Glossary · Property Tax

Homestead Exemption

Florida Real Estate Glossary entry. Definition, examples, and how this term applies to NE Florida transactions.

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Definition
Florida's homestead exemption reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by $50,000 for property tax purposes. On a typical Jacksonville home, this saves approximately $565-$650 per year. To qualify, you must own and occupy the property as your primary residence and file an application with your county property appraiser by March 1 of the year following purchase.

How the exemption works

Florida's homestead exemption is a constitutional provision that reduces the assessed value of a primary residence for property tax calculation. The first $25,000 of assessed value is exempt from all property taxes. An additional $25,000 exemption applies to assessed values between $50,000 and $75,000, but does not exempt school district taxes. Combined effect: a $50,000 reduction in taxable value on most Florida primary residences.

Annual savings

On a Jacksonville home assessed at $382,000 (the metro median), the homestead exemption saves approximately $565-$650 per year, depending on the specific millage rate of the county and city. Higher-value homes save the same dollar amount (the exemption is fixed at $50,000 of assessed value, not a percentage). On a $1 million home in St. Johns County, the exemption saves the same approximately $470 per year — the rate is lower so the dollar savings is smaller.

Who qualifies

You qualify if all of these are true: you owned the property on January 1 of the tax year, you occupied the property as your primary residence, you are a permanent Florida resident or U.S. citizen, and you have not claimed homestead on another property. Vacation homes, second homes, rental properties, and investment properties do not qualify. You can only homestead one Florida property at a time, regardless of how many you own.

How to apply

File an application with your county property appraiser. In Duval County, file with the Duval County Property Appraiser. In St. Johns, Clay, Nassau, and other NE Florida counties, file with each county's respective property appraiser office. The deadline is March 1 of the year following the year you owned and occupied the home as of January 1. Applications can typically be filed online, in person, or by mail. Most applications are processed within 30-60 days. Once approved, the exemption renews automatically each year as long as you continue to own and occupy the home.

The Save Our Homes connection

Homestead status automatically activates Save Our Homes protection. Save Our Homes caps annual increases in your assessed value at 3% or inflation, whichever is lower. Over a long ownership period, this protection becomes significantly more valuable than the $50,000 exemption itself. A 20-year homeowner may have accumulated $200,000+ in Save Our Homes protection on top of the $50,000 homestead exemption.

Common questions.

What is the Florida homestead exemption worth?
The exemption reduces assessed value by $50,000 for property tax purposes. On a typical Jacksonville home, this saves approximately $565-$650 per year. The actual savings depends on the local millage rate, which varies by county and city.
How do I file for homestead exemption in Florida?
File an application with your county property appraiser by March 1 of the year following purchase. In Duval County, use the Duval County Property Appraiser online portal. In other NE Florida counties (St. Johns, Clay, Nassau, Alachua, Marion, Putnam), use that county's property appraiser office. The application requires proof of Florida residency and primary occupancy.
Can I get homestead exemption on a second home?
No. The Florida homestead exemption applies only to your primary residence. Second homes, vacation homes, rental properties, and investment properties do not qualify. You can only claim homestead on one Florida property at a time, regardless of how many properties you own.
Does the homestead exemption transfer to the new owner when I sell?
No. When you sell a homesteaded property, the buyer must file their own homestead exemption application based on their own ownership and occupancy. The new owner's homestead is established separately and does not include any accumulated Save Our Homes protection from the seller.
What happens if I miss the March 1 deadline?
Late applications may be accepted in some counties, but you typically lose the exemption for that tax year. The exemption will then apply starting the following year. To avoid losing a year of exemption, file as early as possible after purchasing the home. Many county property appraisers begin accepting applications in early January.
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