How to apply for Florida Homestead Exemption

Who it's for

Florida's Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence by up to $50,000. The first $25,000 is exempt from all ad-valorem property taxes (including school taxes). A second $25,000 exemption applies to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and is exempt from all property taxes except school district levies — so a homeowner whose home is assessed at $75,000 or more receives the full $50,000 reduction (with $25,000 of that not exempt from school taxes). Eligibility hinges on owning and making the home your permanent residence as of January 1 of the tax year. There is no age or income test for the base exemption. Once granted, the exemption automatically continues each year as long as the homeowner continues to occupy the home — re-application is only required if ownership or occupancy changes. The Homestead Exemption is also what unlocks the 'Save Our Homes' 3% annual assessment-increase cap, which protects long-time homeowners from large property-tax jumps when market values rise.

What you'll need

• Form DR-501 (Original Application for Homestead and Related Tax Exemptions), filed with your county Property Appraiser
• Florida driver's license or Florida ID card showing the homestead address
• Florida vehicle registration (if you own a vehicle) showing the homestead address
• Florida voter registration card showing the homestead address (or a declaration of domicile)
• Recorded deed or proof of ownership
• Social Security numbers for the applicant and spouse

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Confirm eligibility by making sure the home is owned and used as a permanent Florida residence as of January 1 of the tax year. There is no age or income requirement for the base exemption.
2. Gather all required documents: Form DR-501 (Original Application for Homestead and Related Tax Exemptions), a Florida driver's license or Florida ID card showing the homestead address, Florida vehicle registration showing the homestead address (if a vehicle is owned), a Florida voter registration card showing the homestead address or a declaration of domicile, a recorded deed or other proof of ownership, and Social Security numbers for the applicant and spouse.
3. Contact your county Property Appraiser's office to confirm how and where to submit Form DR-501 and your supporting documents, as submission options vary by county.
4. Submit the completed Form DR-501 and all supporting documents to your county Property Appraiser's office by the deadline the office provides.

What to expect: After submitting, the county Property Appraiser's office will review the application and documents. Processing times vary, so contact the county office directly for an estimate. If approved, the exemption will reduce the taxable assessed value of the home and will also activate the Save Our Homes annual assessment-increase cap. No reapplication is needed each year — the exemption renews automatically as long as the homeowner continues to own and occupy the home as a permanent residence. If ownership or occupancy changes, notify the Property Appraiser's office promptly, as a new application may be required.

Renewals

one-time (auto-renews while owner-occupied)