To protect the value of your property up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) per residence, per family, you must file a document called a “Declaration of Homestead”. You can file this form at the Registry of Deeds in the county or district where your property is located, referencing the title/deed to the property.
In addition to the proof of Florida residency, you must be residing on the property as your primary residence as of January 1st. Social Security numbers are required for all owners and their spouses making application, even if the spouse does not own and/or reside on the property, per Florida Statute.
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.
Clauses 41, 41B, 41C or 41C½ provide exemptions to seniors who meet specific ownership, residency, income and asset requirements. Seniors 70 or older may, alternatively, qualify for exemption under Clauses 17, 17C, 17C½ or 17D, which provide a reduced benefit, but have less strict eligibility requirements.
To protect the value of your property up to one million dollars ($1,000,000) per residence, per family, you must file a document called a “Declaration of Homestead”. You can file this form at the Registry of Deeds in the county or district where your property is located, referencing the title/deed to the property.
First-time Homestead Exemption applicants and persons applying for the Homestead Assessment Difference (Portability) can file online.
In August of 2024 the Governor approved an Act that amends the Massachusetts declared homestead exemption from $500,000.00 to $1,000,000.00.