First exemption
The first $25,000 generally applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes.
A Florida Homeowner Resource From Ed Taaffe
Florida Homestead Exemption
If your Florida home is your permanent residence, homestead exemption may reduce its taxable value and qualify it for important assessment protections. Here is what Sarasota and Manatee County homeowners should know.
Potential Property-Tax Savings
What is Florida homestead exemption?
Eligible owners who make a Florida property their permanent residence may receive a homestead exemption that reduces the home's taxable value. The county property appraiser—not a real estate agent—determines eligibility.
Additional exemption
An additional exemption applies to qualifying assessed value above $50,000 for non-school taxes. The maximum additional amount may be adjusted for inflation.
Save Our Homes
Beginning after homestead is established, annual increases in assessed value are generally limited to 3% or the change in CPI, whichever is lower.
Who May Qualify?
Ownership and permanent residency matter
In general, you must own the property and make it your permanent residence—or the permanent residence of your dependent—as of January 1 of the tax year for which you are applying.
Eligibility depends on your specific ownership and residency circumstances. The property appraiser may request evidence showing that Florida is your permanent home.
- Ownership or beneficial interest
- Permanent Florida residence
- Occupancy as of January 1
- No conflicting residency claim
- County application completed
- Supporting documentation supplied
Verify current requirements with the property appraiser in the county where the home is located.
Dates to Remember
Do not wait until the last minute
File as soon as your deed appears in county records and you can document permanent Florida residency. Contact the property appraiser promptly if the deadline is approaching or your ownership is not yet displayed online.
January 1You generally must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence by this date for that tax year.
March 1This is the standard filing deadline for homestead exemption and portability applications.
Every YearReview notices and tell the property appraiser when ownership, use or residency circumstances change.
Prepare Before Applying
Information you may be asked to provide
Requirements can vary based on ownership, marital status, trusts, prior residences and other circumstances. The county's application will identify the exact documents needed.
Property information
Street address, parcel or account number, closing date and ownership information reflected in the recorded deed.
Florida identification
Florida driver's license or identification card information for applicants, with the homestead address when required.
Residency evidence
Voter registration, vehicle registration, declaration of domicile or other evidence requested by the property appraiser.
Personal information
Social Security numbers and applicable information for a spouse or co-applicant, handled through the county's secure process.
Previous residence
Your former address, the date prior residency ended and information about any prior Florida homestead.
Special ownership documents
Trust, life-estate, recorded deed or other documents may be needed when title or beneficial ownership requires review.
Moving Within Florida?
Ask about Save Our Homes portability
Homestead exemption itself does not transfer to a new property. However, eligible Florida homeowners may be able to transfer—or “port”—all or part of the Save Our Homes assessment difference from a previous Florida homestead to a new one.
To request portability, you generally file the Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference form with the homestead application for the new residence. The new homestead must be established within the applicable statutory period.
- Tell the county about your prior homestead
- Request portability with the new application
- Provide the former property information
- File by the applicable deadline
Why portability matters
Your Save Our Homes benefit is the difference between a homesteaded property's just value and assessed value. When eligible, transferring part of that difference may lower the assessed value of your next Florida homestead.
Every scenario is different. Ask the property appraiser to calculate how the rules apply to your former and new properties.
Florida Portability GuideOfficial Applications
Apply through your county property appraiser
Choose the county where the property is located. These buttons lead directly to the official county application resources.
Manatee County
Use the Manatee County Property Appraiser's secure online filing system. Recently recorded ownership may take time to appear; follow the county's instructions if the March 1 deadline is approaching.
Apply in Manatee CountySarasota County
Visit the Sarasota County Property Appraiser's official homestead application page for online filing, status information and related exemption resources.
Apply in Sarasota CountyDid you recently buy a Florida home?
Add homestead filing to your post-closing checklist. Ed can point you to the correct official resource, while the county property appraiser determines eligibility and processes the application.
Homestead FAQs
Common Florida homeowner questions
How much is the Florida homestead exemption?
An eligible property may receive an exemption of up to $50,000 under the basic structure. The first $25,000 generally applies to all property taxes. The additional portion applies to qualifying assessed value above $50,000 and generally excludes school district taxes; its maximum may be adjusted for inflation. Your county calculates the actual benefit.
Does homestead exemption eliminate my property taxes?
No. It reduces eligible taxable value but does not eliminate all property taxes, non-ad valorem assessments or other charges. The savings depend on assessed value and applicable taxing authorities.
Do I qualify immediately after buying a home?
Eligibility is generally based on ownership and permanent residency as of January 1 of the tax year. Closing on or occupying a property after January 1 may mean the exemption begins the following tax year. Confirm your dates and circumstances with the county property appraiser.
When is the application deadline?
March 1 is the standard deadline. File early whenever possible. If you believe you missed a deadline, contact the property appraiser immediately to ask whether any late-filing procedure is available.
Do I have to apply every year?
Homestead exemption commonly renews automatically after approval, but owners remain responsible for reviewing notices and reporting changes that affect eligibility. Follow all instructions from your county.
Can I claim homestead exemption on a vacation or rental property?
Homestead is generally for a qualifying permanent residence, not a property used only as a vacation home or rental. Mixed-use and temporary-rental situations can be fact-specific, so ask the property appraiser before assuming eligibility.
What is the Save Our Homes assessment limitation?
Beginning the year after homestead is established, increases in assessed value are generally limited to the lower of 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index. This limits assessed-value growth; it does not guarantee that the tax bill itself cannot increase.
Are other property-tax exemptions available?
Additional benefits may be available for qualifying seniors, veterans, active-duty military members, surviving spouses, people with disabilities and others. Review the official county and Florida Department of Revenue resources for current qualifications.
This page is a general educational resource and is not legal or tax advice. Requirements, exemption amounts, deadlines, forms and interpretations can change. The county property appraiser determines eligibility and the value of any exemption. Verify current information directly with the property appraiser where the property is located.
This site is hosted, designed and copyright© 1994 - 2026 by Delta Media Group, Inc. -- Patent Pending --