AppealDesk

Okaloosa County Property Tax Appeal — Florida

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 28, 2026

Okaloosa County is located in Northwest Florida, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alabama state line. The county seat is Crestview, with major population centers including Fort Walton Beach, Destin, and Niceville. With a 2020 population of 211,668, Okaloosa County is home to Eglin Air Force Base, the world's largest Air Force installation, and draws millions of tourists annually to its sugar-white beaches. Property tax appeals matter here because homeowners can potentially save hundreds to thousands of dollars annually when assessments are reduced. The county's median home value of $253,315 is higher than the state median, while its effective tax rate of 0.93% remains competitive compared to the national median of 1.02%, potentially making property tax appeals a worthwhile pursuit for overassessed properties.

Notable cities: Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville

Median Home

$253,315

Tax Rate

0.93%

Annual Tax

$2,112

Population

211,668 (2020 Census)

2026 Appeal Deadline: 25 days from the date the Property Appraiser mails the TRIM notice

The deadline to file a property tax appeal petition in Okaloosa County is 25 days from the date the Property Appraiser mails the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice, which is typically sent in August. For 2026, property owners should watch their mail in August for this notice and calculate their filing deadline from the mailing date shown on the notice. The deadline is strictly enforced, though late petitions may be accepted for good cause with proper documentation explaining extenuating circumstances.

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

How Okaloosa County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Okaloosa County Property Appraiser

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: August

In Okaloosa County, the Property Appraiser assesses properties annually as of January 1st based on fair market value, examining recent sales, property characteristics, improvements, and market trends. Florida uses a 100% assessment ratio, meaning your assessed value equals your market value before exemptions. For example, if your home's market value is $253,315 (the county median), at Florida's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $253,315. With the county's effective rate of 0.93%, this results in approximately $2,356 in annual taxes before any exemptions like homestead, which can reduce the taxable value by up to $50,000.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). All hearings are conducted by a Special Magistrate appointed by the VAB and held in person at the Clerk's office in Crestview. Most hearings take approximately 15 minutes. The magistrate will review evidence from both you and the Property Appraiser, then make a recommendation to the VAB. The VAB will issue a final decision at their final meeting, and you'll be notified within 20 days of that decision by mail or email.

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Step 1: Request an informal review with the Property Appraiser's office by calling (850) 651-7240. This optional step may resolve your concerns without a formal appeal and does not extend your filing deadline.

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Step 2: Obtain and complete Form DR-486 (Petition to the Value Adjustment Board) from the Florida Department of Revenue website or the Property Appraiser's office. Include detailed information about your property and the basis for your appeal.

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Step 3: File your completed petition with the Okaloosa County VAB Clerk within 25 days of the TRIM notice mailing date, along with a $50 non-refundable filing fee made payable to Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners. Submit by mail, in person, or delivery service.

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Step 4: Gather evidence supporting your appeal, including comparable property sales, independent appraisals, photographs showing property condition, and repair estimates. Provide your evidence list and documentation to the Property Appraiser at least 15 days before your hearing.

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Step 5: Attend your scheduled hearing before a Special Magistrate at 101 E James Lee Blvd, Suite 112, Crestview. Present your evidence and testimony. The magistrate will make a recommendation to the VAB, which will issue a final decision at their final meeting.

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Step 6: If you disagree with the VAB's final decision, you may appeal to the Circuit Court within 60 days of the VAB's final certification, or you may seek state-level review through appropriate channels.

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Step 7: If your appeal is successful, you will receive a refund for any overpayment if you have already paid your taxes. Remember to make at least a 75% partial payment of ad valorem taxes before the delinquency date (typically April 1) to keep your petition active.

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

Filing Methods

mail:Okaloosa County Value Adjustment Board, c/o Clerk of Court, 101 E James Lee Blvd, Suite 112, Crestview, FL 32536
in-person:Okaloosa County Clerk of Court, 101 E James Lee Blvd, Suite 112, Crestview, FL 32536
delivery:FedEx or UPS delivery accepted at 101 E James Lee Blvd, Suite 112, Crestview, FL 32536

Evidence to Bring

Comparable property sales data from similar homes in your neighborhoodIndependent professional appraisal reportPhotographs documenting property condition, defects, or factors affecting valueRepair estimates or contractor quotes for needed workDocumentation of market trends or economic factors affecting your property value

Okaloosa County Assessor Contact

Okaloosa County Property Appraiser

Phone: (850) 651-7240

Address: 1250 Eglin Parkway N., Suite 201, Shalimar, FL 32579

Website: https://www.okaloosapa.com/

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

Tax Exemptions in Okaloosa County

Homestead Exemption

Up to $50,000

The standard homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes including school taxes, and the additional $25,000 applies to non-school taxes for assessed values between $50,000 and $75,000.

Eligibility: Property owners who have legal or equitable title to real property in Florida as of January 1, make the property their permanent residence, and provide proof of residency including a valid Florida driver's license or ID card and vehicle registration.Deadline: March 1, 2026

Additional Homestead Exemption for Seniors

$50,000 additional exemption

Senior citizens may qualify for an additional homestead exemption beyond the standard exemption if they meet age and income requirements set by Okaloosa County.

Eligibility: Homeowners who are at least 65 years old as of January 1, already have the standard homestead exemption, and have a total household adjusted gross income below the annual limit set by the State of Florida (adjusted annually for cost of living).Deadline: March 1 annually with income verification

Disabled Veterans Exemption

100% exemption from taxation

Veterans with a service-connected total and permanent disability may receive a complete exemption from property taxes on their homestead.

Eligibility: Veterans who were honorably discharged with a service-connected total and permanent disability certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, own and use the property as their homestead, and are permanent Florida residents as of January 1.Deadline: March 1

Deployed Military Discount

Additional discount on property taxes

Service members who receive homestead exemption and were deployed outside the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii in support of qualifying military operations during the preceding calendar year may receive additional property tax savings.

Eligibility: Active duty service members with current homestead exemption who were deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn, Operation Noble Eagle, or other qualifying operations.Deadline: Documentation of deployment must be provided

Official Resources

Okaloosa County Property Appraiser Official Website →

Access property records, file exemption applications, search property values, and find contact information for the Property Appraiser's office.

Florida Department of Revenue - Value Adjustment Board Forms →

Download official DR-486 petition forms and other VAB-related forms required for filing property tax appeals in Florida.

Okaloosa County Property Search →

Search and view detailed property information including assessed values, property characteristics, and tax history for any parcel in Okaloosa County.

Okaloosa County Value Adjustment Board →

Official VAB page with petition filing information, hearing schedules, FAQs, and contact details for the Clerk to the Value Adjustment Board.

Check Your Okaloosa County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Okaloosa County for 2026?
The deadline to file a property tax appeal in Okaloosa County is 25 days from the date the Property Appraiser mails the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice, which is typically sent out in August. You must watch for this notice in your mailbox and count 25 days from the mailing date printed on the notice. For example, if the TRIM notice is mailed on August 15, 2026, your deadline would be September 9, 2026. The deadline is strictly enforced, and late filings require a showing of good cause with supporting documentation. It's recommended to file as early as possible to avoid missing this critical window.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Okaloosa County?
To file a property tax appeal in Okaloosa County, you must complete Form DR-486 (Petition to the Value Adjustment Board) available from the Florida Department of Revenue website or the Property Appraiser's office. Submit the completed form along with a $50 non-refundable filing fee to the Okaloosa County VAB Clerk at 101 E James Lee Blvd, Suite 112, Crestview, FL 32536. You can file by mail, in person, or via FedEx/UPS delivery. Make checks payable to Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners. Before filing formally, you may request an optional informal review with the Property Appraiser by calling (850) 651-7240, though this does not extend your filing deadline.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Okaloosa County?
The homestead exemption in Okaloosa 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 for assessed values between $50,000 and $75,000. For a typical Okaloosa County home valued at $253,315 with the full exemption, this can save approximately $465 annually at the county's 0.93% effective tax rate. Additionally, seniors aged 65 and older who meet income requirements may qualify for an additional $50,000 senior exemption. To receive the homestead exemption, you must apply by March 1, 2026, and provide proof of permanent Florida residency.
What evidence do I need for a successful property tax appeal in Okaloosa County?
For a successful appeal in Okaloosa County, you need compelling evidence that your property's assessed value exceeds its fair market value. The strongest evidence includes recent comparable sales data from at least three similar properties in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessment, an independent professional appraisal conducted within the past year, photographs documenting property condition issues or defects, contractor estimates for necessary repairs, and documentation of adverse factors affecting value such as location issues or market downturns. You must provide your evidence list and copies of all documentation to the Property Appraiser at least 15 days before your hearing date. Remember that the Property Appraiser's assessment is presumed correct under Florida law, so your evidence must be more convincing than theirs.
What happens at a Value Adjustment Board hearing in Okaloosa County?
At your Okaloosa County VAB hearing, you'll appear before a Special Magistrate at 101 E James Lee Blvd, Suite 112 in Crestview. Most hearings take approximately 15 minutes. You'll present your evidence explaining why your property is overassessed, including comparable sales, appraisals, and photographs. The Property Appraiser will also present evidence supporting their assessment. The Special Magistrate will ask questions and review all evidence from both parties. After the hearing, the magistrate makes a recommendation to the VAB, which will issue a final decision at their final meeting. You'll receive written notification of the VAB's final decision within 20 days by mail or email. If you disagree with the decision, you have 60 days to appeal to Circuit Court.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Okaloosa County?
Potential savings from a successful property tax appeal in Okaloosa County depend on how much your assessed value is reduced. With Okaloosa County's effective tax rate of 0.93%, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves you approximately $93 annually. If your home is assessed at $300,000 but comparable sales support a value of $270,000, a successful appeal could save you approximately $279 per year. Statewide data suggests that about 25% of homes may be overassessed, with overassessed homeowners paying an average of $1,346 too much annually. For Okaloosa County specifically, successful appeals can result in reductions ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands depending on the property and evidence presented, leading to annual savings that compound over time.
Do I have to pay my property taxes while my appeal is pending in Okaloosa County?
Yes, Florida law requires you to make a partial payment of your property taxes even while your appeal is pending, or your petition will be denied. If you're appealing the assessed value, you must pay all non-ad valorem assessments plus at least 75% of the ad valorem taxes (less any early payment discount under Section 197.162) before the delinquency date, which is typically April 1. If you're appealing a denied exemption or classification, you must pay all non-ad valorem assessments plus the amount of tax you admit in good faith to be owing, less applicable discounts, before the delinquency date. If your appeal is successful and you've already paid your full tax bill, the Tax Collector will refund the overpayment. The payment requirement ensures you don't accumulate penalties while your appeal is decided.
Can I request an informal review before filing a formal appeal in Okaloosa County?
Yes, Okaloosa County property owners have the right to an informal conference with the Property Appraiser before filing a formal appeal, though this step is optional. You can request an informal review by contacting the Property Appraiser's office at (850) 651-7240. During this conference, you can present facts supporting your claim that the assessment is too high, and the appraiser can explain their valuation. Many disputes are resolved at this stage without the need for a formal hearing. However, requesting an informal review does not extend your 25-day deadline to file a formal petition with the Value Adjustment Board, so you must still monitor the deadline from your TRIM notice. If the informal review doesn't resolve your concerns, you can proceed with filing a formal DR-486 petition.

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.okaloosapa.com/ | https://okaloosaclerk.com/board-services/value-adjustment-board/ | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/florida/okaloosa-county | https://floridarevenue.com/property/Documents/dr486.pdf | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okaloosa_County,_Florida

Last verified: 2026-02-28