How to file your 2022 Homestead Exemption

When you buy a home in Florida, you have until March 1st of the year following the purchase to file for homestead exemption. For example, if you bought a home in 2021, you have until March 1, 2022, to file your homestead exemption. Here’s some basic info on what you are going to need to do to file for Homestead Exemption in Florida. Of course always seek legal advice from a Florida real estate attorney if you have questions.

March 1, 2022: Exemption filing period closes for 2022 Homestead Exemptions
NOTE: If you have previously filed for Homestead Exemption on the property you live in, you don’t need to do it again. Homestead Exemption automatically renews every year on your primary residence.

Why you should file for a homestead exemption?
Homestead Exemption provides homeowner’s with several benefits including:

  • Protection of the family (legal life estate)
  • Protection of homestead from forced sale
  • Tax exemption of up to $50,000
  • Size restriction of the protected homestead is 160 acres outside the city or .5 acre within city
  • Personal property protection ($1,000 value)

One of the biggest benefits is the Homestead Exemption can lower your property tax bill on your primary residence in Florida. In fact, the Homestead Exemption lowers your assessed value by as much as $50,000, depending on the assessed value of your homestead.

Here is how the Homestead Exemption benefit is calculated:

  • Homes with an assessed value of up to $50,000: $25,000 base exemption
  • Homes with an assessed value of $75,000 and higher: $50,000 ($25,000 base exemption + $25,000 additional exemption)

There are additional exemptions that apply to certain people:

  • Additional $500 Exemption: Surviving spouses, individuals who are legally blind, and non-veterans who are totally and permanently disabled
  • Additional $5,000 Exemption: Veterans with a service-related disability of at least 10% (applies to the surviving spouse who was married to the veteran at death and for 5-years preceding death)
  • 100% Exemptions (No Ad Valorem Taxes): Quadriplegics, veterans who have a service-connected 100% disability and surviving spouses of a veteran who died while on active duty.

Here are the documents you may need for Homestead Exemption*:

  • Florida Voter’s Registration Card
  • Florida Driver’s License
  • Florida Vehicle Registration
  • Recorded Warranty Deed for the Property
  • Current Electrical Utility Bill (In your name with service prior to January 1st)
  • Social Security Number (for all owners)

Items 1, 2, 3, and 4 must be obtained before January 1 of the year you file. You must reside in the property as of December 31st and must file for homestead exemption on or before March 1st. Bring all necessary documentation for all owners appearing on the deed. All applicants are required to sign the application for Homestead Exemption. *Check your county for exact paperwork needed.

How to File for Homestead Exemption*:
It’s QUICK, EASY and FREE! You can file for the exemption with the county where your property is located either in person, online or via mail.

Hillsborough County Property Appraiser’s Office
601 E. Kennedy Boulevard, 15th Floor, Tampa, Florida 33602
(813) 272-6100
https://hcpafl.org/E-Filing/Homestead-E-File

Pasco County Property Appraiser’s Office
14236 6th St., Ste. 101, Dade City, FL 33523
(352) 521-4433
www.pascopa.com 

Pinellas County Property Appraiser’s Office
315 Court Street. 2nd Floor, Clearwater, FL 33756
(727) 464-3207
www.pcpao.org

Hernando County Property Appraiser’s Office
201 Howell Avenue, Suite 300, Brooksville, Fl 34601
(352) 754-4190
www.hernandopa-fl.us/pawebsite/

*Many county property appraisers have multiple offices. Please look online to see if there is a more convenient location for you.

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