Florida Mandates New Uniform Evidence Exchange Procedure for VAB Hearings: PTO 25-17

PTO Bulletin 25-17 requires both petitioners and property appraisers to exchange evidence and witness summaries at least 15 days before Value Adjustment Board hearings, effective September 1, 2025.

Introduction

Issued on August 13, 2025, PTO Bulletin 25-17 implements mandatory evidence-exchange rules for Value Adjustment Board hearings. Under the new legislation (HB 7031 / Chapter 2025-208), Florida Statutes (s. 194.011) require mutual exchange of hearing evidence by both parties at least 15 days before the hearing. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Key Requirements

• Both the petitioner and the property appraiser must exchange a list of evidence, documentation, and witness summaries at least 15 days before the hearing.
• The previous option allowing appraisers to delay exchange until 7 days before, and only upon written request, is no longer valid. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Procedural and Rulemaking Updates

Key forms (DR-481, DR-486, DR-486PORT, PT-101, PT-902020) will be updated. Rule revisions to F.A.C. chapters 12D-9 and 12D-16 are pending to integrate these requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Impacts on VAB Participants

These changes enhance transparency and preparation, eliminate evidence surprises, and ensure consistency across VAB proceedings statewide.

Conclusion

PTO 25-17 establishes a clearer, fairer evidence-sharing process for VAB hearings, requiring all parties to engage proactively starting September 1, 2025.