If you purchased a home in Florida and it's your primary residence, you're likely eligible for the Homestead Exemption — a property tax benefit that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year. Yet many new homeowners either don't know it exists or miss the March 1 filing deadline.
In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly what the Homestead Exemption is, how much it can save you, who qualifies, and the step-by-step process to file — so you don't leave money on the table.
What Is the Florida Homestead Exemption?
Florida's Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence by up to $50,000. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, and the second $25,000 applies to non-school taxes only. This means if your home is assessed at $350,000, your taxable value for most purposes drops to $300,000 — saving you real money every year.
Beyond the dollar savings, the Homestead Exemption also activates the Save Our Homes (SOH) cap, which limits how much your assessed value can increase each year to 3% or the rate of inflation — whichever is lower. In a rising market, this cap becomes increasingly valuable over time.
How Much Can You Save?
Standard exemption
Up to $50,000 off assessed value
Typical annual savings
$500–$1,000+ per year
Save Our Homes cap
Max 3% annual assessment increase
Filing deadline
March 1 of the tax year
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible for the Florida Homestead Exemption, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- You own the property as of January 1 of the tax year
- The property is your permanent primary residence
- You are a Florida resident (not a seasonal or part-time resident)
- You do not claim a homestead exemption in any other state or county
- You have a valid Florida driver's license or ID showing the property address (or a Declaration of Domicile)
You can only claim one Homestead Exemption — it must be for your primary residence. Investment properties, vacation homes, and rental properties do not qualify.
How to File: Step-by-Step
Gather your documents
You'll need your Florida driver's license or ID with your new address, your vehicle registration showing the property address, your Social Security number, and your property's parcel ID number (found on your deed or tax bill).
Find your county property appraiser
Each Florida county has its own Property Appraiser's office. For Hillsborough County, visit hcpafl.org. For Pinellas County, visit pcpao.gov. Most counties now offer online filing, which is the fastest and easiest method.
File online or in person
Most counties allow you to file online through their property appraiser's website. You can also file in person at the Property Appraiser's office. Online filing typically takes 10–15 minutes.
Submit before March 1
The deadline to file is March 1 of the tax year for which you want the exemption. If you close on your home in October 2026, you must file by March 1, 2027 to receive the exemption on your 2027 tax bill.
Confirm your approval
After filing, you'll receive a confirmation from the Property Appraiser's office. Your exemption will appear on your TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice, which is mailed each August.
Don't Forget Portability
If you previously had a Homestead Exemption on another Florida property, you may be able to transfer your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit to your new home — a process called Portability. This can significantly reduce the assessed value of your new home.
To claim portability, you must file a Portability Application (Form DR-501T) along with your Homestead Exemption application. The deadline is the same: March 1. If you're moving from another Florida home, don't skip this step — the savings can be substantial.