Florida Homestead Exemption
Lower your property taxes. Don't miss March 1.
If you own a Florida home and live in it as your permanent residence, the homestead exemption can lower your property taxes this year and limit increases for as long as you own it.
By Dawn Spencer · Last updated
How It Works
The basics
- Up to $50,000 off your home's assessed value
- Save Our Homes cap: assessed value increases limited to 3% a year or CPI, whichever is lower
- Portability: move up to $500,000 of accumulated savings to your next Florida homestead
- Additional exemptions for qualifying veterans with service-connected disabilities, seniors, surviving spouses, and others
Key dates: you must own and live in the home on January 1, and apply by March 1 of that year.
How to Apply
Apply with your county
Most counties let you apply online. Have your deed or closing documents, Florida driver license, vehicle registration, and voter registration (if registered) ready.
For Veterans
Veteran property tax exemptions
- An additional exemption for veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more
- A full exemption on a homestead for qualifying veterans with a total and permanent service-connected disability
- A property tax discount for qualifying veterans age 65 and older with a combat-related disability
Eligibility rules are set by Florida law and handled by your county property appraiser. Bring your VA letter documenting your disability rating when you apply.
See every veteran exemption, who qualifies, and how to apply · VA funding fee exemptions
When is the Florida homestead exemption deadline?
Apply with your county property appraiser by March 1. You must own the home and make it your permanent residence as of January 1 of the tax year.
How much does the homestead exemption save?
It can reduce your home's assessed value by up to $50,000. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, including school taxes; the additional exemption of up to $25,000 applies to assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and excludes school taxes.
What is the Save Our Homes cap?
Once your homestead is in place, annual increases in your home's assessed value are capped at 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.
What is homestead portability?
When you sell a homesteaded Florida home and buy another, you may be able to transfer some or all of your Save Our Homes savings, up to $500,000, to the new home. You must apply for it with your new homestead application.
This page is general information, not tax advice. Your county property appraiser has the final word on eligibility.
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Dawn Spencer, REALTOR® · Hi Real Estate