FORT PIERCE, FLA. (Aug. 20, 2021) The St. Lucie County Property Appraiser recently mailed out TRIM notices announcing proposed 2021 taxes to all St. Lucie County property owners. Those who believe their property's assessment, classification, or exemption status may be incorrect only have until Sept.10 to act.

New residents are moving to the area every day, and for some, this may be the first year they are receiving a St. Lucie County TRIM notice," said Clerk Michelle R. Miller. "While the Clerk & Comptroller's office is not responsible for assessing or collecting taxes, we provide property owners the opportunity to challenge those assessments through the Value Adjustment Board."

The Value Adjustment Board (VAB) is composed of two county commissioners, one school board member, and two citizen members who approve and hire special magistrates to settle disputes in scheduled quasi-judicial hearings. During the hearings, property owners can contest their property's value, which may adjust their proposed real estate taxes. The VAB is an independent entity and not associated with the Property Appraiser or the Tax Collector.

Petitions can be filed at www.stlucieclerk.com/vab for $15 each, plus a service fee. The online petition system allows property owners to see the status of their petitions, view scheduled hearings, and submit supporting materials and evidence electronically. Petitions may also be mailed to the Value Adjustment Board in the Roger E. Poitras Building at the county administrative complex, 2300 Virginia Ave., 2nd floor, Fort Pierce, FL 34950.

The Clerk's office receives and processes petitions as well as schedules and records the hearings. For more information on the board, visit www.stlucieclerk.com or call 772-462-1476.

ABOUT THE CLERK’S OFFICE:

The Florida Constitution established the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller as a public trustee, responsible for safeguarding public records and public funds. Clerk Michelle R. Miller is directly elected by and accountable to St. Lucie County residents. In addition to the roles of Clerk of the Circuit Court, County Recorder and Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, the Clerk is the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Auditor for St. Lucie County.