 25 days before your hearing date. Present your evidence and testimony under oath. You may represent yourself or have an attorney or agent represent you with proper authorization.

Step 5: Receive the Special Magistrate's recommended decision, which the Value Adjustment Board will typically adopt within 20 days. If you disagree with the VAB's final decision, you may appeal to the Florida Circuit Court within the timeframe specified in Florida Statute 194.171, or seek judicial review through the court system.

Required form: Petition to the Value Adjustment Board for Real Estate/Tangible Personal Property (DR-486) or Petition for Multiple Units

Filing Methods

online:File through the Lake County Clerk's Value Adjustment Board online portal at lakecountyclerk.org

mail:Mail to: Lake County Clerk of Courts, Value Adjustment Board, P.O. Box 7800, Tavares, FL 32778-7800

in-person:Deliver to: Lake County Courthouse, 550 W. Main St., Tavares, FL 32778

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable property salesProfessional appraisal reportsPhotographs of property conditionRepair estimates for defects or damageDocumentation of assessment errors (incorrect square footage, features, etc.)

Lake County Assessor Contact

Lake County Property Appraiser

Phone: (352) 253-2150

Address: 320 West Main Street, Suite A, Tavares, FL 32778-3831

Website: https://www.lakecopropappr.com

Online Portal: https://www.lakecopropappr.com/exemptions_application.aspx

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Lake County

Homestead Exemption

Up to $50,000 ($25,000 applies to all taxes including school district; additional $25,000 applies to non-school taxes for home values above $50,000)

Standard exemption for primary residences in Florida, providing significant property tax savings

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as permanent residence as of January 1, be a legal Florida resident, and not claim homestead exemption in any other stateDeadline: March 1

Senior Citizen Exemption (Additional)

Up to $50,000 off assessed value (Lake County authorized full amount; some municipalities offer $25,000)

Additional exemption for low-income seniors beyond the standard homestead exemption

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older as of January 1, have homestead exemption, and household adjusted gross income not exceeding $38,686 (adjusted annually by Florida DOR)Deadline: March 1

Long-term Senior Resident Exemption

Exempts full assessed value on Lake County General millage rate only (not school or other taxing authorities)

Additional exemption for seniors who have lived in their home for at least 25 years

Eligibility: 65 or older, resided in property at least 25 years, property just value under $250,000, meet income limits, have homestead exemptionDeadline: March 1

Disability Exemption

$5,000 reduction in assessed value (approximately $100 annual tax savings)

Exemption for totally and permanently disabled persons

Eligibility: Must be totally and permanently disabled with certification from licensed Florida physician, Social Security, or VA on Form DR-416Deadline: March 1

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Partial exemption for 10% or more disability; full exemption for 100% permanently disabled veterans

Exemption for veterans with service-connected disabilities

Eligibility: Must provide proof of service-connected disability rating from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and have homestead exemptionDeadline: March 1

Widow/Widower Exemption

$500 reduction in taxable value

Property tax reduction for surviving spouses

Eligibility: Must be legal resident and widow/widower as of January 1, with proof of spouse's deathDeadline: March 1

Official Resources

Lake County Property Appraiser Official Website →

Official site for property searches, exemption applications, assessment information, and contact details for Lake County Property Appraiser's office.

Lake County Clerk - Value Adjustment Board →

File property tax appeals, access VAB petition forms, view hearing schedules, and get information about the appeal process.

Florida Department of Revenue - Property Tax Overview →

State-level guidance on property tax laws, exemptions, assessment procedures, and taxpayer rights in Florida.

Lake County Property Search and GIS Maps →

Interactive GIS mapping tool to search properties, view parcel information, access property record cards, and research comparable sales data.

Check Your Lake County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Lake 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 Lake County, Florida?

In Lake County, you must file your Value Adjustment Board petition within 25 days of the mailing date of your TRIM Notice (Truth in Millage Notice), which is typically mailed in mid-August. For 2026, if TRIM notices are mailed around August 20, the deadline would fall around September 14, 2026. It's critical to note that the Value Adjustment Board must receive your petition by the 25th day—postmarks do not count as timely filing. Missing this deadline may result in losing your right to appeal for that tax year unless you can demonstrate extraordinary circumstances for good cause consideration.

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

To file your property tax appeal online in Lake County, visit the Lake County Clerk's website at lakecountyclerk.org and access the Value Adjustment Board portal. You'll need to complete the DR-486 petition form electronically, provide your property information (parcel number or address), describe the basis for your appeal, and upload supporting documentation such as comparable sales or appraisals. You must also pay the $15 filing fee per property by credit card during the online submission process. The online system is available 24/7, but remember that your petition must be received within 25 days of your TRIM Notice mailing date, regardless of when you start the process.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Lake County, and how do I apply?

The homestead exemption in Lake County provides up to $50,000 in tax savings on your primary residence. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes including school taxes, and an additional $25,000 applies only to non-school taxes for properties valued above $50,000. On average, this saves Lake County homeowners approximately $750 annually, though actual savings vary based on local millage rates. To apply, you must file by March 1 of the year you want the exemption to begin. You can apply online at lakecopropappr.com, by mail, or in person at 320 West Main Street, Suite A, Tavares. You'll need to provide two forms of Florida residency proof, such as a Florida driver's license and vehicle registration.

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

At a Lake County VAB hearing, you'll appear before a Special Magistrate who conducts a quasi-judicial proceeding where all parties testify under oath. You'll present your evidence supporting why your property's assessed value should be reduced, which may include comparable sales data, photographs, appraisals, or documentation of assessment errors. The Property Appraiser's office will also present their position and evidence. You can attend in person, by phone, or submit written evidence and request a decision based on documents alone. The Special Magistrate will make a recommendation to the Value Adjustment Board, which typically adopts it. You'll receive written notification of the final decision within 20 days of the VAB's meeting.

Should I request an informal conference before filing a VAB appeal in Lake County?

Yes, requesting an informal conference with the Lake County Property Appraiser's office before filing a formal VAB appeal is highly recommended and could save you time and filing fees. By calling (352) 253-2150, you can schedule a meeting to discuss your concerns and present evidence supporting a lower valuation. Many assessment issues can be resolved at this informal level if you provide compelling evidence such as recent comparable sales or documentation of errors. However, be aware that the informal conference does not extend or toll the 25-day VAB filing deadline, so you may want to file your petition before the deadline as a precaution and then withdraw it if the informal conference resolves your issue.

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

The amount you can save by appealing your property taxes in Lake County depends on how much your assessed value is reduced and your property's millage rate. For example, if you successfully reduce your assessed value by $50,000 and your combined millage rate is approximately 20 mills (or 2%), you would save about $1,000 annually. With Lake County's effective tax rate of 0.95%, a $50,000 reduction in assessed value would save approximately $475 per year. The key is providing strong evidence that your property is overassessed compared to similar properties or that assessment errors exist. Nationwide statistics suggest that about 25% of properties may be overassessed, making appeals worthwhile for many homeowners.

What evidence do I need to win a property tax appeal in Lake County?

To win a property tax appeal in Lake County, you need compelling evidence that your property's assessed value exceeds its true market value. The strongest evidence includes recent sales of at least three comparable properties (similar size, age, condition, location) that sold for less than your assessment within the past 6-12 months. A professional appraisal from a licensed Florida appraiser is highly persuasive. Photographs documenting property defects, damage, or deferred maintenance help demonstrate condition issues. Repair estimates from licensed contractors support claims of needed work. Documentation of assessment errors, such as incorrect square footage, extra bathrooms or features you don't have, or wrong property classifications, can also lead to successful appeals.

Can I appeal my Lake County property taxes if I disagree with the Value Adjustment Board decision?

Yes, if you disagree with the Lake County Value Adjustment Board's final decision, you have the right to appeal to the Florida Circuit Court. You must file your circuit court appeal within the timeframe specified in Florida Statute 194.171, typically within 60 days of the VAB's final decision. Circuit court appeals require adherence to formal legal procedures and court rules, so consulting with a property tax attorney is advisable. The circuit court will review the VAB's decision based on the record and determine whether it was supported by competent substantial evidence. You may also have the option to file for judicial review in higher courts if necessary, though this becomes increasingly complex and expensive.

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)Collier County (Naples)Duval County (Jacksonville)Escambia County (Pensacola)Hillsborough County (Tampa)

← All Florida property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.lakecopropappr.com | https://www.lakecountyclerkfl.gov/departments/executive-office/value-adjustment-board/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/florida/lake-county | https://floridarevenue.com/property/documents/pt101.pdf | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_County,_Florida

Last verified: 2026-02-27