The homestead exemption is one of the largest tax breaks available to Florida homeowners. It applies to the home you own and live in as your permanent residence on January 1.
What it does
- The first $25,000 of assessed value is exempt from all property taxes.
- An additional exemption of up to about $25,000, adjusted for inflation, applies to assessed value between $50,000 and roughly $75,000, but not to school taxes.
- Save Our Homes caps yearly increases in the assessed value of a homestead at 3% or the change in the consumer price index, whichever is lower.
Applying
Apply with your county property appraiser, usually by March 1 for the year. Bring proof of ownership and residency, such as a Florida driver license and voter or vehicle registration at the address. Once granted, it renews automatically while you qualify.
Keep it, or lose it properly
Renting the home out, or moving, can end the exemption. Tell the property appraiser when you no longer qualify; penalties apply when an exemption is kept improperly.
Our homestead savings estimator shows the difference on your tax bill.
General information. Exemption amounts and rules can change; your county property appraiser decides eligibility.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
