To receive Florida’s homestead exemption, you must own the home and make it your permanent residence on January 1, and file with your county property appraiser by March 1. If you buy late in the year, you file in January or February of the next year.
What does homestead save you?
The exemption lowers your taxable value, and Save Our Homes caps yearly increases in assessed value at 3 percent. If you move to another Florida home later, you may be able to transfer part of that benefit with portability, up to $500,000.
Do I need to file again if I inherit or buy from a homesteaded seller?
Yes. The seller’s exemption does not transfer to you. You must file your own application.
What do I bring?
Typically your Florida driver license or ID showing the home address, vehicle registration, voter registration, and proof of ownership. Each county appraiser lists current requirements. After every closing I send my clients the county steps in writing.
Want the full walkthrough? Read my Florida buyer contract-to-close guide or call me, Jeremy Beckham, at NextHome Treasure Coast.