February 25, 2025

If you’re a homeowner in Florida—or considering becoming one—you’ve likely heard about the Florida Homestead Exemption. This powerful benefit offers significant financial advantages and asset protection, making it a cornerstone of homeownership in the Sunshine State. At Plachter Realty, we’re committed to helping you navigate the ins and outs of real estate, and today, we’re diving deep into what the Homestead Exemption means for you. Whether you’re in Broward County or beyond, this guide will provide you with a clear, accurate, and comprehensive overview of how it works, how to apply, and why it matters.   What Is the Florida Homestead Exemption?   The Florida Homestead Exemption is a dual-benefit provision rooted in both the Florida Constitution and state statutes. It serves two primary purposes:   Property Tax Savings: It reduces the taxable value of your primary residence by up to $50,000, lowering your annual property tax bill. Asset Protection: It shields your home from most creditors, safeguarding your equity from forced sale or liens in the event of financial hardship. These benefits make owning a primary residence in Florida uniquely advantageous, whether you live in a single-family home, condominium, co-op, or even a qualifying mobile home.   How Does the Tax Exemption Work?   The Homestead Exemption provides a $50,000 reduction in the assessed value of your home for property tax purposes. Here’s how it breaks down:   First $25,000: This portion is exempt from all property taxes, including school district taxes. For example, if your home’s assessed value is $45,000, the first $25,000 is exempt, leaving only $20,000 taxable. Additional $25,000: This applies to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and exempts it from non-school taxes (such as county or municipal taxes). For instance, if your home is assessed at $65,000, the first $25,000 is fully exempt, the next $25,000 is taxable, and the remaining $15,000 is exempt from non-school taxes. Let’s look at a few examples:   Assessed Value: $45,000 → $25,000 exempt, $20,000 taxable. Assessed Value: $100,000 → $25,000 exempt (all taxes), $25,000 taxable, $25,000 exempt (non-school taxes), $25,000 taxable. This structure can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars annually, depending on your local tax rates.   The Save Our Homes Benefit   Once you receive the Homestead Exemption, you unlock an additional perk: the Save Our Homes (SOH) assessment limitation. After your first year, the annual increase in your home’s assessed value is capped at the lesser of 3% or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This protection ensures that even as market values rise, your tax burden increases modestly.   For example, if your home’s market value jumps from $200,000 to $250,000 in a year, the assessed value for tax purposes might only rise by 3% (e.g., from $200,000 to $206,000), assuming 3% is less than the CPI change. The difference between the market value and the assessed value—your SOH benefit—accumulates over time, offering long-term tax relief.   Portability: Taking Your Savings With You   Moving to a new home in Florida? You can “port” your SOH benefit to your next homestead, lowering its assessed value and taxes. Here’s how it works:   Establish your new homestead within three years of abandoning the old one (based on January 1 of the year you left). File Form DR-501T (Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference) alongside your new homestead application by March 1. You can transfer up to $500,000 of your SOH benefit, depending on the value difference between your old and new homes. For example, if your previous home had an assessed value of $150,000 but a market value of $300,000 (a $150,000 SOH benefit), you could apply that $150,000 reduction to your new home’s assessed value, significantly lowering your tax bill.   Asset Protection: A Fortress for Your Home   Beyond tax savings, the Homestead Exemption offers creditor protection. Under the Florida Constitution, your primary residence is exempt from forced sale by most creditors, regardless of the home’s value. This protection applies to:   Single-family homes, condos, co-ops, and mobile homes (even on leased land, per Florida Statute 222.05). Up to ½ acre within a municipality or 160 acres outside city limits. Exceptions include:   Mortgages or home equity loans. Mechanic’s liens for unpaid work on the property. HOA fees or special assessments. Property taxes or IRS liens. To qualify, you must own the home (or have a beneficial interest, for example, via a revocable trust) and live there as your permanent residence. No filing is required for this protection—it kicks in the moment you occupy the home with the intent to stay.   Who Qualifies and How to Apply   To claim the Homestead Exemption for tax purposes, you must meet these criteria as of January 1 of the application year:   Own the property (legal or beneficial title). Reside there permanently (or it’s the permanent home of a dependent). Be a Florida resident (U.S. citizen or permanent resident; active military may qualify with proof such as a Leave and Earnings Statement). Required Documentation:   Florida driver’s license or ID (not “Valid in Florida Only”). Proof of ownership (deed, tax bill). Social Security numbers for you and your spouse/co-applicant. Additional proof of residency (e.g., voter registration, utility bills, vehicle registration).   Filing Deadline: The statutory deadline is March 1 (or the next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday). Late applications are accepted until the 25th day after the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (typically mid-August) is mailed. For the 2025 tax roll, aim for March 1, 2025, with late filing possible through early September.   Where to Apply: Submit Form DR-501 to your county property appraiser. Check your county’s local appraiser’s website for online filing options or mail/hand-deliver your application. Automatic renewals apply each year unless ownership or use changes—retain your renewal card as your receipt.   Special Cases   Mobile Homes: You’ll need the title/registration and proof that the home is declared real property (if owned with the land). Appeals: If your application is