What is Homestead Exemption?

Under the Florida Constitution, permanent Florida residents may reduce the taxable value of their property by applying and qualifying for the exemption.

$50,000 Homestead Exemption

Florida Law entitles every person who has legal or equitable title to real estate and maintains it as his/her permanent residence, to apply for a $50,000 homestead property tax exemption. A partial exemption may apply if the ownership of the applicant is less than 100%.

You are entitled to a Homestead Exemption if, as of January 1st, you have made the property your permanent home or the permanent home of a person who is legally or naturally dependent on you. By law, January 1st of each year is the date on which permanent residence is determined.

All proof of residency should be dated prior to January 1st

Information needed for each person filing for an exemption:

• Florida Driver's License (with current address)
• Social Security Number of applicant & applicant's spouse
• If the applicant is not a U.S. citizen, a U.S. Permanent Resident Alien Card
• Florida Tag Registration
• Osceola County Voter Registration Card
• Declaration of Domicile (if not a registered voter)

Additional Information Needed:

• Date each applicant became a permanent Florida resident
• Date of occupancy
• Date of birth for all applicants
• Any exemptions filed last year
• Address of last income tax return
• If property is titled in a trust, copy of entire trust must be submitted or Certificate of Trust supplied by the Property Appraiser's Office
• If you are filing on a mobile home, proof of title or registration to mobile home and deed to property must be brought into office to obtain a "Real Property" application

Homesteaded owners do NOT need to apply for the additional savings, as the $50,000 homestead exemption amount will be automatically applied starting this year.

Portability

Homeowners that sold their homestead during 2009 and 2010 and apply for homestead for 2011 can transfer their old CAP to the new residence.

To apply for portability, complete this form and mail in with the Homestead application form. If you have already applied for Homestead, you may send in the portability application separately.

If additional information is needed to process your application, you will be notified.

Important: A change in the title of your property, such as conveying into a trust or adding a spouse, will require you to make a new application for your exemption. Homestead and other exemptions are non transferable. If you purchase and/or move to a new residence, it is your responsibility to reapply on your new home.

Please notify us when your mailing address changes. If you do not notify the Property Appraiser’s Office, you could lose your exemption.

Homebound Outreach Program

Homebound persons and other qualified individuals with disabilities who cannot readily leave their home to visit one of our offices may also file for a Homestead Exemption or any other additional exemption.

Please call: 407-742-5000 (main office) to arrange for a visit from our office to assist you with any exemption you are applying for.