Homestead Exemption
In Florida, $25,000 of the assessed value of your home is exempt from real
estate taxes, but you have to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the
exemption. First you much have the title or record to your property as of
January 1, and reside on the property. You have to be a legal and permanent
resident of Florida as of January 1. When applying for the exemption status,
bring along a copy of your deed or tax bill, and a Florida county voters
registration or Declaration of Domicile. If you drive, you must also bring
your Florida driver's license and automobile registration. New applications
must be submitted in person at the appraiser's office, but renewals may be
done by mail. For further information, consult the County Property Appraiser's
Office.
Real Estate Taxes
All residents are subject to county taxes, but each city or special district
levies taxes within its boundaries. City, special-district, and county taxes
are combined in one tax bill. Real estate taxes are assessed as of January 1
each year. They are due and payable on November 1 and become delinquent if not
paid before April 1 of the following year. Florida law holds the taxpayer responsible
for receiving and paying tax bills in full. For additional information contact
the County Property Appraiser's Office.
Establishing Residency
To establish residency, you may register to vote or file a Declaration of Domicile,
which is an affidavit available at the CountyCourthouse. Filing one copy with
the Circuit Court provides a record of your intention to make Florida your home.
Simply moving to the State does not guarantee legal residency. For more information
contact the County's Clerk of Circuit Court.
What is Homestead Exemption?
Florida Law entitles every person, who has legal or equitable title to real
estate and maintains it as his/her permanent residence, to apply for a
$25,000 homestead property tax exemption. A partial exemption may apply
if the ownership of the applicant is less than 100%.
Am I eligible to file?
You must meet the following requirements as of January 1st:
Have legal or beneficial title to the property, recorded in the Official
Records of County
Residency on the property
Be a permanent resident of the State of Florida
Be a United States citizen or possess a Permanent Residence Card (green card)
When do I file?
The deadline to file an application for exemption is March 1st. Under Florida
law, failure to file for any exemption by March 1st constitutes a waiver
of the exemption privilege for the year.
Regular filing is January 2nd - March 1st.
Pre-filing for the coming year is March 2nd - December 31st.
How do I file?
Take copies of the required documentation to your Exemption Department:Generally
at the County or City Court House
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