Understanding Your 2025 TRIM Notice in Florida: A Homeowner’s Guide

Each year in August, Florida homeowners receive something called a TRIM Notice, short for Truth in Millage. While it often gets overlooked, this document is one of the most important pieces of mail you’ll open all year.

It’s not your actual tax bill, but it lays out how your property is valued, what exemptions you qualify for, and what your estimated property taxes may be once local taxing authorities finalize their rates.

In short, it’s your chance to review the numbers and speak up before November tax bills arrive.

Let’s walk through what’s inside, what protections Florida homeowners have, and what to do if something doesn’t look right.

What Exactly Is a TRIM Notice?

The TRIM Notice is mailed out by your county property appraiser each August, as required by the Truth in Millage Act of 1980. Its primary purpose is to notify you of:

• Your property’s proposed just (market) value
• The assessed and taxable values after exemptions and caps are applied
• The millage rates proposed by each taxing authority (city, county, school board, special districts)
• An estimate of what your property taxes would be if those rates are approved
• The dates and times of public hearings where those rates will be discussed

Important: This is not a bill—it’s your opportunity to make sure your property is valued fairly and that you’re receiving the exemptions you qualify for.

Breaking Down the 2025 TRIM Notice

Here’s what you’ll typically see on your notice:

Just Value (Market Value)

This reflects the appraiser’s estimate of your home’s fair market value as of January 1, based on comparable sales, replacement costs, or income potential (for income-producing properties).

Assessed Value

Florida law caps annual increases on homesteaded properties. This means your assessed value may be lower than market value, thanks to the Save Our Homes benefit.

Taxable Value

This is your assessed value minus any exemptions you qualify for—such as the Homestead Exemption, veteran benefits, senior exemptions, or agricultural classifications. This is the figure that taxes are calculated from.

Exemptions

Common exemptions include:

• Florida Homestead Exemption – reduces your taxable value, often by tens of thousands of dollars
• Veteran exemptions
• Disability exemptions
• Senior exemptions (if income-qualified)
• Agricultural use classifications

Proposed Millage Rates

Millage rates are the tax rates set by your county, city, school board, and other taxing districts. Your notice lists them separately so you can see how each authority contributes to your estimated bill.

Estimated Property Taxes

This is the bottom line: the total amount you’d owe if the proposed rates are adopted.

Public Hearing Information

Each taxing authority holds hearings where millage rates and budgets are finalized. Your notice includes the details so you can attend or provide input.

Protections for Homeowners: Exemptions and Caps

Florida offers several key protections to help keep property taxes manageable:

• Homestead Exemption: The most widely used exemption, which reduces your taxable value and lowers your tax bill.
• Save Our Homes (SOH) Cap: Limits increases in assessed value to the lesser of 3% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Even if market values skyrocket, this cap helps keep your tax burden predictable.
• Portability: If you sell your Florida homestead and buy another, you can transfer some of your SOH savings to your new home.
• Other Exemptions: Veterans, widows/widowers, seniors, and individuals with disabilities may qualify for additional tax relief.

Common Questions Homeowners Ask

“Why are my taxes higher than my neighbor’s?”

Exemptions, ownership dates, and purchase prices all play a role. Two nearly identical homes can have very different tax bills.

“Why did my assessed value increase when the market slowed down?”

Your assessed value may continue to rise until it reaches market value, even in years when the market dips. This is called the recapture rule.

“I just bought my home — why did the value jump so much?”

When you purchase a property, the assessed value typically resets to near market value, which can mean higher taxes than what the previous owner paid.

What to Do If You Spot an Issue

If your notice doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Here’s what you can do:

1. Review your notice carefully. Check that the property description, exemptions, and taxable values are accurate.
2. Contact your property appraiser’s office. Many discrepancies can be resolved informally with a quick call or appointment.
3. File a petition with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). If you still disagree, you have the right to formally appeal, typically within 25 days of the mailing date.
4. Attend public hearings. These meetings are your chance to provide input before millage rates are finalized.

Why TRIM Notices Matter

For buyers and sellers alike, TRIM Notices impact more than just annual taxes:

• Closings: Escrow accounts, prorations, and final settlement numbers rely on accurate tax information.
• Budgeting: Homeowners planning monthly mortgage payments need to account for property tax estimates.
• Transparency: Reviewing your TRIM Notice helps avoid unwelcome surprises when the November tax bill arrives.

Final Takeaway

The TRIM Notice is your early warning system. It gives you time to review, ask questions, and make corrections before taxes are finalized.

Pro Tip: Don’t leave it unopened on the counter. Look it over, make sure everything checks out, and reach out if something doesn’t add up.