Florida Homestead Exemption

Homestead exemption is a constitutional guarantee that reduces the assessed value of residential property up to $25,000 for qualified permanent residents. You can reduce your ad valorem tax bill by seeking a homestead exemption on the first $25,000 of your home's value. To file for the exemption, establish residency by December 31 prior to the year you will claim exemption, then file for exemption in January or February.

Information needed to file homestead exemption are as follows:

• Proof to establish residency prior to January 1 for all owners who occupy the property.
  • Florida Voter Registration Card or Declaration of Domicile.
  • A Valid Florida Driver's License or Identification Card.
  • Florida Auto Tag Registration on all vehicles privately owned.
  • Social Security Numbers
• To prove that your residency was established in the required time frame, provide a recorded deed or tax bill in your name for the home or vehicle registration/title for a mobile home.

Eligibility for Homestead Exemption

• Homeowners who rent their home are unable to qualify for homestead exemption. Rental of one's primary residence constitutes abandonment of homestead exemption.
• Mobile Home Owners can get homestead exemption if they own the land to which the mobile home is permanently affixed. The Title or Registration to the mobile home and residency of documentation are needed.
• Citizenship is not required to file for homestead exemption. An applicant who is not an U.S. Citizen must present a Declaration of Domicile and a permanent resident alien card (green card) when they apply.
• If you are a qualified Florida resident who has a spouse that has deceased, you are eligible for a windows or widowers exemption.
• Exemptions are not automatically transferred from one residence to a new home. To receive an exemption on a new home, one must reapply before March 1.
• One will receive the benefit of a previous owners' exemption for the remainder of that year when purchasing a new home. To continue the exemption, one must reapply before March 1 of the next year to qualify.
• If the property is in a trust, a copy of the trust agreement is necessary to determine those situations under which the resident may obtain homestead exemption. The Florida Constitution requires that the homestead claimant have beneficial title or legal title in equity to the property.
• Other Tax exemptions include medical and disabled veterans, total and permanent disability, quadriplegic, blinds, wheelchair confined and service connected disability exemptions.

For more information regarding homestead exemption, please contact the Sarasota County Property Appraiser, 2001 Adams Lane, Sarasota, FL at (941) 951-5650.