AppealDesk

Polk County Property Tax Appeal — Florida

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 15, 2026

Polk County, located in central Florida between Tampa and Orlando, is home to major cities like Lakeland (the county seat), Winter Haven, and Bartow. The median home value in Polk County, which sits between the cities of Tampa and Orlando, is $305,400. In Polk County, Florida, the effective property tax rate stands at 1.16%, slightly above the national median of 1.02%. For example, the median tax bill in Polk County is $2,400, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. This median bill aligns exactly with the national median, making property tax appeals particularly important for homeowners looking to reduce their tax burden in this growing region.

Notable cities: Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Davenport, Lake Wales

Median Home

$305,400

Tax Rate

1.16%

Annual Tax

$2,400

Population

approximately 725,000

2026 Appeal Deadline: 25 days after TRIM notice mailing

The statutory deadline for accepting petitions for assessed value is 25 days after the mailing of TRIM notices in mid-August by the Property Appraiser's Office. Truth in Millage Notices, which are proposed tax bills and are also referred to as TRIM Notices, are mailed to all Polk County taxpayers in mid-August by the Property Appraiser. The VAB must receive the petition by the 25th day, having it postmarked by the 25th day is not sufficient.

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

How Polk County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Polk County Property Appraiser

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: mid-August

In Florida, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value, meaning the assessed value equals the market value before any exemptions are applied. In Polk County, FL, property tax bills are calculated by multiplying the assessed value of a home by the local tax rate. The assessed value is determined by the county property appraiser and is influenced by factors such as the property's market value and any applicable exemptions. For example, if your home's market value is $305,400, at Florida's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $305,400, resulting in approximately $3,543 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.16%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). The Polk County Value Adjustment Board (VAB) is established by Chapter 194, Florida Statutes, to hear appeals of the Property Appraiser's determinations with regard to property exemptions, classifications, portability, and valuations, through petition filing and scheduled quasi-judicial hearings. The VAB employs special magistrates who are either attorney with property law experience or certified appraisers to hear taxpayer petitions.

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Step 1: If a property owner disagrees with the Property Appraiser value information or has been denied a classification or exemption, please contact our office to review or discuss the matter with a deputy appraiser.

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Step 2: File a petition with the Value Adjustment Board within 25 days of receiving your TRIM notice

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Step 3: All hearings are quasi-judicial, and everyone appearing before the special magistrate may be required to testify under oath.

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Step 4: Once the petition is filed, the homeowner may present evidence to support their claim that the assessed value of their property is inaccurate. This evidence might include recent sales of comparable properties, an independent appraisal, or evidence of any factors that might negatively impact the property's market value.

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Step 5: If unsatisfied with the VAB decision, you may appeal to the circuit court

Required form: VAB petition form with $50 filing fee

Filing Methods

online:File through the Polk County Clerk's website at https://polkcountyclerk.net
mail:Mail petition to Polk County Clerk, Value Adjustment Board
in-person:Submit at the Clerk's office in Bartow

Evidence to Bring

Recent sales of comparable propertiesIndependent property appraisalPhotos showing property conditionRepair estimates for damage

Polk County Assessor Contact

Polk County Property Appraiser

Phone: (863) 534-4777

Address: 255 N. Wilson Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830

Website: https://www.polkflpa.gov

Online Portal: https://exemptions.polkflpa.gov

Tax Exemptions in Polk County

Homestead Exemption

Up to $50,000

The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of your home, directly lowering the amount of property taxes you owe each year. First $25,000 reduction: Applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes, if your home's assessed value is at least $25,000. Additional $25,000 reduction: Applies to the portion of assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000, but does not apply to school taxes.

Eligibility: Every person who owns and resides on real property in Florida on January 1st and makes the property his or her permanent residence is eligible to receive a Homestead Exemption up to $50,000. Deadline: March 1

Senior Exemption (65+)

Up to $50,000 additional

Florida law provides an additional exemption (up to $50,000 off the assessed value) for Senior Citizens, over 65, with certain income limitations. You may qualify if: You are a permanent Polk County resident with a homestead exemption. and You are 65 years of age or older as of January 1 in the year you file for the exemption.

Eligibility: Age 65+ with income limitations set annually by the Department of RevenueDeadline: March 1

Disability Exemption

$5,000

The disability exemption reduces the assessed value of your property by $5,000. This provides a tax savings of approximately $100 annually.

Eligibility: Applicants must submit an application along with a statement, verifying that you are totally & permanently disabled, from one licensed Florida physician on the state required Form DR-416 or a letter from Social Security stating you are totally and permanently disabled. Deadline: March 1

Save Our Homes Cap

3% annual cap on assessment increases

Once the Homestead Exemption is in place, the 'Save Our Homes' provision limits annual increases in your home's assessed value to a maximum of 3% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. This protects homeowners from sudden spikes in property taxes due to rapid increases in market value.

Eligibility: Must have Homestead ExemptionDeadline: Automatic with Homestead

Long-Term Resident Exemption

Full exemption from county taxes

In November 2012, Florida voters approved constitutional amendment 11 which, if adopted by a taxing authority, exempts the assessed value if you have resided in the property no less than 25 years and if the Just Value of the property is less than $250,000. Polk County has adopted this additional exemption. The exemption applies to the Polk County General millage rate only.

Eligibility: 25+ years residency, property value under $250,000, age 65+, income limitationsDeadline: March 1

Official Resources

Polk County Property Appraiser Website →

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

Polk County Value Adjustment Board →

File property tax appeals and access VAB forms, procedures, and hearing information.

Florida Department of Revenue Property Tax →

State-level property tax information, forms, and guidelines for Florida property owners.

Polk County Tax Collector →

Pay property taxes online, view tax bills, and access payment history.

Polk County Appeal Statistics

Success Rate

70%+

Avg Reduction

$1,457

Check Your Polk County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Polk County?
The statutory deadline for accepting petitions for assessed value is 25 days after the mailing of TRIM notices in mid-August by the Property Appraiser's Office. Your TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice will arrive in mid-August with your proposed tax bill and the exact appeal deadline date. The VAB must receive the petition by the 25th day, having it postmarked by the 25th day is not sufficient. This means you must act quickly once you receive your notice, as the window for filing an appeal is relatively short compared to other counties.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Polk County online?
You can file your property tax appeal online through the Polk County Clerk's website at https://polkcountyclerk.net. The process requires a $50 non-refundable filing fee and you'll need to complete a VAB petition form. The type of appeal will determine the type of information, documents, and/or evidence that needs to be furnished before the hearing. Make sure to have your property information, TRIM notice, and supporting documentation ready before starting your online filing to ensure you meet the 25-day deadline.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Polk County?
The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of your home, directly lowering the amount of property taxes you owe each year. First $25,000 reduction: Applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes, if your home's assessed value is at least $25,000. Additional $25,000 reduction: Applies to the portion of assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000, but does not apply to school taxes. For a home valued at $305,400 (the county median), this exemption would save approximately $580 annually in property taxes. Additionally, the Save Our Homes cap limits annual assessment increases to 3% or CPI, whichever is lower.
What happens at a Value Adjustment Board hearing in Polk County?
All hearings are quasi-judicial, and everyone appearing before the special magistrate may be required to testify under oath. The VAB employs special magistrates who are either attorney with property law experience or certified appraisers to hear taxpayer petitions. During the hearing, you'll present your evidence supporting a lower property value, such as comparable sales, an independent appraisal, or documentation of property defects. The Property Appraiser will also present their evidence, and the special magistrate will make a recommendation to the full VAB based on the testimony and evidence presented.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Polk County?
Our success rate varies across geographies; however, in any given year, we typically win more than 70% of our cases, saving clients an average of $1,457 on their property taxes. With Polk County's median tax bill of $2,400 and an effective tax rate of 1.16%, a successful appeal that reduces your assessed value by just 10% could save you approximately $240 annually. These savings continue year after year, making the $50 filing fee a worthwhile investment. Many homeowners see even greater reductions, especially if they can demonstrate their property was overassessed compared to similar homes in their neighborhood.
What evidence do I need for a Polk County property tax appeal?
Once the petition is filed, the homeowner may present evidence to support their claim that the assessed value of their property is inaccurate. This evidence might include recent sales of comparable properties, an independent appraisal, or evidence of any factors that might negatively impact the property's market value. The strongest evidence includes sales of at least three comparable properties in your neighborhood from the past year, photos documenting any property damage or needed repairs, and contractor estimates for repair costs. Evidence exchange is governed by Florida Administrative Code Rule 12D-9.020.
Can I appeal my property taxes if I missed the 25-day deadline in Polk County?
A petition and a non-refundable $50 filing fee may be submitted to the VAB or its designee for a good cause determination if the petition is accompanied by a written explanation with proof of the extraordinary circumstances which delayed the filing. If there is a determination that the taxpayer has shown good cause for missing the deadline, a hearing will be scheduled. However, this is not guaranteed and requires extraordinary circumstances beyond your control. Examples might include hospitalization, natural disasters, or documented mail delivery issues. It's always best to file within the standard 25-day window to ensure your appeal is heard.

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)Hillsborough County (Tampa)Lee County (Fort Myers)Miami-Dade County (Miami)
← All Florida property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.polkflpa.gov | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/florida/polk-county | https://www.polkcountyclerk.net/196/Value-Adjustment-Board | https://smartasset.com/taxes/florida-property-tax-calculator

Last verified: 2026-02-15