It is time for Florida residents to start thinking about filing for homestead exemption. In our first newsletter of 2016, we broke down the benefits and requirements of this money saving measure. Here is a little refresher, so you can check it off your list.
View Newsletter PDF: MSCTitle-Newsletter2016-12
Benefits Of Filing Homestead Exemption
By filing for homestead exemption, you are entitled to a deduction of $25,000 off of your property’s assessed value. This can result in saving several hundred dollars in taxes! If your home is worth at least $75,000 you will receive an additional $25,000 deduction on your property’s assessed value. You may also qualify for additional homestead exemptions if you are 65 years or older or have a disability. But most importantly, by filing for homestead exemption, this means that the assessed value of your property cannot increase more than 3% per year. This tax savings can now be transferred to a new Florida residence in case you move. For more details about homestead exemption, please visit your county’s property appraiser’s website.
Who can file Homestead Exemption?
In order to file for Homestead Exemption you MUST be a permanent Florida resident and occupy the property as of January 1, 2017 or have beneficial interest under a 98 year lease or life estate.
What is the Deadline?
The deadline for filing Homestead Exemption in all counties is March 1, 2017.
Where And How To File For Homestead Exemption
You may file online*, by mail, or in person at:
SARASOTA COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER
Telephone: 941.861.8200
Website: www.sc-pa.com/homestead/overview
Office Locations:
2001 Adams Lane • Sarasota, FL 34237
4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 115 • Venice, FL 34293
4940 City Hall Blvd, Room 128A • North Port, FL 34286
MANATEE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER
Telephone: 941.748.8208
Website: www.manateepao.com
Email: exemptions@mymanatee.org
Address: 915 4th Avenue W. • Bradenton, FL 34205
https://manatee.fl.bhahomestead.com/ApplyOnline/WebForm1.aspx
CHARLOTTE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER
Telephone: 941.743.1593
Website: www.ccappraiser.com/exemption.asp
Email: records@ccappraiser.com
Office Locations:
410 Taylor Street • Punta Gorda, FL 33950
18500 Murdock Circle • Third Floor • Port Charlotte, FL 33948
6868 San Casa Drive • Englewood, FL 34224
DESOTO COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER
Telephone: 863.993.4866
Website: www.desotopa.com/Exemptions.asp
Address: 201 East Oak Street, Rm 102 • Arcadia, FL 34266
LEE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER
Telephone: 239.533.6100
Website: www.leepa.org/Exemption/GeneralExemptionInfo.aspx
Email: exemptions@leepa.org
Address: 2480 Thompson Street • Fort Myers, FL 33901
*Note filing on-line will require more information and documentation than filing in person.
WHAT TO BRING
May vary by county, check your county’s property appraiser’s website for more details
- A recorded deed for your homestead property
- Tax bill for your homestead property
- Florida driver’s license or Florida state-issued ID
- Social Security Numbers for yourself (and spouse if married)
- If not a U.S. citizen, your Alien registration card
- Florida vehicle registration
- Declaration of Domicile or Florida voter registration
- Copy of entire trust agreement if property is held in a trust
This newsletter is just a friendly reminder to file for Homestead exemption. We wish to emphasize that the information herein is general and you may want to consult with an attorney for further advice as to how these various alternatives apply to you individually.