How to Homestead Your Home in Florida

Living in Florida full-time has tax advantages.

Due to Florida's humid climate, some residents only reside there part time, returning to their homes in colder climates during the summer months. To help encourage and reward those who live in Florida on a permanent basis, the "Save Our Homes" act enabled homeowners to apply for a homestead exemption. This homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your home. Any Florida resident who is a permanent resident residing in the home is eligible for the homestead exemption. Certain disabled or widowed residence may qualify for additional exemptions.

Instructions

1. Fill out Form DR 501, Original Application for Ad Valorem Tax Exemption. This includes information, such as your name, address and Social security number, county of residence, tax exemption year, marital status and proof of residency. Proof of residency includes your driver license number, current employer, vehicle tag number and voter registration number. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must provide your immigration number

2. Check additional boxes if you qualify for additional exemptions. Possible exemptions include those for seniors over age 65, widows or widowers, the physically disabled or the blind.

3. Visit your county appraiser's office to hand deliver the application. You cannot apply by mail or fax. Applications must be filed with the appraiser's office no later than March 1 of the year in which you want to claim the exemption.

4. Bring along the required documentation to prove you meet the requirements. You need proof that you own the home, such as your deed, property tax bill or will, proof of state residency, such as your vehicle registration, tax return with current address or professional license and your Social Security card. A non-citizen needs to bring along his visa card. Permanent visas are always accepted. Temporary visas are approved on a case-by-case basis. If there is more than one person who owns the home, you need information for both parties.

5. Sign the application in front of a county appraiser. You must sign it in person. You cannot sign it before you bring it in or even in front of a notary. It must be in front of your county's appraiser.

Tips & Warnings

• You must have been a permanent resident of the home for the entire year. If you purchase your home after January 1, you do not qualify for the exemption until the following year.

• You do not need to renew your exemption unless your status changes.

References

• The Edwards Law Firm: Homestead Tax Exemption
• Property Appraiser Seminole County Florida: What Is a Homestead Tax Exemption?

Resources

• Florida Department of Revenue: Original Application for Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (DR 501)
• Florida Department of Revenue: Contact List for Property Appraisers in Florida