Manatee County property owners can now appeal their property tax assessments online through a new digital platform, becoming the first county in Florida to offer a fully online filing system for Value Adjustment Board petitions.

The Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller has launched Equity Bridge Pro, a platform designed to simplify the property tax appeal process by allowing residents to file petitions electronically.

Previously, property owners were required to submit appeals by mail, email or in person. Each case then had to be processed manually by staff, including collecting the $50 filing fee, entering information into the system and coordinating hearing dates.

County officials say the new platform streamlines the entire process by keeping payments, hearing schedules, reminders, case documents and communications in one secure location. Automated notifications provide petitioners with updates on their case status, reducing the need to contact the Clerk’s Office for information.

The system also automatically populates property details on petition forms, helping minimize data entry errors and incomplete submissions. If property information appears incorrect, petitioners can request corrections by emailing the Value Adjustment Board team at vab@manateeclerk.com.

In addition to benefiting property owners, the platform provides attorneys, magistrates and the Manatee County Property Appraiser with access to the same case information, improving transparency and coordination throughout the appeal process.

Although the online system is available at no cost, residents who prefer traditional filing methods may still submit paper petitions through the Clerk’s Board Records Department, which oversees the Value Adjustment Board process.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Angel Colonneso said the new platform is intended to make the appeals process more accessible and transparent for all property owners.

Residents interested in filing an appeal can create a free account and submit a petition through the Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s website.

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