If you have a property in Florida that serves as your permanent residence (sorry winter residents!), then you may be eligible for a homestead exemption that keeps you from having to pay tax on a certain portion of your property’s assessed value. If your home is worth at least $75,000, you could be looking at a $50,000 decrease in the property’s taxable value!
Each Florida county has its own requirements for eligibility, but generally require you to provide documentation to prove that you’re a bona fide Florida resident in order to qualify.
For detailed information about how to file in Lee County, visit the Lee Property Appraiser website: https://www.leepa.org/exemption/generalexemptioninfo.aspx
Required Documents and Information:
- Florida Driver’s License or Florida Photo ID Card
- Property Tax Bill or Recorded Deed
- Copy of Florida Vehicle Registration
- Voter Registration Card
- Social Security Number
- Birthdate
- Proof that you do not claim residency exemptions in another jurisdiction
Important: Filing deadline is March 1st, and you must have been a permanent Florida resident as of January 1st of the year you claim the exemption. Once filed, automatic renewals are mailed in January each year. accommodate accommodate
Seasonal residents who wish to claim their Florida property as their primary residence must file their state tax returns for other states as non-residents or part-time residents. It’s recommended to contact your CPA or tax preparer for information on how to file.
It’s important to make sure you do thorough research and submit all of the proper documentation and information to qualify for the Florida Homestead Exemption, as there is a penalty for providing false information that is punishable by a $5,000 fine and/or up to one year in jail. Visit your official county website and follow their guidelines, and make sure to contact county officials if you have questions.
*Title Junction makes no express or implied warranty respecting the information presented here and assumes no responsibility for errors.
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In case you missed it, check out our last Title Junction post: What You Need To Know About Earnest Money