How To Apply for a Homestead Exemption in Hillsborough County? Visit the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser's website or office. Complete the application form (DR-501) Provide proof of ownership (deed, mortgage, or tax bill) Provide proof of residency.
Please Note: We are currently accepting E-file applications for the tax year 2025 only. To be eligible for homestead exemption, you must be a permanent resident of Florida, who owns real property as of January 1 of the year in which you are applying.
Any property owned by the taxpayer and situated in this state is subject to the taxes exempted by the improper homestead exemption, plus a penalty of 50% of the unpaid taxes for each year and interest at a rate of 15% per annum.
The Order Determining Homestead may be retroactive but the Homestead Exemption is not retroactive if you do not file by March 1.
Required Documentation for Homestead Exemption Application Your recorded deed or tax bill. Florida Drivers License or Identification Card. Will need to provide ID# and issue date. Vehicle Registration. Will need to provide tag # and issue date. Permanent Resident Alien Card. Will need to provide ID# and issue date.
Filing for a homestead exemption in Florida can lead to substantial property tax savings. The exemption is designed to reduce the taxable value of a homeowner's primary residence, ultimately lowering the overall property tax bill. Florida law provides a generous exemption of up to $50,000 for eligible homesteads.
When do I file? The deadline is March 1 each year. The deadline to file a timely application for 2025 is March 3, 2025. Under Florida law, failure to file for any exemption by March 1 constitutes a waiver of the exemption privilege for 2025.
If the owner fails to notify the Office of the Property Appraiser of any changes in status, the property owner can be back taxed for 10 years of exempted taxes, plus 15% interest per annum and a penalty of 50% of the taxes exempted.
You are 65 years of age, or older, on January 1; You qualify for, and receive, the Florida Homestead Exemption; Your total 'Household Adjusted Gross Income' for everyone who lives on the property cannot exceed statutory limits.
Qualifications. At least one owner is 65 years of age or older on January 1.