Are you leaving money on the table?

• If the property is your permanent residence, you must apply for all applicable exemptions
• The filing deadline is March 1
• Once approved, it reduces the taxable value of your home
• There is no need to reapply each year, unless changes to deed or residency change

You need to own and occupy your home prior to January 1st, and the deadline to file for all exemptions is March 1st

No, but you do have to own and occupy your home as of January 1st of the year you’re applying for

At least one owner has to be over 65 as of January 1st, but the income limitation includes the entire household income (see website for annual income)

Yes, once you qualify for homestead you can also apply for additional exemptions.

Yes, however, the Veteran must have a service-connected disability of 10% or more to qualify.

On our website, in person at 320 W Main St, Tavares, by fax at (352) 253-2155, or by email at [email protected].

Possibly. If you have a permanent resident card or have a dependent child born in the U. S., you may be able to qualify. Please call our office for specific questions.

You must reside on your homestead property as your primary residence. However, there is no particular amount of time you have to be physically present on the property to qualify for homestead exemption. To qualify for homestead exemption, you have to declare Florida as your permanent residence. For example, if you vote, you must vote in Florida. If you drive, you must have a Florida driver’s license. Your home address on your federal income tax return should be in Florida. There is no specific amount of time you must spend in Florida.

The deadline to file for homestead exemption is March 1st of the current tax year. However, if you had an extenuating circumstance that kept you from timely filing, you may file late up to 25 days from the date the Notices of Proposed Property Taxes are mailed. For help, please contact our office at (352) 253-2150.

Your homestead and most other exemptions will automatically renew every year, unless you notify our office that you are no longer eligible. If you move, you must file a new homestead exemption application for your new residence.

Important reminder: Your first year of homestead exemption does not include the Save Our Homes cap. The cap begins the following year.