Understanding Your Southwest Florida TRIM Notice: A Homeowner's Guide (Lee & Collier Counties)

Introduction

Every August, Lee and Collier counties in Southwest Florida send homeowners TRIM (Truth in Millage) notices. Understanding this document is crucial to managing your property tax bill. It provides valuable insights into your property's assessed value and tax obligations.

What is a TRIM Notice?

A TRIM notice is an official document outlining your property's:

• Market Value: Based on recent market activity.

• Assessed Value: Market value considering annual value caps (3% increase for homesteaded properties).

• Exemptions: Reductions in property taxes you qualify for (e.g., homestead exemption).

• Taxable Value: Assessed value minus exemptions.

• Millage Rates: Rates set by local authorities to fund their budgets.

• Ad Valorem Taxes: Taxes calculated by multiplying the taxable value by the millage rate.

• Non-Ad Valorem Assessments: Fees for services like fire and mosquito control.

• Annual Tax Bill: The total amount due, including property taxes and non-ad valorem assessments.

• Protest Guidelines: Information on how to challenge your assessed value if you believe it's inaccurate.

Contesting Your Assessed Value in Lee & Collier Counties

You have the right to protest your property's assessed value if you believe it's too high. This process involves filing a petition with supporting evidence. Petitions can be submitted online, in person, or by mail. Lee and Collier counties typically allow online submissions for your convenience.

Lee County:

• Informal conference: Lee County Property Appraiser’s Office, (239) 533-6100.
• Petition the Value Adjustment Board: Lee County Clerk of Court’s website,  Lee Clerk

Collier County:

• Informal conference: Collier County Property Appraiser’s Office, (239) 252-8141.
• Petition the Value Adjustment Board: Collier County Clerk of Court’s website,  Collier Clerk

The Importance of Local Expertise

After filing your petition, you'll receive a hearing date. To strengthen your case, consider partnering with a local real estate expert like Pfeifer Realty Group. Here's why:

• Comparable Sales Data: Eric Pfeifer, a leading local broker, emphasizes the importance of gathering recent sales data for comparable properties (similar size, age, condition, and location). This data strengthens your claim for a revised value.

• Unique Property Features: Document any unique features or issues impacting your property's value, such as architectural details, renovations, or maintenance concerns.

• Hurricane Impact: For areas affected by Hurricane Ian (Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers), consult a Pfeifer Realty Group advisor on how storm damage might influence your value.

Conclusion:

A TRIM notice is an important tool for Southwest Florida homeowners (Lee & Collier counties) to understand their property taxes. Protesting an inaccurate assessed value requires careful preparation and evidence. Pfeifer Realty Group's local expertise can equip you with the knowledge and resources to navigate this process effectively. Don't discard your TRIM notice! Review it carefully and contact Pfeifer Realty Group if you believe your assessed value is too high.