Section 1.00: About Exemptions

1.01

How can I file for Homestead Exemption?

Any person who wishes to apply for homestead exemption must file with the county where the homestead property is located. Osceola County residents have the option of filing in person, ONLINE, or by mail by filling out the online form . In Osceola County, applications are accepted year round during regular business hours, but must be filed by March 1st of the year for which you are applying. There is no fee to file for homestead exemption.

In order to determine your permanent residency in Osceola County, you are required to produce the following documents when you apply. This documentation is required for all persons claiming the exemption, such as both a husband and wife.

• A copy of the deed to your property, or a current tax bill in your name.
• Your Florida driver's license (with current address). Out-of-state licenses or Florida Only driver's licenses are not accepted. Florida ID cards are accepted only in the case of a non-driver.
• Your Osceola County voter registration card or, if you cannot or do not wish to register to vote, a Declaration of Domicile, which can be obtained at our office.
• Your Florida vehicle registration.
• Your Social Security Number.
• If filing on a mobile home, your mobile home title or registration.

If you are not a citizen of the United States, you must produce your resident alien or 'green' card. You will need to file a Declaration of Domicile, since you are not eligible to register to vote. Temporary resident cards or visas are not acceptable, since neither establishes your permanent residency.

If you do not produce the required documentation, your application is considered incomplete and will not be granted.

1.02

Where and When do I file for Homestead Exemption?

You may file at any time during regular business hours at our office. You MUST file by March 1st of the year for which you are applying! For example, if you purchased and moved in to your new home in April, you may file at any time before March 1st of the following year. Occupation of your home on January 1st of the following year meets the residency requirements in the statutes. If you are not living in your home by January 1st, you do not qualify for that year.

Failure to file on or before March 1st , by law is a waiver of your exemption for that year.

Special locations and hours are established during January and February, which are our busiest times for homestead filing.

Osceola County Government Center 2505 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, Florida 8:00 AM -5:00 PM, Mon-Fri

1.03

How can I change my mailing address?

Requests to change mailing address may be made in person, by mail, or by fax. Requests must include:

• Person requesting change
• Current ownership name
• Location of property
• New address
• Date of request
• Phone number of person requesting change
• Signature of person requesting change

To change address in person:

Property Appraiser's Office
2505 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
Kissimmee, Florida 34744
(407) 742-5000 | (407) 742-4900(fax)

To change address by mail:

Property Appraiser's Office
2505 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy
Kissimmee, FL 34744

To change address by fax:

Fax (407) 742-4900

1.04

How can I find Millage Rates?

Click here to find a sheet with all of our most current Millage Rates.

Section 2.00: Tangible Personal Property

2.01

What is the new Tangible Personal Property Exemption?

This is an exemption from the property taxes in the amount of $25,000 on assessed value for tangible personal property. This exemption applies to business tangible personal property and mobile home attachments. You are required to file a Tangible Personal Property Tax Return to receive this exemption.

2.02

Why must I file a return?

Florida Statute 193.052 requires that all tangible personal property be reported each year to the Property Appraiser's Office. If you receive a return, it's because our office has determined that you may have property to report. If you feel the form is not applicable, return it with an explanation. Failure to receive a Personal Property Tax Return (DR-405) does not relieve you of your obligation to file.

2.03

How do I obtain a form?

A TPP form will be mailed to you at the beginning of the year. If you do not recieve a form please contact Osceola Property Appraiser Office or click here.  Other TPP related forms can be found by clicking here.

2.04

What if I receive more than one tax return?

All returns must be sent back. If you have more than one location, the assets of each should be listed on separate returns.

2.05

What if I have no assets to report? Do I still have to file a return?

Yes. If you feel you do not have anything to report, fill out items 1 through 9 on the return, and attach an explanation of why nothing was reported. However, almost all businesses and rental units have some assets to report, even if it is only supplies, rented equipment or household goods.

2.06

If I am no longer in business, should I still file the return?

Yes. If you were not in business on January 1 of the taxing year, follow this procedure.

1. On your return, indicate the date you went out of business and the manner in which you disposed of your business assets. Remember, if you still have the assets, you must file on them.

2. Sign and date the return

3. Mail the return back to this office.

2.07

What if I have old equipment that has been fully depreciated and written off the books?

Whether fully depreciated in your accounting records or not, all property still in use or in your possession should be reported.

2.08

Do I have to report assets that I lease, loan, rent, or borrow?

Yes. There is an area on the return specifically for those assets. Even though the assets are assessed to the owner, they must be listed for informational purposes.

2.09

Is there a minimum value that I do not have to report?

No, there is no minimum value. A tangible tax return must be filed on all assets by April 1.

2.10

If I rent my furnished home or condo for a few months, do I have to file?

Yes. Since rental activity is of an income producing nature, you must file a return, which lists your personal property. Items that should be listed include: Draperies, furniture, appliances and any other personal property included in the rental unit.

2.11

Are there deadlines and penalties?

The deadline for filing a timely return is April 1. After April 1, Florida Statutes provide that penalties be applied at 5% per month or portion of a month that the return is late. A 15% penalty is required for unreported property, and a 25% penalty if no return is filed.

2.12

What if I buy or sell an existing business during the year?

Most title companies do not do a search of the tangible assets of a business. You should therefore consult your Realtor, attorney or closing agent to avoid problems in this area.

2.13

Is my mobile home considered real or tangible personal property?

If you own both the land and the mobile home, and it is permanently set up, it is considered real property and must have an RP (Real Property) sticker. If you do not own the land, but do own the mobile home, you are required to purchase an annual MH (Mobile Home) sticker for your mobile home. The MH sticker takes the place of property taxes. Any attachments to the mobile home would be considered personal property. If no sticker is purchased for the mobile home then both the home and attachments are considered personal property.

2.14

Where and how can I purchase an MH sticker?

This sticker must be purchased each year during the month of December from the Tax Collector's Office. A new sticker must be purchased each year. The prior year's MH sticker is valid until December 31st.

2.15

Does the MH sticker exclude my mobile home from TPP tax assessment?

In part it does. The MH sticker only covers the mobile home itself. It does not cover any attachments or air conditioning units.

2.16

What is an office or field review assessment?

When a tax return is not filed by April 1 we are required to place an assessment on the property. This assessment represents an estimate based on the value of businesses with similar equipment and assets. Being assessed does not absolve your responsibility to file an accurate return.

2.17

What if I don't agree with the assessed value that appears on the notice of proposed property taxes that I receive?

Call this office or come in as soon as possible and discuss the matter with us. If you have evidence that the appraised value is more than the actual fair market value of your property, we will welcome the opportunity to review all the pertinent facts. After talking with us, and if you still feel the same, you may file a petition to be heard by the Value Adjustment Board. Click here for more information on filing a petition with the VAB..