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Change in Status to Homestead Exemption

State law allows Florida homeowners to claim up to a $50,000 Homestead Exemption on their primary residence. Eligibility for Homestead Exemption is established as of January 1 of each year.

  • Partial Rental - If you rent out part of your primary residence, you may get a prorated exemption for the part you occupy.
  • Rental Property - Does not qualify for Homestead Exemption.
  • Duplex - If you are receiving income from part of the property, only the part which is your primary residence may receive the Homestead Exemption. You may claim a Homestead Exemption for the entire property as long as you are not receiving any rental income.
  • Refinance - Refinancing does not require you to re-file an exemption application. Changes in title may, however, necessitate a new application. If you are not sure if you should file an application, it is recommended that you file an application listing all residing owners and the Property Appraiser's Office will keep a record of the application. In the event it is determined a new application was required, a new Homestead Exemption will be applied to the property if all other eligibility requirements are met.
  • Title Changes - If you change the property title into a trust, you should file an application for exemption, attach a copy of the trust and mail it to the Property Appraiser.
  • Inheritance - If an owner passes away after January 1, then the exemption may be inherited for that year.
    • For the exemption to be inherited under these circumstances the property must have been the permanent residence of the decedent as of January 1.
    • The inherited exemption will only be applicable until the next January 1. The new owner must then file an original application for their Homestead Exemption.
    • In some cases, you may have to notify the Property Appraiser if a property owner has passed away to cancel the Homestead Exemption.
  • Probate - You should file your Homestead Exemption application immediately even if you are waiting to receive the Order Determining Homestead from the courts.
    • The Order Determining Homestead may be retroactive but the Homestead Exemption is not retroactive if you do not file by March 1.