AppealDesk

Sarasota County Property Tax Appeal — Florida

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 27, 2026

Sarasota County is located on Florida's Gulf Coast with a population of approximately 485,000 residents. The county seat is Sarasota, while North Port is the largest city by population. Other major municipalities include Venice and the Town of Longboat Key. Property tax appeals are particularly important in Sarasota County due to the area's higher-than-average property values and tax burden. The median home value in Sarasota County is $349,900, significantly above Florida's state median of $182,400 and the national average. The county's effective property tax rate of 1.09% exceeds the national median of 1.02%, resulting in median annual property tax bills of approximately $3,451 compared to the national median of $2,400.

Notable cities: Sarasota, North Port, Venice, Longboat Key

Median Home

$349,900

Tax Rate

1.09%

Annual Tax

$3,451

Population

485,654

2026 Appeal Deadline: 25 days after the mailing of the TRIM notice

In Sarasota County, TRIM notices are typically mailed on August 15th each year. Property owners have 25 days from the mailing date to file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board. For 2026, if the TRIM notice is mailed on August 15, 2026, the deadline would be approximately September 9, 2026. Check your TRIM notice for the exact deadline. For exemption denials, the deadline is 30 days after the notice of denial is mailed.

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

How Sarasota County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Sarasota County Property Appraiser

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: August (typically mailed August 15th)

In Florida, all properties are assessed at 100% of market value as of January 1st each year. This means your assessed value equals your property's full market value before any exemptions are applied. For example, if your home's market value is $349,900 (the county median), at Florida's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $349,900. At Sarasota County's effective rate of 1.09%, this would result in approximately $3,814 in annual taxes before any exemptions such as homestead.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). A special magistrate conducts the hearing and receives witness testimony and documentary evidence. The magistrate prepares a written recommendation, which is later presented to the Value Adjustment Board for a final vote. Property owners can participate in evidence exchange and track petition progress online.

1

Review your TRIM Notice (Truth in Millage) mailed in August to confirm your property's assessed value and the petition filing deadline, which is 25 days from the mailing date

2

Request an informal review with the Sarasota County Property Appraiser's office by calling (941) 861-8200 to discuss your concerns and present supporting evidence such as comparable sales data or property damage documentation

3

If the informal review doesn't resolve the issue, file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board within 25 days of the TRIM notice mailing date, either online at the Clerk's VAB portal or by mail/in-person with the required $50 filing fee

4

Gather and submit evidence supporting your claim including recent comparable sales, independent appraisals, photographs of property defects, repair estimates, and documentation of any factors affecting your property's value

5

Attend your scheduled hearing before a special magistrate who will receive testimony and evidence, then prepare a written recommendation for the VAB to approve or deny

6

Receive the VAB's final decision; if you disagree, you may appeal to Circuit Court within 60 days of the certification of the tax roll after paying the portion of taxes you do not dispute

Required form: DR-486 (Petition to the Value Adjustment Board) or online petition through the Clerk's VAB portal

Filing Methods

online:https://www.sarasotaclerk.com/records/board-records/value-adjustment-board - File petition online with $50 filing fee plus 3.5% processor fee
mail:Mail petition to: VAB Clerk, 2000 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34237 with $50 filing fee
in-person:Hand deliver to: 1660 Ringling Boulevard, Suite 210, Sarasota, FL 34236 or 4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 222, Venice, FL 34293

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable sales dataIndependent property appraisalPhotographs documenting property condition or defectsRepair estimates or damage documentationIncome and expense data for rental/commercial properties

Sarasota County Assessor Contact

Sarasota County Property Appraiser

Phone: (941) 861-8200

Address: 2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL 34237

Website: https://www.sc-pa.com

Online Portal: https://www.sarasotaclerk.com/records/board-records/value-adjustment-board

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Tax Exemptions in Sarasota County

Homestead Exemption

Up to $50,000 ($25,000 applies to all taxes including school district; second $25,000 applies to non-school taxes on assessed value between $50,000-$75,000)

Reduces the assessed taxable value of your primary residence

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as permanent residence as of January 1st and be a Florida residentDeadline: March 1st

Senior Exemption (Limited Income)

Varies by taxing authority, up to $50,000 additional exemption; must meet income limit of $38,686 for 2026

Additional exemption for qualifying seniors age 65 and older with limited household income

Eligibility: Must be 65 or older as of January 1st, have current homestead exemption, and household adjusted gross income below $38,686Deadline: March 1st with income documentation due by June 1st

Disabled Veteran Exemption (Service-Connected)

100% exemption on homestead property for total and permanent service-connected disability

Exemption for honorably discharged veterans with service-connected total and permanent disability

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran with service-connected total and permanent disability, or surviving spouseDeadline: March 1st

Disabled Veteran Discount

Percentage discount based on disability rating

Property tax discount for veterans age 65+ with combat-related partial disability

Eligibility: Veteran age 65 or older with permanent service-connected disability that is combat-relatedDeadline: March 1st

Total and Permanent Disability Exemption

100% exemption on homestead property

Full exemption for quadriplegics, paraplegics, or legally blind persons who are totally disabled

Eligibility: Must be a quadriplegic, paraplegic, hemiplegic, legally blind, or totally and permanently disabled requiring wheelchair for mobility; permanent Florida resident as of January 1stDeadline: March 1st

Official Resources

Sarasota County Property Appraiser Official Website →

Access property records, file for exemptions, search assessed values, and learn about the appraisal process.

Sarasota County Value Adjustment Board - Online Filing Portal →

File your property tax appeal petition online, track petition status, and upload evidence for your hearing.

Florida Department of Revenue - Property Tax Taxpayer Resources →

State-level property tax information including taxpayer rights, exemption guides, and VAB petition forms.

Sarasota County Tax Collector →

Pay property taxes, check payment status, and access tax bill information and payment options.

Check Your Sarasota County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Sarasota County for 2026?
In Sarasota County, you must file your property tax appeal petition within 25 days of the mailing of your TRIM notice (Truth in Millage). The TRIM notices are typically mailed on August 15th each year, which means the 2026 deadline would likely be around September 9, 2026. However, you should always check your specific TRIM notice for the exact deadline date printed on it. For appeals regarding denied exemptions or agricultural classifications, the deadline is 30 days after the notice of denial is mailed. Missing the deadline may result in your petition being rejected unless you can demonstrate good cause for late filing.
How do I file a property tax appeal in Sarasota County online?
Sarasota County offers a convenient online filing system through the Clerk to the Value Adjustment Board website at https://www.sarasotaclerk.com/records/board-records/value-adjustment-board. You can complete the online petition form from any internet-connected device at home or office. The system requires a $50 filing fee paid by credit or debit card (with a 3.5% processor fee). Once filed, you receive a transaction number and password to track your petition's progress, upload evidence, and review the Property Appraiser's evidence if you participate in the evidence exchange. This online system is available 24/7 and provides immediate confirmation of your filing.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Sarasota County?
The Florida Homestead Exemption in Sarasota County can reduce your property's assessed value by up to $50,000. The exemption works in two parts: the first $25,000 applies to all property taxes including school district taxes, while the second $25,000 applies only to non-school taxes on the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000. For a typical Sarasota County property, this exemption can save homeowners hundreds to thousands of dollars annually. Additionally, homestead properties benefit from the Save Our Homes cap, which limits annual assessment increases to 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. You must apply by March 1st and own and occupy the property as your permanent residence as of January 1st.
Should I request an informal review before filing a formal appeal in Sarasota County?
Yes, requesting an informal review with the Sarasota County Property Appraiser's office is highly recommended before filing a formal Value Adjustment Board petition. The Property Appraiser encourages taxpayers to call (941) 861-8200 to discuss concerns and present supporting information such as comparable sales data or property damage documentation. Many assessment issues can be resolved quickly through this informal process without the need for a formal hearing. However, Florida law gives you the right to skip this step and go directly to the VAB or even circuit court if you prefer. The informal review does not count against your 25-day deadline to file a VAB petition, so you can pursue both options simultaneously.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Sarasota County?
The potential savings from a successful property tax appeal in Sarasota County depends on how much your property's assessed value is reduced. With the county's effective tax rate of 1.09%, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves approximately $109 per year in property taxes. For example, if you successfully appeal and reduce your assessment from $400,000 to $350,000 (a $50,000 reduction), you would save approximately $545 annually. These savings compound over multiple years, and when combined with the Save Our Homes cap for homestead properties, the long-term financial benefit can be substantial. National statistics suggest that about 25% of homes may be overassessed, paying an average of $1,346 too much annually.
What evidence do I need for a successful property tax appeal in Sarasota County?
To build a strong property tax appeal case in Sarasota County, you should gather several types of evidence. Recent comparable sales data is the most important—find 3-5 similar properties in your neighborhood that sold recently for less than your assessed value. An independent appraisal from a licensed appraiser provides professional support for your claim. Photographs documenting any property defects, damage, or adverse conditions that affect value are crucial. Repair estimates or contractor bids for needed work strengthen your case. For income-producing properties, bring income and expense statements showing actual performance. All evidence should be submitted through the VAB online portal before your hearing, as the system allows evidence exchange between you and the Property Appraiser.
What happens after the Value Adjustment Board hearing in Sarasota County?
After your Value Adjustment Board hearing in Sarasota County, a special magistrate who conducted your hearing will prepare a written recommended decision based on the testimony and evidence presented. The Clerk to the VAB will provide you with a copy of this recommendation. A subsequent hearing is then scheduled where the five-member Value Adjustment Board reviews the magistrate's recommendation and votes on a final decision. The VAB may approve or deny the magistrate's recommendation. Once the VAB issues its final decision, you will receive written notification. If you disagree with the VAB's decision, you have 60 days from the certification of the tax roll to appeal to Circuit Court, but you must first pay the portion of taxes you do not dispute.
When are property assessments determined in Sarasota County?
In Sarasota County, all properties are assessed annually as of January 1st of each tax year. This means your property's condition, ownership, and market value are all evaluated based on how things stood on January 1st. Any improvements, damage, or changes that occur after January 1st will not affect that year's assessment—they will be reflected in the following year's assessment. The Property Appraiser's office then prepares assessment rolls throughout the year and mails TRIM notices (Truth in Millage) in August, typically around August 15th. These notices show your proposed assessed value and estimated taxes. Assessment notices for property cards are also sent in the spring, usually reaching mailboxes by mid-April.

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.sc-pa.com | https://www.sarasotaclerk.com/records/board-records/value-adjustment-board | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/florida/sarasota-county | https://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/Taxpayers.aspx | https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-counties/florida/sarasota-county

Last verified: 2026-02-27