One great benefit the law provides to Florida homeowners is the Homestead Tax Exemption. Annual property taxes are based on the assessed value of your home. For properties qualifying for the exemption, the first $25,000.00 of the assessed value of the property is exempt from taxes. The homestead exemption is available to property owners who use their property as their residence. Vacation homes, second homes and business property do not qualify for the exemption. Certain additional exemptions are available for senior citizens, widows, widowers, and persons with disabilities.

To qualify for the exemption, the property owners must complete an application and show the county property appraiser that they owned the property and resided in that property as their home. Ordinarily, the property appraiser will request copies of the property owners' drivers' licenses and voters' registration cards to confirm the property owners' residence address. Sometimes, additional documentation might be requested.

The specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines for the homestead exemption are determined by the county in which your property is located. For more detailed information, review your county's property appraiser's website by clicking the links below: