AppealDesk

St Lucie County Property Tax Appeal — Florida

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 28, 2026

St. Lucie County is located in southeastern Florida with Fort Pierce serving as the county seat. The county's largest city is Port St. Lucie, which comprises 62% of the population. With approximately 373,000 residents as of 2023, property tax appeals matter significantly here as homeowners face an effective tax rate of 1.39%, notably higher than the national median of 0.99%. The median annual property tax bill of $3,974 exceeds the national median of $2,690, making appeals a critical tool for managing tax burden in this rapidly growing coastal community.

Notable cities: Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, St. Lucie West

Median Home

$307,200

Tax Rate

1.39%

Annual Tax

$3,974

Population

373,000

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

Property owners must file their petition within 25 days of the mailing of the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM Notice), which is typically mailed in mid-August annually. For 2026, the TRIM notices are expected in mid-August with the petition deadline falling in mid-September 2026. The Value Adjustment Board is not authorized to extend the filing deadline.

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

How St Lucie County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: St. Lucie County Property Appraiser

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: mid-August

In Florida, properties are assessed at 100% of market value as of January 1 each year. If your home's market value is $307,200 (the county median), at Florida's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $307,200 before any exemptions. At St. Lucie County's effective rate of 1.39%, this results in approximately $4,270 in annual taxes. However, with the standard homestead exemption reducing taxable value by up to $50,000, your actual tax bill would be approximately $3,575 annually.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). Hearings are quasi-judicial proceedings conducted by special magistrate attorneys or real estate appraisers appointed by the VAB. You have the right to be represented by an attorney or licensed agent at your own expense, though representation is not required. The magistrate will review evidence from both you and the Property Appraiser before issuing a recommendation.

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Step 1: Review your TRIM Notice received in mid-August to verify your property's assessed market value as of January 1. Compare this valuation to recent comparable sales in your neighborhood and document any discrepancies.

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Step 2: Contact the Property Appraiser's Office at 772-462-1000 to request an informal conference to discuss your assessment. This informal review is encouraged but not required before filing a formal petition with the Value Adjustment Board.

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Step 3: File your petition with the Value Adjustment Board within 25 days of receiving your TRIM Notice. Complete Form DR-486 and submit it online at slcvab.stlucieco.gov/Axiaweb2020, in person at the Clerk's office, or by mail. The deadline is strictly enforced and cannot be extended.

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Step 4: Submit your evidence to the Property Appraiser at least 15 days before your hearing. Evidence should include comparable sales data, professional appraisals dated near January 1, photographs of property condition, repair estimates, and any other documentation supporting your claimed value.

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Step 5: Attend your hearing before a special magistrate appointed by the Value Adjustment Board. You will receive notice of your hearing date at least 25 days in advance. Present your evidence and testimony. The magistrate will issue a recommendation to the VAB.

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Step 6: If unsatisfied with the VAB decision, you may appeal to circuit court within 60 days or request a administrative review. For exemption denials, you may appeal to the Florida Department of Revenue within 30 days of the VAB decision.

Required form: Petition to Value Adjustment Board (Form DR-486)

Filing Methods

online:File online at slcvab.stlucieco.gov/Axiaweb2020
in-person:St. Lucie County Clerk's Office, 2300 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34982
mail:Clerk and Comptroller Attn: Value Adjustment Board, 201 South Indian River Drive, 5th Floor, Fort Pierce, FL 34950

Evidence to Bring

Recent comparable property sales from your areaProfessional appraisal report dated near January 1Photographs showing property condition or defectsRepair estimates or contractor invoicesDocumentation of income loss for income-producing properties

St Lucie County Assessor Contact

St. Lucie County Property Appraiser

Phone: 772-462-1000

Address: 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982

Website: https://www.paslc.gov

Online Portal: https://slcvab.stlucieco.gov/Axiaweb2020

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Tax Exemptions in St Lucie County

Homestead Exemption

Up to $51,411 (includes inflation adjustment effective 2025)

Reduces the taxable value of a primary residence owned and occupied by a Florida resident

Eligibility: Must own and occupy property as primary residence on January 1, be a Florida resident, and not claim homestead exemption elsewhereDeadline: March 1 (March 2, 2026 for the 2026 tax year)

Additional Homestead Exemption for Seniors

Varies based on household income limitations set by statute

Additional exemption available to qualifying senior citizens with limited household income

Eligibility: Must be 65 years or older on January 1, have homestead exemption, and meet household adjusted gross income requirementsDeadline: March 1

Disabled Veteran Exemption

Discount percentage equal to veteran's disability rating, or total exemption for 100% disabled veterans

Property tax discount or exemption for honorably discharged veterans with service-connected disabilities

Eligibility: Florida resident veteran with service-connected disability rating of at least 10% from the VA, or unremarried surviving spouseDeadline: March 1

Totally and Permanently Disabled First Responder Exemption

Total exemption equal to 100% of ad valorem taxes on homestead property

Complete ad valorem tax exemption for first responders totally and permanently disabled in the line of duty

Eligibility: Law enforcement officer, correctional officer, firefighter, EMT, or paramedic totally and permanently disabled while employed by a Florida agencyDeadline: March 1

Save Our Homes Cap

Assessment increases capped at 3% or CPI inflation rate, whichever is lower

Limits annual assessment increases for homesteaded properties

Eligibility: Automatically applied to properties with active homestead exemptionDeadline: Automatic with homestead exemption

Official Resources

St. Lucie County Property Appraiser Official Website →

Access property records, file for exemptions, search property values, and find forms for the Property Appraiser's office.

St. Lucie County Value Adjustment Board Online Filing Portal →

File your property tax appeal petition online through the official VAB portal and upload supporting evidence.

St. Lucie County Property Appraiser Homestead Exemption Application →

Apply online for homestead exemption and other property tax exemptions through the secure application portal.

Florida Department of Revenue Property Tax Information →

Official state resource for property tax laws, forms, rules, and guidance on the assessment and appeal process in Florida.

Check Your St Lucie County Assessment

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in St. Lucie County for 2026?
You must file your appeal petition within 25 days of receiving your TRIM Notice (Truth in Millage Notice), which the Property Appraiser typically mails in mid-August each year. For 2026, expect TRIM notices to arrive around mid-August with the appeal deadline falling in mid-September. The Value Adjustment Board is not authorized to extend this deadline under any circumstances, so it's critical to file promptly. You can track when your notice was mailed by contacting the Property Appraiser at 772-462-1000 if you're unsure of your exact deadline.
How do I file a property tax appeal online in St. Lucie County?
St. Lucie County offers a convenient online filing system through the Value Adjustment Board portal at slcvab.stlucieco.gov/Axiaweb2020. You'll need to complete Form DR-486 electronically, providing your property information, the value you believe is correct, and the grounds for your appeal. The online system guides you through each required field and allows you to upload supporting documentation like comparable sales or appraisals. After submitting online, you can also upload additional evidence through the Axia system, but you must notify the VAB Secretary at 772-462-1476 or through the online contact form when you do so.
What is the homestead exemption worth in St. Lucie County in 2026?
The Florida homestead exemption in St. Lucie County for 2026 is worth up to $51,411 in reduced taxable value, thanks to the inflation adjustment that took effect in 2025 under Amendment 5. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes including school district taxes, while the additional amount (now $25,722 due to inflation) applies only to non-school taxes on assessed values between $50,000 and $75,000. For a home valued at the county median of $307,200, this exemption could save approximately $700 annually in property taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.39%. You must apply by March 2, 2026 for the 2026 tax year.
Can I request an informal conference before appealing my St. Lucie County property taxes?
Yes, after filing your petition with the Value Adjustment Board, you are strongly encouraged to request an informal conference with the Property Appraiser's office by calling 772-462-1000. This informal discussion allows you to present your concerns about the assessment and potentially reach an agreement without proceeding to a formal hearing. The informal conference is not a prerequisite for filing a petition and does not extend any deadlines, but many assessment disputes are resolved at this stage. Property Appraiser staff can explain how your value was determined and review any evidence you've gathered, potentially saving you time at a formal hearing.
What evidence do I need to win a property tax appeal in St. Lucie County?
To prevail in your appeal, you must provide clear and convincing evidence that your property's market value is less than the Property Appraiser's assessment as of January 1. The most effective evidence includes recent sales of at least three comparable properties in your neighborhood (within the past 6-12 months), a professional appraisal dated near January 1, photographs documenting property defects or needed repairs, contractor estimates for necessary repairs, and documentation of any factors negatively affecting value. You must submit your evidence to the Property Appraiser at least 15 days before your hearing by mailing it to 2300 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34982, or uploading it through the online Axia system.
How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in St. Lucie County?
Potential savings depend on how much you can reduce your assessed value. In St. Lucie County with a 1.39% effective tax rate, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves approximately $139 annually in property taxes. If your home is assessed at $350,000 but comparable sales support a value of $320,000, successfully appealing could reduce your assessment by $30,000, saving you about $417 per year. Given Port St. Lucie's median home price has risen to $420,000 in 2026, homeowners in newer developments may see significant over-assessments, with potential savings reaching $500-$1,000 or more annually for successful appeals on higher-valued properties.
What happens at a Value Adjustment Board hearing in St. Lucie County?
Value Adjustment Board hearings in St. Lucie County are quasi-judicial proceedings conducted by special magistrates who are either attorneys or real estate appraisers. You'll receive notice of your hearing date at least 25 days in advance, and you have the right to reschedule once for good cause. During the hearing, you'll present your evidence and testimony explaining why your property's assessed value should be reduced, while the Property Appraiser presents their evidence supporting the current assessment. The special magistrate reviews both presentations and issues a recommendation to the VAB, which then makes a final decision. You can represent yourself or hire an attorney or licensed agent at your own expense.
What is the Save Our Homes benefit and how does it protect St. Lucie County homeowners?
The Save Our Homes (SOH) cap is a constitutional protection that limits annual assessment increases on homesteaded properties to 3% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. In St. Lucie County where the median home value increased from $182,300 to $307,200 in recent years, this cap is crucial for longtime homeowners. Without SOH protection, a property that increased 10% in market value would see a proportional tax increase, but with SOH, the assessment can only rise 3% maximum. You must file for homestead exemption by March 2, 2026 to activate this protection. Port St. Lucie's $420,000 median price in 2026 makes this cap especially valuable for preventing massive tax hikes.

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://stlucieclerk.gov/services/value-adjustment-board | https://www.paslc.gov | https://www.paslc.gov/212/Learn-More-About-TRIM-Notices | https://www.paslc.gov/211/Learn-About-Exemptions | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/florida/st.-lucie-county | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Lucie_County,_Florida | https://www.stlucieco.gov/government/facts-stats

Last verified: 2026-02-28