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Answers to an Inaccurate Property Tax Assessment - 7/30/2025

Each year, homeowners receive a notification of their property tax assessment, which, when combined with the local tax rate, determines how much they owe in property taxes. While this process is meant to fairly reflect a home's value, assessments are not always accurate. If the valuation is incorrect, homeowners may end up paying more than they should. Fortunately, you have the right to challenge the assessment if you believe it is inaccurate.

Here are some of the most common reasons a property tax assessment may be incorrect:

  1. Overvaluation - Assessors estimate your home's market value, but if they overvalue it, your taxes will be higher than necessary. This can happen if they rely on outdated or incomplete data or if home values in your area have declined since the last assessment.
  2. Errors in Property Information - Mistakes in the assessor's records can lead to an inflated value. Common errors include incorrect square footage, an inaccurate number of bedrooms or bathrooms, or outdated details about renovations and improvements. If the records show more features than your home actually has, you may be paying too much in taxes.
  3. Comparable Sales Discrepancies - If similar homes in your neighborhood are assessed at a lower value, your home's assessment may not be consistent with market trends. Assessors use comparable properties to determine value, but if they fail to factor in differences—such as location, lot size, or condition—it could lead to an unfairly high assessment.
  4. Market Value Decline - Real estate markets fluctuate, and if your property's value has dropped since the last assessment, your tax bill may not reflect the change. Assessors do not always adjust values quickly enough to keep up with market shifts.
  5. Damage or Deterioration - If your home has suffered significant damage—such as structural issues, fire damage, or foundation problems—it could be worth less than its assessed value. If these factors aren't considered, you may be overpaying.
  6. Incorrect Classification - If your home is classified incorrectly—such as being assessed as commercial property instead of residential—it can result in a much higher tax bill.
  7. Exemptions Not Applied - Many homeowners qualify for tax exemptions, such as homestead, senior citizen, or veteran exemptions. If these were not applied, your tax bill could be higher than it should be.

If you believe your property tax assessment is incorrect, you have the right to challenge it. This typically involves gathering evidence, such as recent comparable home sales, correcting errors in the property records, or providing proof of market decline or damage.

Your real estate agent can be a valuable resource in this process. They can help you find comparable sales data and provide insights into market trends. If you have questions about your property's value or the process of appealing your tax assessment, reach out to your agent—they're there to help!

Mary Anne Windes CCIM, CRB, CRS, GRI, RRS, e-PRO Real Estate Professionals of Destin, Inc. www.Destin-Real-Estate.com (850) 803-2211 BK583540 Mary Anne Windes, age 64, is a lifelong FWB/Destin resident. She grew up in Fort Walton Beach riding, training, and showing horses while she attended school. She earned an AA degree in Business Administration at Okaloosa-Walton Junior College and obtained her BA in Accounting from the University of West Florida with the help of a tennis scholarship. She has been married for 40 years to Capt. Kelly Windes. They have two grown children, ages 37 and 36, and four grandchildren. Mary Anne's early career in accounting started in auditing and setting up new businesses. She has put those strengths to work for her family setting up and managing 16 separate businesses including 10 various types of commercial boats, three real estate companies, a marina, and a few retail ventures, plus she's helped with several political campaigns. An active community leader, she was a two-time Chairman of the Mid-Bay Bridge Authority appointed for two terms by Governor Jeb Bush, President of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors, Chairman of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Commander of the 33rd Fighter Wing to receive the first F35 jets at Eglin AFB, Chairman of the Destin Fishing Rodeo, Chairman of the Miss Destin Pageant for 4 years, and Chairman, leader, or member of various other community boards, committees, and special projects. She has been a weekly usher at her church for over twenty years and co-teaches the Crown Financial Ministry series. Her primary vocation is real estate where she handles both commercial and residential transactions for friends and referrals. She is the broker and owner of Real Estate Professionals of Destin, an independent boutique real estate company located on the Destin Harbor for 30 years and Real Estate Professionals of NW FLA, Inc. She holds various distinguished designations in real estate that signify excellence, education, and experience. She was acknowledged for her achievements four times by receiving the coveted Realtor of the Year award conveyed by the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors for Destin in 1997, overall in 2010, for Destin in 2010, and for Commercial in 2022 as well as the Entrepreneur of the Year Award by the Women's Council of Realtors. She loves spending time with family and friends, a challenge, any type of furry pets, exercising, and Russell Stover's chocolate. Contact Me Visit my Website Send a Referral Subscribe to Newsletter