Homestead Exemption
Property tax reform has been a topic of much debate over the last year. Despite the uncertainty of the possible changes to our tax structure, one thing we know for certain is that the Homestead Exemption provides a huge tax savings for Florida homeowners. But, what exactly is this Homestead Exemption? Every U.S. citizen or legal resident that has legal or equitable title to real property in the State of Florida and who resides thereon and in good faith makes it their permanent home as of January 1st is entitled to this exemption.
Not only does the exemption provide an immediate savings of approximately $470 from your tax bill, it also provides the benefit of the Save Our Homes (SOH) Amendment which keeps assessed values from increasing more than 3% per year on homestead property. With the different scenarios proposed by the Legislature, Homestead Exemption may become even more valuable in the future months and years.
In order to apply for homestead exemption, the applicant must be a Florida resident and own and occupy the home as of January 1st. Many homeowners believe that application is filed by their Realtor or at closing, but all applications must be files with the Property Appraiser’ s office by the deadline of March 1st.
Applicants are required to furnish their social security number, as well as a Florida driver’s license, and Florida voter’s registration. If property is held jointly by husband and wife, either party may apply for the exemption; however, we encourage both to apply initially.
The Homestead Exemption will be automatically renewed annually until the property is sold or until the property is no longer used as the primary residence. Purchasers of this property will be required to file a new application fro homestead exemption in the subsequent year. Homestead Exemption does not transfer with ownership, and a new application must be filed with each new home purchase.
Each year in January, my office send out postcards to new homeowners in Leon County as well as to local area REALTORS to encourage homeowners to remember to apply for this exemption. We also provide filing locations around the county during the month of February – the Tallahassee Mall, local libraries, and churches, among other locations. This information is included on the postcards as well as at our website – www.leonpa.org. At the website, you will find helpful questions and answers, a video on SOH and tax shock, and an online Homestead Exemption application for homeowners to download and mail to our office.
My staff and I would love the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about the Homestead exemption ot any other issue. I encourage you to contact us at (850) 488-6102, Monday thru Friday, 8am to 5pm, or by email at admin@leonpa.org
Bert Hartsfield
Leon County Property Appraiser
