Lee County property owners recently received their first look at potential property tax bills with the issuance of the annual Truth in Millage (TRIM) Notices for 2025 property values.
On August 18, Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell sent out these important notices, which show the assessed value of properties and give an estimate of what property owners can expect to pay in taxes this year. The TRIM notice also outlines the process for addressing concerns regarding property values or exemptions, along with relevant deadlines.
Caldwell explained that property values are based on January 1st, using data from 2024 sales, leases, and costs.
The TRIM notice comes after proposed property tax rates have been set but before the final vote by taxing authorities. While tax rates can be lowered, they cannot be increased after the TRIM notice figures are submitted.
Here’s what you’ll find on your TRIM notice:
* Current “Just Value” or Fair Market Value of your property
* Approved Exemptions
* Government Entities responsible for taxes
* Amount Owed to each entity based on your property’s value
According to Caldwell’s office, “The fair market value of your property is the amount it could sell for on the open market.” Each year, the Property Appraiser analyzes market transactions to determine this value for over 530,000 properties across Lee County, including residential, commercial, agricultural, and governmental properties.
Lee County Tax Collector Noelle Branning’s website further explains that TRIM notices are crucial as they give property owners the opportunity to ask questions or challenge the value of their property and exemptions. The notice also explains how to appeal the property’s value or any denial of exemptions.
For those wishing to dispute their TRIM notice, Caldwell recommends starting with a call to his office. “We resolve 99% of taxpayer concerns informally,” he said. “If we can’t resolve it, taxpayers have 25 days from the TRIM notice date (Aug. 18) to file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board.”
The most common exemptions include the **Homestead Exemption**, which exempts up to \$50,000 from the assessed value of a property, and the **Save Our Homes** benefit, which limits the increase in the assessed value to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or 3%, whichever is lower.
To qualify for the Homestead Exemption, applicants must file by March 1, be bona fide Florida residents, and use the property as their permanent home on January 1.
It’s important to note that TRIM notices are **not bills**. They are informational only, and you do not need to make any payments until the official tax bill arrives in November.
As Branning’s website highlights, “Your tax bill will not match your TRIM notice” because the notice doesn’t include non-ad valorem taxes, such as stormwater or solid waste assessments. These additional assessments are included in the official tax bill.
Look out for your TRIM Notice in the mail, and be sure to review it carefully.
For more information on TRIM notices, visit [www.leepa.org](https://www.leepa.org).
You can also reach the Lee County Property Appraiser at [trim@leepa.org](mailto:trim@leepa.org) or call 239-533-6100.
