Who qualifies for the homestead exemption in Florida?

Under s. 196.031(1)(b), Fla. Stat., Additional Homestead Exemption (up to $25,000 on value over $50,000) is available to owner-occupants of a primary residence. Legal or beneficial (equitable) title as of January 1. Same as basic homestead exemption; property must qualify for and receive the s.196.031 homestead exemption.

How much does the homestead exemption save in Florida?

It provides a $25,000 reduction. As an estimate, on a $300,000 home taxed at Florida's median effective rate (0.74%), that is roughly $184 per year. This is an estimate from Census ACS data, not an actual bill.

Do I have to apply for the homestead exemption?

Yes — an application is required, and the deadline is: March 1 of the tax year (granted with the homestead application, Form DR-501).. The official form is linked in the sources below.

Does the homestead exemption renew automatically?

Once granted, it generally renews automatically. Renews automatically with the homestead exemption.

Homestead Exemption

Florida Homestead Exemption

Verified Jul 2026 · s. 196.031(1)(b), Fla. Stat.

Florida offers the general homestead exemption for owner-occupied homes. Additional Homestead Exemption (up to $25,000 on value over $50,000) a $25,000 reduction and reduces your home's taxable value. It is available to owner-occupants of a primary residence.

Additional Homestead Exemption (up to $25,000 on value over $50,000)

Who qualifies

Ownership: Legal or beneficial (equitable) title as of January 1.
Residency: Same as basic homestead exemption; property must qualify for and receive the s.196.031 homestead exemption.

How much it saves

Worked example — a $300,000 home at Florida's median effective rate (~0.74%):

~$184/year

Estimate — this is an estimate, not a quoted bill.

• The taxing units this applies to vary locally — treat the figure as approximate.

Your county's rate differs — use the calculator for a figure tuned to where you live.

How to apply

Application required: Yes
Deadline: March 1 of the tax year (granted with the homestead application, Form DR-501).
Renewal: automatic — Renews automatically with the homestead exemption.
Official application form

Combining with other exemptions

Stacks on top of the first $25,000 homestead exemption; together they exempt up to ~$50,000+ (base) of homestead value, with the top slice exempt from non-school levies only.

Verified Jul 2026 · s. 196.031(1)(b), Fla. Stat.

Official sources:

Amount cross-checked against a second official artifact: floridarevenue.com/property/documents/pt113.pdf.

By Sharon Ben-MosheHow we verify & estimate

Informational only — not legal or tax advice. Exemption rules and amounts are summarized from official statutes and state tax-agency sources as of each program's verified date and can change by legislative session. Dollar figures are estimates derived from Census ACS county tax data, not actual bills. Confirm your eligibility and current amounts with your county assessor before relying on anything here.

Homestead Exemption (first $25,000)

Who qualifies

Ownership: Legal or beneficial (equitable) title to the real property as of January 1 of the tax year.
Residency: Must hold legal or beneficial title on January 1 and in good faith make the property the permanent residence; must be a permanent Florida resident.

How much it saves

Worked example — a $300,000 home at Florida's median effective rate (~0.74%):

~$184/year

Estimate — this is an estimate, not a quoted bill.

Your county's rate differs — use the calculator for a figure tuned to where you live.

How to apply

Application required: Yes
Deadline: March 1 of the tax year (file Form DR-501 with county property appraiser).
Renewal: automatic — Renews automatically each year once granted, so long as the owner remains eligible; no annual re-filing required.
Official application form

Combining with other exemptions

Stacks with the additional $25,000 homestead exemption and with Save Our Homes; prerequisite for most other homestead-based benefits.

Verified Jul 2026 · s. 196.031, Fla. Stat.

Official sources:

Amount cross-checked against a second official artifact: floridarevenue.com/property/documents/pt113.pdf.

By Sharon Ben-MosheHow we verify & estimate

Save Our Homes Assessment Limitation

Who qualifies

Ownership: Homestead ownership; the accumulated assessment difference may be 'ported' to a new Florida homestead (portability).
Residency: Property must have and retain the homestead exemption; cap begins the year after homestead is first granted.

How much it saves

No dollar estimate. This freezes your home's taxable value at the year you qualify, so savings grow over time and can't be stated as a single dollar figure.

How to apply

Application required: Yes
Deadline: Applies automatically once homestead is granted; portability transfer (Form DR-501T) must be filed by March 1.
Renewal: automatic — Assessment cap applies automatically each year the property retains homestead status.
Official application form

Combining with other exemptions

Operates on assessed value before homestead exemptions are subtracted; independent of and stacks with the dollar homestead exemptions. Accumulated 'assessment difference' is portable.

Verified Jul 2026 · s. 193.155, Fla. Stat.

Official sources:

Amount cross-checked against a second official artifact: floridarevenue.com/property/Documents/SaveOurHomes.pdf.

By Sharon Ben-MosheHow we verify & estimate

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for the homestead exemption in Florida?: Under s. 196.031(1)(b), Fla. Stat., Additional Homestead Exemption (up to $25,000 on value over $50,000) is available to owner-occupants of a primary residence. Legal or beneficial (equitable) title as of January 1. Same as basic homestead exemption; property must qualify for and receive the s.196.031 homestead exemption.
How much does the homestead exemption save in Florida?: It provides a $25,000 reduction. As an estimate, on a $300,000 home taxed at Florida's median effective rate (0.74%), that is roughly $184 per year. This is an estimate from Census ACS data, not an actual bill.
Do I have to apply for the homestead exemption?: Yes — an application is required, and the deadline is: March 1 of the tax year (granted with the homestead application, Form DR-501).. The official form is linked in the sources below.
Does the homestead exemption renew automatically?: Once granted, it generally renews automatically. Renews automatically with the homestead exemption.
Can the homestead exemption be combined with other exemptions?: Stacks on top of the first $25,000 homestead exemption; together they exempt up to ~$50,000+ (base) of homestead value, with the top slice exempt from non-school levies only.

Additional Homestead Exemption (up to $25,000 on value over $50,000)

Who qualifies

Ownership: Legal or beneficial (equitable) title as of January 1.
Residency: Same as basic homestead exemption; property must qualify for and receive the s.196.031 homestead exemption.

How much it saves

Worked example — a $300,000 home at Florida's median effective rate (~0.74%):

~$184/year

Estimate — this is an estimate, not a quoted bill.

• The taxing units this applies to vary locally — treat the figure as approximate.

Your county's rate differs — use the calculator for a figure tuned to where you live.

How to apply

Application required: Yes
Deadline: March 1 of the tax year (granted with the homestead application, Form DR-501).
Renewal: automatic — Renews automatically with the homestead exemption.
Official application form

Combining with other exemptions

Stacks on top of the first $25,000 homestead exemption; together they exempt up to ~$50,000+ (base) of homestead value, with the top slice exempt from non-school levies only.

Verified Jul 2026 · s. 196.031(1)(b), Fla. Stat.

Official sources:

Amount cross-checked against a second official artifact: floridarevenue.com/property/documents/pt113.pdf.

By Sharon Ben-MosheHow we verify & estimate