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2025 Trim Notice

  • Writer: Luany Aranky Henriquez
    Luany Aranky Henriquez
  • Sep 19
  • 3 min read
2025 Trim Notices

Understanding Your 2025 TRIM Notice in Florida: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know


Every August, Florida homeowners receive a TRIM Notice, but many don’t fully understand what it means. TRIM, short for Truth in Millage, is the official Notice of Proposed Property Taxes. While it’s not a bill, it’s one of the most important documents you’ll receive all year. In this blog, we’ll break down what’s inside your TRIM Notice, why it matters, how exemptions and caps can affect your taxes, and the steps you can take if something doesn’t look right.


What Is a TRIM Notice?

The TRIM Notice is mailed by your county property appraiser each August, as required by Florida law under the Truth in Millage (TRIM) Act of 1980. Its purpose is to notify property owners of:

  • Their proposed property values

  • The proposed millage rates (tax rates) from local taxing authorities

  • The estimated property taxes based on those values and rates

  • The dates and times of public budget hearings where these rates will be discussed


Important: The TRIM Notice is not a bill. Instead, it’s your opportunity to review your property’s assessed value, exemptions, and estimated taxes before the actual tax bill arrives in November.


What’s Inside the 2025 TRIM Notice?

Here’s a breakdown of the sections you’ll find on your TRIM Notice:

  • Just Value (Market Value): The estimated fair market value of your property as of January 1, based on comparable sales, replacement costs, or income if it’s an income-producing property.

  • Assessed Value: Your property’s value after applying state caps like Save Our Homes. This may be lower than the just value.

  • Taxable Value: The assessed value minus any exemptions you qualify for (like Homestead). This is the number your taxes are actually calculated from.

  • Exemptions Common exemptions include the Florida Homestead Exemption, veteran status, disability, agricultural classifications, and senior exemptions. These reduce your taxable value.

  • Proposed Millage Rates: The property tax rates set by each taxing authority (county, school board, city, and special districts).

  • Estimated Property Taxes: The total estimated amount you’ll owe if the proposed rates are adopted.

  • Public Hearing Information: The dates, times, and locations of public hearings where millage rates and budgets will be discussed.


Exemptions and Caps That Protect Homeowners

Florida law offers valuable protections to homeowners:

  • Homestead Exemption: Reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, often lowering your property taxes significantly.

  • Save Our Homes (SOH) Cap: Limits increases in assessed value to the lesser of 3% or the rate of inflation (CPI) for homesteaded properties.

  • Portability: Allows you to transfer some of your SOH benefit (the difference between market and assessed value) when moving to a new Florida homestead.

  • Other Exemptions: Veterans, widows/widowers, seniors with limited income, agricultural use, and more may qualify for additional reductions.


Common Questions

  • Why are my taxes higher than my neighbor’s? Differences in exemptions, ownership dates, and millage rates can all create variations, even for similar homes.

  • Why did my assessed value increase if the market went down? Your assessed value may still rise each year until it matches market value, due to caps like Save Our Homes “recapture.”

  • I just bought my home. Why did my value jump? A new purchase usually resets the assessed value closer to market value, which can increase taxes compared to the prior owner’s bill


What To Do If You Disagree

If something looks incorrect, act quickly:

  1. Review your notice carefully. Check your property value, exemptions, and the taxable value.

  2. Contact your county property appraiser. Many issues can be resolved informally.

  3. File an appeal with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB). If not resolved, you may file a formal petition, typically within 25 days of the TRIM Notice mailing date.

  4. Attend public hearings. Your notice lists when each taxing authority will meet to finalize budgets and tax rates.


Why This Matters for Closings


At American Title Trust, we know property taxes directly affect your real estate transaction. When buying, selling, or refinancing, it’s critical to understand how TRIM Notices and tax values impact:

  • Closing costs: Escrow accounts, prorations, and payoff estimates rely on accurate tax data.

  • Budgeting: Knowing your estimated property taxes helps you plan for monthly mortgage payments.

  • Transparency: Reviewing your TRIM Notice ensures there are no surprises when your actual bill arrives.


Final Thoughts

TRIM Notices are more than just paperwork; they’re your chance to make sure your property is valued fairly, your exemptions are correct, and your voice is heard before taxes are finalized.


Pro Tip: Don’t toss it in the junk mail pile. Review it, verify it, and take action if needed.


At American Title Trust, we’re here to make sure you understand every piece of the homeownership journey, from taxes to title.


Contact American Title Trust

Phone: (888)-848-5320




 
 
 

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