Homestead Exemption in Florida

THE HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

In the state of Florida, a $25,000 exemption is applied to the first $50,000 of your property’s assessed value if your property is your permanent residence and you owned the property on January 1 of the tax year. 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.

When qualifying for the Homestead Exemption, you will need the following documents for all property owners applying:

Florida Driver’s License or Florida ID if you do not drive
Florida car registration
Florida Voter’s ID (if you vote)
Immigration documents if not a U.S. citizen.
Documents should reflect the address of your homesteaded property. Homestead Exemption also qualifies you for the 3% Cap Save our Homes (SOH)

How do I apply?

You have three options to submit your application:

E-File
Complete the application online. Print it out and mail to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office, Exemption Services, 1st Floor, 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Visit one of our five service centers to file in person.
All homestead exemption applications must be submitted by March 1.

Do I need to reapply for a homestead exemption every year?

No. We will renew your homestead exemption annually as long as you continue to qualify for the exemption. After January 1 of each year, we will send you a homestead exemption receipt by mail to confirm the renewal. You must contact us if you no longer qualify for the exemption. This may occur because the property is being rented or is no longer your permanent residence, or there is a change in ownership due to a sale, marriage, divorce, death. Failure to notify us could result in a homestead tax lien with a substantial penalty and interest. A change in exemption status does not necessarily mean that your taxes will increase. Please call or email our office so we can help you understand your options.

If you receive a homestead exemption, you may be eligible for additional exemptions or discounts. The application deadline for all exemptions is March 1.

Rental of a Homesteaded Property*
You may rent your homesteaded property for 30 days or less per calendar year and maintain a homestead exemption. Rental for more than 30 days for two consecutive years or for more than six months constitutes abandonment of a homestead exemption.

Exempt property rented after January 1 of any year does not affect the homestead exemption for that particular year. If the property is rented on January 1 of the following year or the terms of the lease are six months or more the exemption will be denied.

Property owners are required to notify the Property Appraiser’s Office when their property no longer qualifies for exemption. Failure to do so could result in a Homestead Tax Lien with substantial penalty and interest.

*Florida Statute 196.061 and 196.011 (9) (a).

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