If you are a permanent Florida resident, you may be eligible for a homestead exemption, which can save you generally $750 to $1,000 in property taxes each year. All homestead exemption applications must be eligible as of January 1 and submitted by March 1 of the year in which the benefit will be applied.
A $25,000 exemption is applied to the first $50,000 of your property’s assessed value. This exemption applies to all taxes, including school district taxes.
An additional exemption of up to $25,000 will be applied if your property’s assessed value is between at least $50,000 and $75,000. This exemption is not applied to school district taxes.
If you qualify for the homestead exemption, any applicable additional homestead exemption is applied automatically. You do not need to apply for it separately.
| Assessed Value | Additional Homestead Exemption |
|---|---|
| $50,000 or less | $0 |
| $50,001 - $74,999 | The difference between the assessed value and $50,000 |
| $75,000+ | $25,000 |
In addition, a homestead exemption limits any increase to your assessed value to a maximum of 3% each year or the amount of the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. More on capping»
As of January 1, you must:
- Be a permanent resident of the State of Florida
- Hold title to the property
- Make the property your permanent residence
There are three ways to file:
- E File
- Visit one of our five Service Centers to file in person
- Complete the application form, print it out, and mail it to our office
When applying, you will need:
- Social Security Numbers of all property owners who are applying and their spouses
- Valid Florida driver’s license or ID
- Permanent residency proof (Alien Registration Card), if not a U.S. citizen
-
Any one of the following:
- Valid Florida vehicle registration
- Valid Florida voter registration (voting address must match homestead)
- Declaration of Domicile, if applicable
- Federal tax return
- Utility bills from the property for which you are applying for the Exemption
Once you qualify, your homestead exemption will be renewed for you annually as long as you continue to qualify for the exemption.
Those who qualify will receive a pink and white homestead exemption receipt card that is mailed on the last business day of December each year. If there are no changes to the use and/or ownership of the property, simply keep the card as a receipt that you have been automatically renewed for another year. However, if there is a change to ownership due to a sale, marriage, divorce, death, or change in property use, call our office at 561.355.2866 or email us at MyExemption@pbcpao.gov.
If you move, please note that homestead exemption does not automatically transfer to a new residence. Florida law requires property owners to file a new application if they move or if they change the manner in which title is held on their existing homestead. More on homestead portability»
If you qualify for a homestead exemption or any other exemption, you must report any changes in your status that may make you ineligible for the exemption.
We can help you understand your options. Please contact our office at 561.355.2866 or myexemption@pbcpao.gov.
196.031 Exemption of homesteads.—
(1)(a) A person who, on January 1, has the legal title or beneficial title in equity to real property in this state and who in good faith makes the property his or her permanent residence or the permanent residence of another or others legally or naturally dependent upon him or her, is entitled to an exemption from all taxation, except for assessments for special benefits, up to the assessed valuation of $25,000 on the residence and contiguous real property, as defined in s. 6,
Art. VII of the State Constitution.