The Florida Homestead Exemption and how to apply for it
The Florida Homestead exemption is a property tax exemption enjoyed by legal Florida residents. The Florida Homestead exemption applies to homes, condos, townhomes, and certain mobile homes that must be approved before they qualify.
The constitution of the state of Florida provides for the homestead exemption on the first and third $25,000 of the assessed value of a home.
Florida residents qualify for the Homestead Exemption if they have made the property their home or if any legal or natural dependent have made the place their residence by the January of the year the tax exemption is applied for. January 1 is the date when a permanent residence is ascertained.
Applications for the Florida Homestead exemption for taxes is between the period of January 1 to March 1 for the year in which exemption is required. Once a homeowner has successfully filed for their Florida Homestead Exemption, it automatically is renewed annually as long as the ownership titles don't change. All the property owners should apply as Tenants in Common to claim all the coverage.
The procedure for application is as follows:
The proof of ownership
The applicant should provide proof of ownership of the home. The recorded deed or co-op proprietary lease should indicate the name of the person applying for the tax exemption. Where properties are held in trust, the owner may need to provide a copy of a trust agreement or a notarized certificate of trust.
The proof of permanent residence in Florida
The proof of residence for all applicants should show a date prior to January 1, for the year that the exemption is being filed. All applicants should also provide a Florida's Driving License or a Florida I.D. card for non-drivers. Applicants should also possess either a Florida Voter's registration or a recorded declaration of domicile. Non-US residents should additionally have proof of permanent residency, asylum or proof that one is the parent of a US-born (US citizen).
It is worth noting that the applicant or their marriage partner has a homestead exemption in another state on another home, then the applicant will not be eligible to qualify for tax exemption. Normally, the homestead exemption is granted to applicants based on their interest in the property. Applications for the Florida Homestead Exemption can be filed in person through email, online, or via mail. However, before this is done the owner should ensure that the required forms and copied documents are available and correctly filed.
The deadline to file for Homestead Exemption is March 1
Where to file for the homestead exemption if you live in Clay or Duval County FL.
Duval County
Duval County Property Appraiser
231 E. Forsyth St., Suite 270
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Office Hours: Monday - Friday
7 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Clay County
County Administration Building
Second Floor
477 Houston Street
U.S. Highway 17
Green Cove Springs, FL
32043
Tax Collector's Office
Park Avenue Branch
1518 Park Ave
Orange Park, FL
32073-4910