Applying for Homestead Exemption in Florida
Florida homeowners have the fortunate property tax saving advantage of Homestead Exemption. This exemption can lower the home’s estimated value for tax purposes up to $50,000. If you live in your property, the first $25,000 of the $50,000 exemption applies to all property taxes. The second $25,000 applies to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and only to non-school taxes. The Florida Department of Revenue has some excellent information including printable information sheets.
If you were a first-time buyer in the last year, there’s one specifically for you.
Apply in Your County
In order to qualify, you must have owned the home on January 1st. An application for homestead exemption needs to be submitted through the property appraiser of the county where the home is located. I’ve attached the links below for Seminole, Orange, and Osceola Counties.
Seminole County
The application will ask for information to prove your residency: whose name is on the title of the property on Jan. 1st, FL driver’s license, voter registration, proof of payment of utilities, and other possible questions/documents proving you are living in the home as your primary residence.
The deadline is March 1st!
Keep in mind, you need to submit the application by March 1, 2023. If you already have a homestead exemption, there’s nothing you need to do. It will be in effect until you change it. It’s an easy process, and in my experience, there are helpful people who can answer questions at the property appraiser’s offices.
