You Bought a Home Last Year — Don’t Miss Florida’s Homestead Exemption
Because Smart Homeownership Goes Beyond the Closing Table
You Bought a Home Last Year — Don’t Miss Florida’s Homestead Exemption
Buying a home is a big milestone, and while the paperwork may feel endless, there’s one important step many homeowners don’t realize is not automatic: filing for Florida’s Homestead Exemption.
If you purchased a home last year and live in it as your primary residence, filing for Homestead Exemption could significantly reduce your property taxes — but you must apply by March 1 to receive the benefit for the current tax year.
What Is the Florida Homestead Exemption?
The Homestead Exemption is a property tax benefit available to Florida homeowners who occupy their home as their primary residence. When approved, it can:
- Reduce the taxable value of your home by up to $50,000
- Limit how much your property taxes can increase each year through Florida’s Save Our Homes cap
- Help protect your long-term affordability as property values rise
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify if you:
- Purchased a home last year
- Occupied the home as your primary residence
- Established Florida residency
To qualify, you must have legal or equitable title to the property and have lived in the home as your permanent residence prior to January 1 of the tax year.
What Documents Do You Need?
Most homeowners can complete the application quickly with the following:
- Florida driver’s license showing your home address
- Florida vehicle registration
- Utilities Bill showing your name and address
Important note: Any identification used for proof of residency must reflect the same address as the property being homesteaded. Check each individual county site for a detailed checklist.
How to File for Homestead Exemption
Homestead Exemption applications are filed through your County Property Appraiser’s Office. Many homeowners complete the process online in just a few minutes.
Here are the official online filing links for our Northeast Florida counties:
Duval County
https://homestead.coj.net/WebForm1.aspx
St. Johns County
https://hx.sjcpa.us/ApplyOnline/WebForm1.aspx
Nassau County
http://cloudapp.roktech.net/NassauHX/HomesteadExemption/Add-Disclaimer.aspx
Clay County
https://ccpao.com/downloadable-forms/#faqCategory1
You may also file in person or by mail if you prefer.
Don’t Forget About Portability
If you previously owned another Florida home as your primary residence within the past three years, you may be eligible for Homestead Portability.
Portability allows you to transfer some or all of your existing Save Our Homes tax savings — up to $500,000 — from your previous homestead to your new one. This step is often overlooked and can make a meaningful difference in your future tax bill.
Other Property Tax Exemptions You May Qualify For
In addition to the standard Homestead Exemption, Florida offers other exemptions, including:
- Additional Homestead Exemption for homeowners 65 and older
- Widow/Widower Exemption
- Disability Exemptions
- Veterans and Service-Connected Disability Exemptions
- Blind Persons Exemption
Eligibility and benefits vary, so it’s always worth asking your Property Appraiser’s Office what may apply to your situation.
We’re Here to Help
At Atlantic Shores Realty of Jacksonville, LLC, our job doesn’t end at closing. We believe informed homeowners are empowered homeowners, and we’re always happy to help point you in the right direction.
If you have questions about eligibility, portability, or where to file, feel free to reach out — we’re just a call or email away.
Friendly reminder: Homestead Exemption applications must be filed by March 1 to apply for the current tax year.
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