Filing Your Florida Homestead Exemption

Under Florida Law, every person is entitled to apply for a $25,000 homestead property tax exemption if they have legal or equitable title to real estate and maintains it as their permanent residence. Partial exemption may apply if the ownership of the applicant is less than 100%.

You must have been a legal resident of the county in which you are filing and made that your permanent legal residence as of January 1st to qualify for a Florida Homestead exemption for the current year.  The initial application for property tax exemption must be made between January 1 and March 1 of the year for which the exemption is desired. You can pre-qualify for the upcoming year, anytime starting March 2 through December 31. Once you have successfully filed for your Florida Homestead Exemption, it will automatically renew each January as long as the title on the property has not changed.

Applications can usually be made in person, through the mail or on-line, but to ensure that all information is correctly filled out and all required forms accounted for, it is best to apply in person at the county where the home is located.

Some counties have different requirements, so it is best to call ahead to verify what is needed and to bring as much documentation as you have available. Below is a list of what is generally required to file for a Florida Homestead Exemption.

For proof of residency, you will need:

• A copy of your Warranty Deed.
• Property Tax Bill (if you have received one).

For each person listed on the title you will need:

• Your Social Security Number (Some counties will require a copy of your Social Security Card.)
• A copy of your Florida Vehicle Registration (if you have one).
• A Declaration of Domicile - the affidavit of residency obtained through the County Comptroller's Office.
• A Florida Driver's License (if you drive). The address on your license must match your current address.
  
  • If you do not drive, you must have one of the following:
    A Florida Identification Card, with your current address.
    Your Voter's Registration (if you have one).
    

If you are not a U.S. Citizen, bring your immigration number and date or your resident alien (green) card.

Additional information that may be required:

• Date each applicant became a permanent Florida resident.
• Date of occupancy.
• Date of birth of all applicants.
• Any exemptions filed last year.
• Address of last income tax return.
• If property is titled in a trust, copy of entire trust must be submitted or Certificate of Trust supplied by the Property Appraiser's Office.
• If you are filing on a mobile home, proof of title or registration to mobile home and deed to property must be brought into office to obtain a "Real Property" application.

Everyone that meets the Homestead requirements is entitled to the first $25,000 exemption. An additional exemption of up to $25,000 applies to the assessed value on homes over $50,000.

Senior Exemption:
If at least one owner is 65 years old on January 1st for the current tax year. Total household income must be below current limits.

$500 Widow's/Widower's Exemption:
Any widow or widower who is a Florida resident and has not remarried or has divorced. A copy of the death certificate will be required.

$500 Disability Exemption:
A Florida resident who is totally and permanently disabled may qualify for this exemption. A physician certificate from a licensed, professionally unrelated Florida physician is required.

$500 Exemption for Blind Persons:
A Florida resident who is considered legally blind may qualify for this exemption. A certificate of blindness issued by the Division of Blind Services, the Veteran's Administration or two physician certificates from licensed, professionally unrelated Florida physicians are required.

$5,000 Disability Exemption for Ex-service member:
An ex-service member disabled at least 10% in war or by service-connected misfortune may be entitled to a $5000 exemption on any property owned by the ex-service member. A letter from the Veteran's Administration is required.

Orange County:

Online
Orange County Property Appraiser
200 S. Orange Avenue Suite 1700
Orlando, Florida

Phone: 407-836-5044
Hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Seminole County:

Seminole County Services Building
1101 East First Street
Sanford, Florida

Phone: 407-665-7506
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Osceola County:

Osceola County Government Center
2505 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
Kissimmee, Florida

Phone: 407-742-5000
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

St. Cloud Office
1300 9th Street, Building B, Suite # 120
St. Cloud, Florida

Phone: 407-742-5192
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Lake County:

Online
Main Office
Historic Courthouse, 3rd Floor
317 West Main Street
Tavares, Florida

Phone: 352-343-9748
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Lady Lake Office
912 Avenida Central
Lady Lake, Florida

Phone: 352-750-4545
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

South Lake Office
Clermont Regional Shopping Center
1060 E. Highway 50
Clermont, Florida

Phone: 352-394-5116
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday