Florida Homestead Exemption Deadline: March 1 Filing Guide
If you purchased a home in Florida and it's your primary residence, filing for the Florida Homestead Exemption is one of the easiest ways to reduce your property taxes while protecting your home's taxable value over time.
At Driftwood Realty Group, we like to help our clients long after closing. One of the most important reminders we send each January is about the Florida Homestead Exemption. If you've recently purchased a home, taking a few minutes to file can provide valuable tax savings for years to come.
What Is the Florida Homestead Exemption?
The Florida Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence, which may lower your annual property tax bill.
In addition to the immediate tax savings, homeowners who qualify may also receive the benefit of Florida's Save Our Homes assessment limitation. This limits annual increases in your home's assessed value for tax purposes, helping protect homeowners from significant property tax increases as home values rise.
Benefits of Filing
If you qualify, you may receive:
A reduction in your home's taxable value
Lower annual property taxes
Save Our Homes protection, limiting annual increases in assessed value
Portability, allowing you to transfer a portion of your Save Our Homes benefit if you purchase another Florida homestead in the future
Who Qualifies?
Generally, you must:
Own the property.
Occupy the home as your permanent residence as of January 1.
Be a legal Florida resident.
Once your Homestead Exemption is approved, it typically renews automatically each year unless your eligibility changes.
When Is the Deadline?
The filing deadline is March 1.
If you miss the deadline, late filing is generally permitted through early September. However, we recommend filing as soon as you're eligible to avoid missing any important deadlines.
Apply Online
You can apply directly through your county Property Appraiser's website.
Links to Apply Online:
St. Johns County
Duval County
Additional Property Tax Exemptions
Depending on your circumstances, you may also qualify for additional exemptions, including:
Disabled Veteran Exemption
Senior Citizen Exemption
Widow or Widower Exemption
Totally and Permanently Disabled Exemption
Deployed Military Exemption
Parent or Grandparent Living Quarters ("Granny Flat") Exemption
Your county Property Appraiser's Office can help determine which exemptions may apply to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to file every year?
No. Once your Homestead Exemption is approved, it generally renews automatically as long as you remain eligible.
Can I file after March 1?
Florida typically allows late filing through early September, but it's best to file by March 1 whenever possible.
Can I transfer my Homestead Exemption if I move?
In many cases, yes. Florida's portability rules allow eligible homeowners to transfer a portion of their Save Our Homes benefit to a new primary residence.
We're Here to Help
We know buying a home comes with a lot of moving pieces, and our goal is to be a resource long after closing day.
If you have questions about filing your Florida Homestead Exemption or homeownership in general, feel free to call or text us at (904) 826-3690. We're always happy to help.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your county Property Appraiser or a qualified tax professional regarding your individual situation.
