Apply for a Homestead Exemption

To qualify for a Homestead Exemption, you must own the property and it must be your permanent residence "to the exclusion of all others" as of January 1st of the year you are seeking the homestead exemption.

Once you receive the Homestead Exemption, you do not have to re-apply. The Property Appraiser mails out in January an "Automatic Residential Renewal Receipt" to every homesteaded property owner.  If you do not have any changes, you can keep the receipt as proof that you are eligible for the automatic renewal.

However, the homeowner has a responsibility under the law to notify the Property Appraiser if the ownership status of the property has changed or if it is no longer the permanent residence of the owner.

Rental of a home constitutes abandonment of the homestead exemption if the property, or a substantial part of it, is rented for more than 30 days for two consecutive calendar years.

Only those portions of the property owned and used as the homestead are eligible for the homestead exemption and Save Our Homes assessment limitation.

Active military personnel can retain the homestead exemption even when the property is rented. In order to keep your exemption intact, provide the Property Appraiser with a copy of your military orders.

• Read the Property Tax Exemption Requirements Guide
• Find out if you're committing Homestead Fraud

For more information, visit the Property Appraiser website.

Homestead Assessments

Limits the amount property assessments may be increased each year. Citation - Florida Statute 193.155

Homestead Exemption

This Florida Stature explains who and what qualifies for a Homestead Exemption. Citation - Florida Statute 196.031

Rental of homestead

Renting your home may cause the loss of your homestead exemption. Citation - Florida Statute 196.061